Rule 3: Player, substitutes and equipment

Question 1

A.R. 47:

Teams A and B each have co-captains. At the pregame conference, one of the co-captains requests permission from the referee to allow both co-captains to confer with officials on interpretations.

Answer 1

RULING: Co-captains may participate in the pregame conference, but only one co-captain of each team may confer with the officials during the game. During the pregame conference, the referee shall be informed which co-captain of each team shall be the speaking co-captain during the game.

(Rule 3-1-1 and 3-2-1)

Question 2

A.R. 48:

Nine minutes before the scheduled starting time for the game, Team A presents its squad roster and its starting lineup to the official scorer and then, at six minutes before the game’s starting time, Team A presents four additional names to the official scorer for the squad list.

Answer 2

RULING: Team A shall be assessed two administrative technical fouls. One administrative technical foul is for failing to supply the scorers with the names, numbers and designated starters BEFORE the 10-minute mark is reached on the game clock that is counting down the time before the start of the game. The second administrative technical foul is for changes made to the scorebook AFTER the 10-minute mark is reached on the game clock before the start of the game. Four free throws shall be awarded to Team B, and the game shall start with a jump ball. These administrative technical fouls do not count toward the team foul count.

(Rule 3-3-1, 3-3-2, and 10-2-2 Penalty)

Question 3

A.R. 49:

Team A properly submits its squad list and designates its five starters in compliance with the rule before the 10-minute mark is reached on the game clock that is counting down the time before the start of the game. However, the uniform number for each squad member is erroneously indicated. The mistake is not detected until approximately 1½ minutes have been played.

Answer 3

RULING: An administrative technical foul shall be charged to Team A. A player shall wear the uniform number indicated in the scorebook or the scorebook number shall be changed to that which he or she is wearing. When the squad member, before participating, changes the uniform number he or she wears to that indicated in the scorebook, there shall be no penalty. When the number in the scorebook for a player(s) must be changed for reasons other than those permitted by rule, one administrative technical foul shall be assessed regardless of how many changes are made. These administrative technical fouls do not count toward the team foul count.

(Rule 3-3-2, and 10-2-2.b Penalty)

Question 4

A.R. 50:

A1, who is designated as a starter 10 minutes before the scheduled starting time of the game, becomes ill one minute before the game is to start.

Answer 4

RULING: A1 may be replaced without an administrative technical foul being assessed. Illness or injury is considered to be an extenuating and unavoidable circumstance that permits a substitution without penalty. A1 shall be permitted to enter the game later if able.

(Rule 3-3-2)

Question 5

A.R. 51:

A6 and A7 have reported to the scorers and are waiting to enter the game. Team A commits a violation, and during the dead-ball period, Team B calls a timeout. The coach from Team A changes his/her mind and wants A8 and A9 to report and enter the game rather than A6 and A7.

Answer 5

RULING: A8’s and A9’s substitutions are legal when they have reported to the official scorer before the warning signal.

(Rule 3-4-1.g)

Question 6

A.R. 52:

After the second signal sounds indicating the expiration of a timeout, A1 goes to the free-throw line to attempt two free throws. Before the first free throw, A6 reports to the official scorer and tries to enter the game as a substitute.

Answer 6

RULING: A6 cannot enter the game because he/she did not report before the warning signal and there has been no live ball.

(Rule 3-4-1.g and 3-4-2.b)

Question 7

A.R. 53:

After the second signal sounds indicating the expiration of a timeout, A1 goes to the free-throw line to attempt two free throws. After the first free throw is successful and before the ball is at the disposal of A1 for the second free throw, A6 reports to the official scorer to become a substitute and then tries to enter the game as a substitute.

Answer 7

RULING: A6 shall be allowed to enter before the last attempt of the multiple personal foul free throw.

(Rule 3-4-2.b)

Question 8

A.R. 54:

In a game involving the electronic-media timeout format, A1 is fouled in the act of shooting, creating the first dead ball after the eight-minute mark. A1’s try for goal is unsuccessful. B1 reported to the scorer before the foul and was waiting to enter the game. When is B1 permitted to enter the game?

Answer 8

RULING: B1 is permitted to enter the game after the electronic media timeout ends and before A1 attempts the first try of the multiple free-throw sequence.

(Rule 3-4-2.b.1)

Question 9

A.R. 55:

After a successful free throw, A1 enters the playing court before the throw-in. A1’s illegal entry is not detected until after the ball becomes live.

Answer 9

RULING: A1 became a legal player when the ball became live. Because discovery of the illegal substitution came after the ball became live, the infraction by A1 shall be ignored.

