substitutes Continually Pulled Back From Table

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

If one reads the NFHS Basketball Handbook, which has been published for over fifty (50) years, there is an obscure passage has this play situation (and I am paraphrasing here):

PLAY: A1 has reported to the Scorer. At the next the opportunity for a substitute to enter the covering official beckons A1 into the game; A1 ignores the offical and does not leave his position in front of the Scorer's/Timer's Table. RULING: This is a technical foul charge to A1 delay of game.

I do not agree with this ruling because I do not believe it fits the definition in Rule 10 for a delay of game by a player. I believe the best way to handle this situation is to ask beckon once and then put the ball into play and make A1 wait until the next opportunity to substitute.

How does this play and its questionable ruling apply to this situation? I am not sure, but I feel that if the coach pulls the substitute back, put the ball into play and get the game going.

MTD, Sr.

[deecee]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

Do you not think a quick and friendly conversation is more worthwhile?

Usually yes but sometimes no.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by deecee

Usually yes but sometimes no.

That sounds fine to me.

[Stat-Man]

I remewber this happening when I was in high school during a JV game prior to our (varsity) game. The visitn gcoach would send a sub to the table, and then pull him back.

I seme to recall that the official said if we buzzed the horn for himprior to the coach telling him to come back, the sub had to enter. Of course, I'm not sure if that's actually supported under NFHS rules.

I don't like that one case play either. If you had an OOO, he or she could call a T on just about every substitute in the lower levels since many subs in youth-level ball need a "friendly nudge" to get them to enter after being beckoned.

[ace]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

I would just be an a$$ and when the coach really wanted a sub to come in I would put the ball in play really fast.

I tend to like this method other than what the ensuing conversation might be like.

"hey i had a sub there!"
"oh i'm sorry coach, I thought u were going to pull him back as well, we'll get him next time!"

hopefully he'll get the point.

[Bishopcolle]

If the coach has pulled them back, then they aren't officially at the table, and thus not allowed to enter....If they enter from the bench, without reporting, then you have a T situation.....Right?