Have you ever run at NCAA prelims? In my experience, you have to show your bib, your uniform and your spikes at check in before they will check you in and give you your hip number.
So if they gave him his hip numbers without that check, then maybe it's the officials fault. If he lost his bib/uniform or it got stolen before the race started, maybe it's his fault. Tough situation all around.
I hadn't heard about the uniform rule change. I liked the fact that teams could wear different uniforms but I understand their logic in that decision.
I found the rule below but does anyone have the list of what are the repercussions of breaking the new uniform rule?
https://www.ncaa.org/sites/default/files/2016DIMTF_Rules_Changes_20160727.pdf