(Rule 3-4-1.c)

Question 10

A.R. 56:

A1 is fouled and his or her try for goal is unsuccessful. During the try:

(1) B1 commits his or her fifth (disqualifying) foul against A1; or
(2) A4 is wearing illegal apparel.

Answer 10

RULING: (1) and (2) The required substitute shall be permitted to enter the game before the first try of the multiple free throws. In addition, all substitutes who had legally reported to the official scorer before the player who had to be replaced, may enter the game.

(Rule 3-4-3.c)

Question 11

A.R. 57:

There are no substitutes at the scorer’s table when A1 receives a fifth and disqualifying foul. The official notifies the Team A coach and then A1 of the disqualification.

(1) Before the official instructs the timer to begin the 20-second time period to replace the disqualified player, two Team A players, neither of whom are substituting for the disqualified player, report to the scorer.
(2) During the 20-second time period to replace the disqualified player, two Team A substitutes report to the scorer just before A6 reports as the substitute to replace A1.
(3) As soon as the coach is notified that A1 has been disqualified and before the 20-second time period to replace the disqualified player has started, the coach substitutes A6 for A1.

Answer 11

RULING: When a player is disqualified for the fifth foul committed, the officials will first get a substitute for the disqualified player, and then all substitutes who had legally reported before the player who had to be replaced may enter the game when the substitute for the disqualified player is beckoned onto the court. In (1) and (2) the substitutes who legally reported to the table before A6, the substitute for the disqualified player, may enter after A6 enters the game. In (3), once A6 is beckoned onto the floor, no other substitutions are permitted until the next opportunity for substitutions.

(Rule 3-4-3.c)

Question 12

A.R. 58:

A technical foul is assessed against Team A. B6 replaces B1 and makes both free throws. After the final attempt, B1 desires to re-enter.

Answer 12

RULING: Illegal. B1 may not re-enter before the next opportunity to substitute after the game clock has properly started after he/she was replaced.

(Rule 3-4-1.i)

Question 13

A.R. 59:

B6 and B7 have legally reported to the official scorer when A1:

(1) Fouls B1 during a three-point try that was unsuccessful;
(2) Is assessed a technical foul; or
(3) Is assessed a technical foul, which is his/her fifth disqualifying foul.

When may B6 and B7 enter the game?

Answer 13

RULING:

(1) Since multiple free throws shall be awarded, B6 and B7 are permitted to enter the game only before the final attempt or after the final try is successful.

(Rule 3-4-2.b)

(2) B6 and B7 are permitted to enter the game after the final attempt for the technical foul and before play is resumed at the point of interruption.

(Rule 3-4-2.c)

(3) Since B6 and B7 had legally reported to the official scorer before A1 had to be replaced, they may enter the game after A1’s replacement enters the game.

(Rule 4-20-1 and 4-20-5 and 3-4-2.c and 3-4-3.c)

Question 14

A.R. 60:

While A1 is dribbling, the referee notices blood on A1’s game jersey. The referee blows the whistle to stop play. A1 goes to the bench and medical personnel:

(1) Determine that the game jersey is not saturated with blood; or
(2) Determine that the game jersey is saturated with blood.

Answer 14

RULING: (1) A1 may remain in the game without penalty.

(2) A1 shall be given 20 seconds to resolve the situation. When A1 has not resolved the situation, A1 shall be replaced or a timeout may be called by A1’s team. At the end of the timeout, the affected player must be ready to play when the final horn sounds ending the timeout. If the player is not ready to play, the coach must immediately replace the player with a substitute. In this case, the opposing team is permitted to counter with a substitute. The affected player may not re-enter the game until the next legal opportunity to substitute after the clock has started.

(Rule 3-4-3.b, 3-4-3.a and 5-10-8)

Question 15

A.R. 61:

During a dead ball, A6 replaces A5. Before the ball is put into play, a technical foul is assessed against Team B. A5 is designated by the coach to enter the game and attempt the free throw(s) resulting from Team B’s technical foul.

Answer 15

RULING: A5 may not re-enter to attempt the free throw(s) because the game clock has not been started since A5 left the game.

(Rule 3-4-1.i)

Question 16

A.R. 62:

(Women) A1 is injured during a play in which A1 was fouled. As a result, A1 cannot attempt the free throw awarded to her. The coach from Team A chooses A6 to replace A1 and A6 attempts the free throw, which is successful. The coach from Team A chooses A7 to replace A6 before the game clock starts.

Answer 16

RULING: The procedure is legal.

