Blood / Number Change

[ChuckElias]

Originally posted by Larks
3-3-6 sez: A player who is bleeding, has an open wound, has an excessive amount of blood on his/her uniform, or has blood on his/her person, shall be directed to leave the game. Unless a time-out is requested by his/her team and the situation can be corrected by the resumption of play.

My questions are:

1) The player was not bleeding so no corrective action was needed other than shirt change. By rule does what I did require a time out to keep him in?

If you required him to change his shirt, then you must've judged that he had an excessive amount of blood on it. I believe that you should've directed him to the bench at which time he would be allowed to change the shirt. If the coach wanted to keep him in the game, he could request a TO.

2) looking for the book ref / wording for changing numbers in this type of situation.

There is a case play about this, but I don't have it handy.

3) In my case the blood looked dry but it was in about 5 or 6 small but noticeable spots. My guess is his nose was bleeding a little and it hit the shirt. I know this is judgement but would you direct a player to leave in this case or are you looking for a serious amount of blood and / or still wet looking?

"Excessive" by rule means that it can be transferred to another player. If the blood is dry or minor, then no action is required. If you see the nose bleeding, that's a different story. Player must leave immediately.