[Robert Goodman]

Extending the idea from the previous thread, in this case it can be a player of either team when the ball's about to be scrimmaged or free kicked who is confused and thinks he's a 12th player. He takes 2 steps out of bounds before he wakes up to the coach yelling, "No! Go back!" Then he returns in bounds and is headed in-field but is well less than 9 yds. from that sideline when the ball is put in play.

Did he become a substitute when he stepped off the field? It would appear not, according to 2-32-1, but I'm not sure whether that precludes the possibility of a player's becoming a substitute "wrongly". For instance, what if one substitute entered and told each of 2 players that they were being subbed for? If so, does the player who was induced to leave the field have to get 9 yds. in again? Is he allowed to return at all while the ball is still ready for play, or is he deemed to have "withdraw[n]" under 3-7-3?

Suppose he was a captain. If he asks the wing official for time out before the ball is put in play, does he get recognized? Or does he have to become a player by getting 9 yds. in-field before such a request can be honored?