Substitute becomes a player

[Texoma_LJ]

Ok.. with all the talk of illegal substitution, participation etc... I was wondering if I could get a clarification on when a sub becomes a player.

The rule book basically says that if a substitute is on the field (and I realize he must be on his side of the neutral zone) and communicates with a "teammate" that he is now a player. My question is...

If a substitute is heading onto the field as described above, and the coach, assistant coach, or a teammate on the sidelines yells something to that substitute, is he now designated as a player instead of a substitute?

I can see where this would make a difference if a sub starts onto the field and then is recalled to the bench area, or if he enters and a replaced player does not leave the field promptly.