High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! In team sports, the squad number, shirt number, jersey number, sweater number, uniform number or simply a number is the number worn on a player`s uniform, to identify and distinguish each player (and sometimes others, such as officials) from others wearing the same or similar uniforms. The number is typically displayed on the rear of the jersey, often accompanied by the surname. Sometimes it is also displayed on the front and/or sleeves, or on the player`s shorts or headgear. It is used to identify the player to officials, other players, official scorers, and spectators; in some sports, it is also indicative of the player`s position.