Free Kick Play

[bbeagle]

The substitution rules lack application to a team with 11 on the field preparing to free kick.

Where does it say that these rules don't apply to free kicks?

Moreover, 3-7-5 violations are illegal substitution, not encroachment.

Exactly what I said - illegal substitution not encroachment.

I have no truck with your procedure: IMO, that's exactly right, and the way my crew does it too. The discussion concerns the RULE, and no rule requires K to be behind their kick line before the RFP.

I take it that Rulesman's point is precisely the disconnect between our common-sensical practices and what the rules actually require.

I think you're going too far. You can be non-sensical with all the rules. When a player's knee-pad touches the ground, do you call the player down? His KNEE didn't touch - only his KNEE-PAD. What exactly is a CATCH? There is no exact definition.

[maven]

Where does it say that these rules don't apply to free kicks?

Exactly what I said - illegal substitution not encroachment.

I think you're going too far. You can be non-sensical with all the rules. When a player's knee-pad touches the ground, do you call the player down? His KNEE didn't touch - only his KNEE-PAD. What exactly is a CATCH? There is no exact definition.

1. Substitution rules apply when you have a substitution. 11 players preparing to free kick does not involve a substitution.

2. Rulesman's case involves encroachment, not illegal substitution. Finding an IS foul doesn't answer the question.

3. A player's uniform is part of his person, and these questions are all answered in the definitions. I don't see the relevance of your comment to what Rulesman is trying to illuminate.

[Rulesman]

I take it that Rulesman's point is precisely the disconnect between our common-sensical practices and what the rules actually require.

Bingo! (A coach found the loophole, too, and tried to exploit it).