Rule 3-4-1.j

Question 17

A.R. 63:

(Men) A1 is bleeding from a blow to the head and is unable to attempt his free throw(s). Is Rule 3-4-3.f concerning an injured player applicable?

Answer 17

RULING: The intent of Rule 3-4-3.f is to eliminate the situation whereby a poor free-throw shooter faked an injury so that he could be replaced by a higher percentage shooter. Obviously, a bleeding player is not faking an injury. Consequently, Rule 3-4-3.f is not applicable. The bleeding player shall be instructed by the official to leave the game for attention by medical personnel. His coach may exercise the option of substituting for the bleeding player or calling a timeout.

(Rule 3-4-3.f and 8-2-2.a)

Question 18

A.R. 64:

(Men) A1 is fouled and is unable to attempt his free throw(s). The coach from Team A requests a timeout. The referee recognizes and grants this timeout.

Answer 18

RULING: The referee shall instruct the official scorer to note which four players from Team A were on the playing court before the timeout was granted. At the end of the timeout when it is determined that A1 is unable to attempt his free throw(s), the coach from Team B shall select one of the four remaining players to attempt the free throw(s). That selection, once made, is final and unalterable.

An immediate substitution for the injured player shall be required after the final horn that indicates the expiration of the timeout. The opponent shall then be permitted to counter with a substitution. Any other substitution(s) must have reported to, or be in position to report to, the official scorer before the warning horn. However, his entry onto the playing court shall not be permitted until the coach from Team B has selected who shall attempt the free throw(s) for the injured player.

(Rule 8-2-3 and 3-4-1.f)

Question 19

A.R. 65:

(Men) B1 commits a flagrant 2 personal foul against A1. After B1’s flagrant 2 foul, the coach from Team B was assessed a CLASS A technical foul. A1 was injured and was unable to attempt his free throws. The coach from Team A selects A7 to attempt the two free throws awarded for B1’s flagrant 2 foul and the two free throws for the CLASS A technical foul. The referee permitted A7 to attempt the free throws. Is this correct?

Answer 19

RULING: The referee was correct in allowing A7 to attempt the four free throws. When a player is injured as a result of either a flagrant 1 or flagrant 2 personal foul and is unable to attempt his free throws, the coach of the injured player is permitted to select any player or team member to attempt the free throws. In addition, when a technical foul is assessed, any player or team member is allowed to attempt the two free throws. After the four free throws are attempted, the ball is awarded to Team A, the offended team, and play shall be resumed at the point of interruption, which is the designated spot nearest to where the flagrant 2 personal foul was committed.

When the coach from Team A selects two different individuals to attempt the free throws, since a false multiple foul has been committed, the penalty for the CLASS A technical foul shall be administered, followed by the penalty for the flagrant 2 personal foul. The ball is awarded to Team A, the offended team, and play shall be resumed at the point of interruption, which is the designated spot nearest to where the flagrant 2 personal foul was committed.

(Rule 8-2-3, 8-2-4, 8-4-1, 4-29-6, 4-53-1 and 10-1-16 Penalty g)

Question 20

A.R. 66:

(Men) A1 is fouled during an unsuccessful try for goal and appears to be injured. A1 is upset with the play and is assessed an unsportsmanlike CLASS A technical foul, which is A1’s fifth and disqualifying foul. The official scorer informs the official that A1 has been disqualified.

Answer 20

RULING: Any member of Team B may attempt the free throws for the technical foul assessed to A1. Play shall be resumed at the point of interruption. The substitute for disqualified player A1 shall attempt the free throws awarded when A1 was fouled. A1 was unable to attempt his free throws because he was a disqualified player and, by rule, had to be replaced. A1’s injury should not be considered in adjudicating the play.

(Rule 8-2-2.c, 8-2-4, 8-4-1 and 4-53-1)

Question 21

A.R. 67:

A1 and B1 collide and:

(1) Are injured;
(2) Are bleeding; and
(3) Are evaluated and it is determined that their uniforms are saturated with blood. The coach from Team A requests and is granted a timeout.

Answer 21

RULING: When a timeout is requested and granted to either team, one or both players are permitted to remain in the game after the expiration of the timeout. No bleeding can be in evidence. A uniform that is saturated with blood must be replaced.


(Rule 3-4-3.b, and .e and 5-10-8)

Question 22

A.R. 68:

A1 is injured and the referee beckons the coach and/or athletic trainer onto the playing court to assist the injured player. After the injured player is replaced, Team B requests and is granted a timeout. Play is about to resume and A1 is back on the playing court.

