Violation, Delay of Game, Technical, what is the call?

[djskinn]

First half. Ten players counted and ready to play after a timeout. Official hands ball to A1, who makes the inbound pass to A2. As possession begins, A3 steps off the court and sits on the bench. B1 has a steal and is going the other way when C official picks up that Team A has only four players on the court.

Question. Is this a violation, or a violation and delay of game warning, or delay of game with a technical?

Since an official is aware of the problem and Team B had an advantage with an easy opportunity to score, should you allow Team B to finish that advantage?

In our situation, C killed the play and gave a technical to Team A. We discussed at halftime without conclusively coming to the proper procedure. What do you think?


Violations and Penalties
9.3.2 . . . A player shall not leave the floor for an unauthorized reason. PENALTY: (Section 3) The ball is dead when the violation occurs and is awarded to the opponents for a throw-in from the designated out-of-bounds spot nearest the violation (calling a violation negated the advantage and scoring opportunity for Team B).

Team Technical
10.1.5e . . . Not having the court ready for play following any time-out after any team warning for delay (not applicable due to live ball with both teams ready and no warnings previously given for delay)

10.9 . . . Fail to have all players return to the court at approximately the same time following a time-out or intermission. (not applicable since live ball occurred with both teams ready)