Sub requests
 

NFHS - A substitution request shall not be recognized if made by other than the head coach or a sub entering the sub zone.

Just double-checking my understanding: A request would not be recognized when....

• The player on the floor being subbed for calls/signals "sub" and/or comes to her side of the sideline above the attack line
• Team member on the bench calls/signals "sub" then stands and heads for the sub zone
• Team member calls/signals "sub" while on her way towards the sub zone, but several feet before entering it
• Assistant coach calls/signals "sub"

Preventative officiating before denial of sub request
 

In NFHS, Rule 1.1.2 "A request for substitution shall not be recognized if made: a) by anyone other than a head coach or substitute entering the substitution zone." In USAV & NCAA, a captain can request a sub. However, depending on the rule-base, if ONLY the coach is requesting the sub, the coach must be at the team bench and near the sub zone to request a sub... if requesting a sub while standing near the endline, the R2 is permitted to "not recognize the coaches request"... note, I didn't say "deny the request" because coaches location on the bench is not a factor if they're requesting while the sub'ing in player is in the sub zone or if the captain is requesting the sub.

One quick mention, keep in mind "preventative officiating" before possibly denying the sub. If, after a sub request (by any player/coach on-or-off the court) if you are going through your mental checklist to see if they qualify to make the request, chances are a sub is coming up to the zone anyway... especially if, as you say, a team member on the bench is requesting a sub while heading for the zone... be a little leanient, and maintain the flow of the match versus creating a delay by denying and sanctioning (be a little leanient, but not a free-for-all)... you can always verbally warn the coach "hey coach, I need those subs faster" or "where are my subs you're requesting?" or even "hey coach, I can't hear you way down there"... they'll adjust, or they shouldn't be surprised by a "denial of sub" if a reoccurance.