[BillyMac]

26) B-1 fouls A-1, committing their fifth personal foul. While waiting for B-1’s replacement, A-6 and A-7 approach the table to enter the game. The official denies their entry, stating that A-6 and A-7 must wait and enter with B-1’s replacement. Was the official correct?

IAABO answer is no.

I've been researching this question and answer for two months and may have finally gotten some closure (at least from IAABO).

Here's the answer I got from my local interpreter, also the Connecticut state interpreter, and also the assistant chair of the IAABO international Rules Examination Committee.

The answer is no. All substitutes that are at the table and ready to go in may enter the game before the replacement player for B-1. However, we generally have officials ensure that the replacement player for B-1 is our primary focus. Get the replacement player checked in, as well as the substitutes for either team.

I could not find anything to back up my yes answer (other than a single 2020-21 NFHS Basketball Rules Interpretation Situation 10, poorly worded and complicated by a timeout request).

And the 2003-04 NFHS Point of Emphasis clearly tells us than if a substitute other than the replacement reports to the scorer during the wait for the required substitute they may enter the game.

It appears that no substitutes until a replacement is made is not an actual rule or mechanic, but a “best practice” to ensure that the replacement was made in a proper, correct, organized, and timely manner.

In almost all cases (except after the warning horn during a time out, or between multiple free throws) we can’t deny an eligible (sat a tick, not disqualified, etc.) substitution during a dead ball stopped clock situation, even after a live ball whistle to prevent a substitute from entering when they shouldn't come in.

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

BillyMac out.