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I think this is an excellent question because it involves a game management issue.
I know people that would assess a technical foul or make that player play. Technically, by rule, it may be the right call. However, IMHO, as far as game management is concerned it is the worst thing to do.
I had a player designated to start the second half in my game last week who didn't get off the trainer's table in time (he was getting taped). The coach came to me (I was the U near his bench with the R at midcourt) and told me the situation. I told him that he could definitely substitute someone else in at that point. By the time I got that sentence out the original kid was coming toward the bench, ready to play. The coach thanked me. A small thing, sure, but small things add up when it comes to building a good relationship on the floor.
The spirit of the rule is to keep coaches from putting in last-minute subs to gain an unfair advantage over the other team. Keeping that in mind, you really should allow the sub in this situation.
Rich
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