starting lineup
 

Book all set with starters marked with about 2 minutes before opening tip. Coach says he has to change one of the starting 5 because she can't get her earing out.
Any penalty for this?

No. You can change designated starter if it’s necessary because of injury, illness...illegal equipment...etc..

You had me until you said "Illegal equipment." Not sure that is part of the rule. Do you have a reference or interpretation that supports an issue with illegal equipment? All I am finding is a reference to illness and injury.

And not trying to penalize a team for any reason if I do not have to, but I would not want this to be a big debate after the fact if we did not apply the rule properly either way.

Peace

Which rules book are you using? This has been in the NFHS book for years.

3-2-2
a. Changing a designated starter, unless necessitated by illness, injury, illegal equipment or apparel, etc., or to attempt a technical foul free throw.

The app.

Peace

NFHS being NFHS again. Can't get their own (paid ) rules app to work correctly ;) .

Anyhow, no penalty for replacing a starter due to illegal equipment.