Answer 22

RULING: A1 shall be prohibited from staying on the playing court. Team B’s timeout does not make A1 eligible to return to play. Team A must request and be granted a charged timeout in order for A1 to remain in the game.

(Rule 3-4-3.d and 5-13-12.a)

Question 23

A.R. 69:

A1 is fouled during an unsuccessful try for goal. During the try, A3 is injured or is bleeding, has blood on his or her body, or his or her uniform is saturated with blood and he or she cannot continue to play.

Answer 23

RULING: The required substitute shall be permitted to enter the game before the first try of the multiple free throws. In addition, all substitutes who had legally reported to the official scorer before the player who had to be replaced may enter the game.

A bleeding player, a player with blood on the body, or a player wearing a uniform saturated with blood has 20 seconds to resolve the issue. If the issue cannot be resolved in 20 seconds, that player is required to be replaced unless that player’s coach requests and is granted a timeout. When a substitute is required, all substitutes who had legally reported to the official scorer before the player who had to be replaced may enter the game.

(Rule 3-4-3.a and .c)

Question 24

A.R. 70:

A1 scores a field goal and the clock is stopped with 36.0 seconds remaining in the game.

(1) Before the throw-in ends and the clock is started, the official notices blood on A3.
(2) The throw-in ends and the clock is properly started when the official notices blood on A3.

Answer 24

RULING: The officials shall stop play and present the head coach with the following three options: (a) Keep the player in the game when the issue can be resolved in 20 seconds; (b) Substitute the player immediately or substitute when the issue cannot be resolved in 20 seconds; (c) Call a timeout immediately or call a timeout when the issue cannot be resolved in 20 seconds so that the bleeding player can remain in the game.

(1) After any of these options, play shall be resumed with a throw-in by Team B anywhere along the end line. No substitutes shall be permitted in (a) and (b) since play was stopped after a successful field goal and before the clock was properly started. However, when the coach chooses not to take a timeout and instead, replaces the bleeding player, the opponent is permitted to counter with a substitution. In this case, the substitute for the bleeding player and the counter substitute are the only substitutes permitted in this situation since play was stopped for blood after a successful field goal in the last 59.9 seconds of the game and before the clock was properly started. In (c), substitutes are permitted since a timeout was called.
(2) After any of these options, play shall be resumed with a throw-in by Team B at a designated spot nearest to where play was stopped for the blood issue and substitutes shall be permitted as they would be in any other dead-ball period since the game clock was properly started on the throw-in.

(Rule 3-4-1.h.1 and 3-4-3.a)

Question 25

A.R. 71:

After a successful field goal with 48 seconds left on the game clock, the timer sounds the game-clock horn for substitute A6 to enter the game.

Answer 25

RULING: A6 shall not be permitted to enter. While the game clock is stopped after successful field goals in the last 59.9 seconds of play, only those substitutions permitted by rule are allowed. A team may request a timeout and then make substitutions anytime the ball is dead and the game clock is stopped.

(Rule 3-4-1.h)

Question 26

A.R. 72:

Team A scores with 59.9 seconds left to play in the second half.

(1) The timer fails to stop the game clock. The official blows his whistle to stop the clock and to correct the mistake. During this stoppage, Team A requests a timeout; or
(2) The official inadvertently blows his whistle to recognize a timeout request by Team A when the ball is at Team B’s disposal for a throw-in; or
(3) Team B is having difficulty inbounding the ball because of defensive pressure and requests a timeout.

May these timeout requests be granted and when are substitutions permitted to enter the game?

Answer 26

RULING: In (1), the request by either team for a timeout shall be recognized and granted since the request was made during a dead ball. Substitutions are permitted during this timeout period. However, when a timeout is not requested, there shall be no substitution during the dead ball period created by the timer’s mistake.

(2) , The inadvertent whistle shall be ignored. When Team A requests a timeout during this dead ball, the timeout shall be recognized and granted since the request occurred during the dead ball created by the inadvertent whistle. Substitutions are permitted during this timeout period. However, when a timeout is not requested, there shall be no substitution during the dead ball period created by the inadvertent whistle.
(3) , Team B’s request for a timeout shall be recognized and granted because a player of that team is in control of the ball. Substitutions are permitted during this timeout.

(Rule 3-4-1.h.1 and .2)

Question 27

A.R. 73:

After A1’s successful try, the game clock is stopped with 56.0 seconds remaining in the game:

(1) B1 completes a throw-in to B2, but the clock was not properly started. The official stops play immediately to correct the timing mistake. Substitutes are available at the table.
(2) B1 completes a throw-in to B2 and the clock is properly started. While the ball is in B2’s possession, A2 creates a held ball. The alternating possession arrow favors Team B. Substitutes are available at the table.

