A coach who actually understands DP/FLEX!

[Dakota]

Technically, it is not a substitution.

ASA definition: SUBSTITUTE: Any member of a team’s roster who is not listed as a starting player, or a player who leaves and re-enters the game.

ASA Rule 4-3-I (in part): The FLEX replacing the DP is not considered a substitution for the FLEX. The DP, who has left the game, can re-enter the game.

A substitution means a player not in the game has entered, replacing a player who was in the game, but has now left the game. When the FLEX bats or the DP plays defense for the FLEX, only the second part of that is fulfilled (at player has left the game); but, no player has entered the game. It creates a re-entry situation for the player removed, but has no effect on the status of the other player.