Substitution procedure

[Tony.oe4]

I can only share what my friend, the R2 told me. Both subs were in correct position (substitution zone) when he recognized them and reported the substitution to the table. When he beckoned the player onto the court, she was a back row player to stepped onto the court across the attack line to get to the back row instead of taking a step forward on the the court and then turning toward the back row. The R2 told me he was fine with this and the R1 stepped in and made the delay call from the stand. The player entering did not run up the sideline or anything like that. She literally stepped diagonally form the substitution zone onto the court instead of straight and then to the back court. With all this being said, I still cannot find anything written that says a substitute must enter the court between the attack line and center line.

I also agree with you in that this forum seems to be very slow. That is why I have posted several things the last few weeks.

["Lurker"77]

Originally Posted by Tony.oe4

I can only share what my friend, the R2 told me. With all this being said, I still cannot find anything written that says a substitute must enter the court between the attack line and center line.

I think its supposed to be understood from the substitution zone definition, but I agree it's technically vague (again, in the outdated versions I had at hand). I would be fine as a participant with that being sufficient rules basis for an R1 or R2 to expect entry between the lines. And, as a coach, you want the typical habit to be in the center of the zone and cross the line there -- it may not be a requirement, but what's the downside or harm? Then, you are covered when you meet this particular breed of official.

The R2 told me he was fine with this . . .

This seems like the bigger issue, if the R1 and R2 are interpreting the rules differently and working at cross purposes.

The R1's behavior does sound strange from the telling, but the team's inability to correct the behavior before a second (or more!) incident happened still makes me think there is something more to the story. After you see the delay card (fair or not), how hard an adjustment is that for a team to make?

[bob jenkins]

Even if R1 thinks this is a rules violation, shouldn't he wait for R2 to request the yellow and then red cards?

[Tony.oe4]

My state association said that a substitute stepping into the back court during a substitution exchange does constitute a delay of game.