Now... I am going to play devils advocate....
Is the purpose behind the rule a safety rule for the child’s protection? While on the bench they are (presumably) under adult supervision. The Player runs to the “bathroom” unsupervised... The player left to go to the bathroom because he or she was despondent over a play... over being pulled... for whatever reason... and causes harm to him or herself... We see it don’t say anything?
Or something happens to the player on the way to the bathroom? Or getting Gatorade...?
What happens if officials purposely ignore a safety rule that places a child in jeopardy?
The reasonable referee enforces rules, especially safety rules so that they can show they exhibit the ordinary care that a reasonable referee would exercise.
Call me crazy but we have to know what’s going on in the bench area and if someone leaves.... I would think if they left for the bathroom or illness it becomes authorized when an adult goes with them.
Just a different perspective to think about...
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