Another one, fellas!

[ManInBlue]

Nothing illegal about his re-entry. FED allows starters to leave and re-enter one time - as long as they maintain the same position in the batting order. For that matter most , if not all, modified OBR rules (USSSA, Dixie youth, LL, etc) allow the same thing.

Poor rule siting - umpires should have simply stated that as soon as he took his position in the box, he became a legal sub.

Nothing personal, but your coach needs to read up on the rules - he shouldn't have even thought to protest this. Does he not pull starters then have them re-enter?

Did "the original pitcher" take the field for the 8th (or did they go on to win in the 7th)? Did "original F1's" sub go BACK into the field for the 8th? If so, there is your illegal player.