Substitute Question NF
 

Team A # 20 is at the line for a foul shot. A32 checks in the game for A40. The lead is getting ready to bounce the ball to A 20 when he sees that A 32 is bleeding. Can A40 come back in the game for A32. Since we have not had a live ball and A40 left the game does he have to sit out one live ball if Team A has other legal subs.

By rule I would say yes. This has less to do about A32 as it does A40. A40 has to sit a tick.

Rule 3-3, Art 4.

By rule and by practice, you would be correct, UNLESS there were no other subs available.

To be clear, he did ask two questions with opposite answers...

1. Can A40 come back in the game for A32.

2. Since we have not had a live ball and A40 left the game does he have to sit out one live ball if Team A has other legal subs.

#1. No.

#2. Yes....almost. It is not "one live ball". You could have several live balls without the clock starting. A40 must sit out until the next substitution opportunity after the clock legall starts.

With Some Exceptions ...
 

You have to sit a tick. You don't have to play a tick.