PLay With Five, Or Sit A Tick ...

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

Has everyone forgotten "my" most favorite NFHS Casebook Play and it's RULING: 8.2 Situation B ...

8.2 SITUATION B: A1 is fouled and will be shooting two free throws. After A1’s
first free-throw attempt, B6 (Team B’s only remaining eligible substitute) replaces
B2. A1’s second free-throw attempt is unsuccessful. During rebounding action for
A1’s missed second free-throw attempt, and before the clock starts, A1 pushes B3
in the back causing B3 to roll an ankle. Team B is in the bonus. B3 is unable to
immediately continue playing. Team B requests and is granted a time out in order
to allow B3 to recover from the ankle injury so as to remain in the game. B3 is still
not able to play after the time out has ended. RULING: B2 may return to the game
and replace B3 and shoot B3’s free throw attempts despite having been replaced
since he/she is the only available substitute. (3-3-4)

3-3-4: A player who has been replaced, or directed to leave the game shall
not re-enter before the next opportunity to substitute after the clock has been
started properly following his/her replacement.

2-3: The referee shall make decisions on any points not specifically covered in the
rules.

3-4-6: A player who has been injured to the extent that the coach or any
other bench personnel is beckoned and/or comes onto the court shall be directed
to leave the game, unless a time-out is requested by, and granted to, his/her team
and the situation can be corrected by the end of the time-out.

2-3: The referee shall make decisions on any points not specifically covered in the
rules.

3-1-1: Each team consists of five players, one of whom is the captain.
NOTE: A team must begin the game with five players, but if it has no substitutes to
replace disqualified or injured players, it must continue with fewer than five. When there
is only one player participating for a team, the team shall forfeit the game, unless the
referee believes that team has an opportunity to win the game.

3.1.1 SITUATION: After six players have been disqualified, Team A has only
four who are eligible to continue in the game as players. In a gesture of fair play,
the coach of Team B indicates a desire to withdraw a player so that each team will
have four players on the court. RULING: This is not permissible. Team B must
have five players participating as long as it has that number available. If no substitute
is available, a team must continue with fewer than five players. When only
one player remains to participate, that team shall forfeit the game unless the referee
believes this team still has an opportunity to win the game.

Thanks Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

So it appears that in rare cases a player who has been replaced (and who hasn't been injured) doesn't have to sit a tick and may reenter the game, and the coach isn't required to "burn" a timeout.