The play described below is provided for your review and discussion. The rulings given are based on NFHS rules. NCAA rulings may be different.
A-1 is detected to have blood on his uniform prior to A-3 attempting two free throws. A-1 is directed to the bench. The coach elects to send A-6 to replace A-1. While A-3 is attempting his two free throws, A-1 is cleaned up and is sent to the scorer’s table to replace A-6. If the second free throw is successful, is A-1 allowed to enter the game?
A-1 is not eligible to enter the game. If the coach wanted to keep A-1 in the game, he could have used a timeout at the point when A-1 was sent to the bench. However, once A-1 was substituted for, then A-1 must wait for the clock to run before he can return to the game. In situations when the officials direct a player to leave the game, the officials should heighten their awareness about when that player may return to the game. (References: Rule 3-3-4, 3-3-7)
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In situations like these, we must stay sharp to get them right. Thanks