Time-out, 4 return, when can 5th return?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Illini_Ref

I know what the rule is. However, it also doesn't say that FIVE players have to return to the floor.

Becasue if it did, someone like you would point out that the rule couldn't be followed if the team didn't have five players. Lah me.

Each rule is written assuming "nothing else" happened. And, since another rule requires 5 players, the "nothing else" in this case is 5 players.

Sometimes, you just need to referee.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Sometimes, you just need to referee.

Unless you're the umpire, in which case, sometimes you just need to umpire.

[Back In The Saddle]

This conversation has really taken a turn for the bizarre. While we're at it, we need to consider the possibility of the rapture happening, that during the time out suddenly all but four eligible players are taken to heaven. The head coach, without question, would be left behind

From NFHS 6-1-2 NOTE, "Any rules statement is made on the assumption that no infraction is involved unless mentioned or implied. If such infraction occurs, the rule governing it is followed."

Enforce the rules as written, without reading weird, wild, wacky stuff into them. If weird, wild, wacky stuff does happen, then deal with that when it arises.