What is the procedure if an illegal substitute is discovered during play?

When an illegal substitute is discovered during play, the proper procedure is to immediately eject the illegal player from the game. This is essential to maintain the integrity of the competition and ensure compliance with the established rules regarding player eligibility. Ejecting the illegal player serves as a clear disciplinary action, highlighting that adherence to player eligibility standards is critical in the sport.

The rationale behind this action is rooted in fairness and safety. Allowing an illegal substitute to remain in the game could provide an unfair advantage, compromise the competitive balance, or introduce a safety risk if the player is not qualified to play.

While coaches reviewing the eligibility of players or issuing warnings may seem like appropriate actions, they do not adequately address the immediate need to remove an ineligible player from play. The enforcement of rules through ejection reinforces the principle that all players must meet eligibility requirements at all times during a game.