[Scrapper1]

Case Play 10.4.2 tells us that if a player leaves the game due to confusion about who is being subbed out, and then runs back onto the court during play, there's no penalty, as long as the player doesn't gain an advantage when returning to the court.

What happens if nobody recognizes the confusion for a couple of possessions?

1) Can the "player" then return from the bench, just like in the case play?

2) If the coach sends the player to the table to "sub" back in, can the player still jump back into the game?

3) What is that team member's status while incorrectly sitting on the bench?
a) Still a player (because he never should've come out of the game)?
b) Team member/bench personnel?
c) Substitute when waiting at the table?