[Andy]

I facilitated a clinic this year for HS umpires on substitutions.

I taught that you should only accept the changes as they happen, much like SC Ump describes. Keeps you out of trouble in case a coach changes his/her mind between now and then. Of course, the trouble is caused by the coach, but you still have to deal with it.

I may have to re-think this position based on this thread. I think that accepting the change in advance is probably OK with a mention to the coach that once he gives me the change it's official and if he changes his/her mind later, it's another change.

On a related side note - After a coach has subbed for a batter or runner in the offensive half of the inning, how many of you will ask if he intends to re-enter the subbed out player as the teams are changing from offense to defense?