Answer 27

RULING: (1) The officials shall correct the timing mistake by placing the correct time on the game and shot clocks, and play shall be resumed at the point of interruption. Substitutes shall not be permitted during this dead ball period, since the timing mistake occurred with 59.9 seconds or less remaining on the game clock. Since the play was stopped to correct a timing mistake that occurred after a made field goal when there was less than 59.9 seconds remaining in the game and before the game clock was properly started, substitutes shall not be permitted.

(2) Since play was stopped for the held ball and not to correct a timing mistake or for an inadvertent whistle, all substitution rules apply. Play shall be resumed with an alternating possession throw-in to Team B at a designated spot nearest to where the held ball occurred with no reset of the shot clock.

(Rule 3-4-1.h.1)

Question 28

A.R. 74:

A technical foul is assessed to Team B before the start of the game. The coach from Team A wants to replace designated starter A5 with A6 so A6 can shoot the free throws. Is this permissible?

Answer 28

RULING: Yes. A6 is permitted to replace designated starter A5 to shoot the free throws for the technical foul. When the ball is placed at the disposal of A6 for the free throw, the game has begun and thereafter, all substitution rules apply. Any team member is eligible to become a substitute with the exception of A5, who shall not be permitted to re-enter until the game clock has been properly started after his/her replacement.

(Rule 3-4-1.i, 3-4-1.j, 6-1-1, 7-5-7 and Rule 10, Sections 3 through 6 Penalty)

Question 29

A.R. 75:

Team A is wearing a patch that is not an American flag, an institution or conference official logo/mascot or a commemorative/memorial patch. The patch is located in the area between the base of the front neckline and the shoulder seam of the jersey. Is this legal?

Answer 29

RULING: No. An American flag, an institution or conference official logo/mascot and/or a commemorative/memorial patch meeting all other rule requirements shall be located in this area. When the American flag is used, it can only be located in this area on the left side of the game jersey.

(Rule 3-5-5.c and .d)

Question 30

A.R. 76:

Contesting teams have uniforms of the same color.

Answer 30

RULING: When possible, each team should have two sets of uniforms, one of light color and the other of dark color. The light color shall be for home games; however, this rule may be altered by mutual consent of competing institutions. The team that violates this rule shall change. When there is doubt, the officials shall require the home team to change.

(Rule 3-5-2)

Question 31

A.R. 77:

May a player remain in the game when he/she is wearing an illegal undershirt or undergarment?

Answer 31

RULING: No. Similar to the rule regarding jewelry, illegal undershirts or undergarments shall not be worn. The player shall leave the game and remove the illegal apparel; however, no technical foul shall be assessed.

(Rule 3-6-1 and 3-6-2)

Question 32

A.R. 78:

Substitute A6 attempts to enter the playing court with a headband or wristband that is not in compliance with the single, dominant color of the game jersey.

Answer 32

RULING: Substitute A6 shall not be permitted to enter the game before either wearing the appropriate headband or wristband or removing the illegal ones.

(Rule 3-7-1, 3-7-2, 3-7-3)

Question 33

A.R. 79:

An official tells A1 to tuck in his or her game jersey and then issues a warning to the coach of Team A. Later in the game, A2 is fouled. Before giving A2 disposal of the ball for the free throw, the official notices that A2’s game jersey is untucked.

Answer 33

RULING: A2 shall be permitted to attempt the free throw(s). When the free throw(s) are successful, he or she shall be instructed to leave the game. When the free throw(s) are not successful and he or she does not rectify the game-jersey violation before the next dead ball, A2 shall be instructed to leave the game.

(Rule 3-5-8 Note)

Question 34

A.R. 80:

Substitute A6 attempts to enter the playing court wearing jewelry, an illegal headpiece or hat.

Answer 34

RULING: Substitute A6 shall not be permitted to enter before removing the jewelry, illegal headpiece or hat. A6 cannot “buy” his or her way into the game and the right to wear the illegal jewelry, illegal headpiece or hat by being charged with a technical foul.

(Rule 3-9-7)

Question 35

A.R. 81:

Player A5 is found to be wearing jewelry.

Answer 35

RULING: At the first dead ball, A5 shall be required to remove the jewelry immediately or be required to leave the game and not return until after removing the jewelry. A5 cannot “buy” the right to wear the jewelry by being charged with a technical foul.

(Rule 3-9-7)