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3.1.1 Note: but if it has no substitutes to replace a disqualified or injured player, it must continue with fewer than 5....
So, who determines if a player on the bench is a substitute? The rule can even read that the team needs to substitute to replace a disqualified or injured PLAYER. It can be argued, albeit a stretch, that a coach may determine that the 5'2" PLAYER really isn't a replacement for his 7' PLAYER. I don't see where we are the ones to determine which player is a substitute. Sure the players on the bench are our leading candidates, but how do we know that some players aren't being disciplined, or injured, or carrying a deadly contagion? To me, that is the coaches responsibility. If they want to play with four, let them play with four.
This rule, as it is currently written, is more a guidance to what happens when there are fewer then 5 players. 3.1.1 says that a team CONSISTS of 5 players one of whom is the captain. This is interpreted basically as a team has to START with 5, but can finish with 2 (or 1 if the referee believes the team still has a chance to win)
Let the beatings begin!
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