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The National League Cup's rules force clubs to start a certain number of players in the competition that play for them in the league.
That has led to clubs such as Rochdale and Forest Green Rovers making multiple substitutions in the opening minutes of matches.
The competition is said to make clubs start a minimum of four players in National League Cup matches that started for teams in either their previous league match, or start in the one that follows on from that particular National League Cup match.
On Tuesday, Rochdale made two first-minute substitutions during their 2-0 defeat to Manchester United's under-21s.
On the same night, Scunthorpe made a triple substitution in the 27th minute when the score was 0-0 against Middlesbrough's under-21s. Scunthorpe won the match 3-2.
BBC Sport have contacted the National League multiple times for clarification on these rules and are awaiting a response.
Last month, Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage made headlines after making a quadruple substitution during a match against Wolves' under-21s in the National League Cup.
Savage stated that while he wants to win the competition, he sees it primarily as a chance to give minutes to young players, and the club's main focus is on fixtures in the National League.
"I know it's raised eyebrows and some people are saying it's not right, but the competition's great for our youngsters, but also our lads need minutes and there's competitions we want to win," said Savage.
"For me, the most important thing is to be ready for the Saturday [league games].
"It's [the National League Cup] a competition that we've entered and we want to win and it's a competition for our young players."
A downside to Savage making early changes is that he is then limiting his substitutions later on in matches, blocking further chances for young players.
"Where it becomes a bit frustrating is that because you've made four subs in the first minute - when I'm giving minutes to the young lads who haven't played regular football - I've only got one sub left for 89 minutes," Savage added.
"So I think it's [the regulations] stopping my young players play."
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