What action is required of the referee if a team fails to comply with a substitution rule?

When a team fails to comply with a substitution rule, the appropriate action for the referee is to charge a technical foul. This is because the substitution rules are in place to ensure the integrity of the game and its flow. Such violations can disrupt play and may give an unfair advantage, hence the necessity for a penalty.

Charged technical fouls serve as a strong deterrent against teams neglecting the established rules, promoting accountability and compliance. While other actions, such as issuing a warning or allowing the substitution anyway, might seem like plausible responses, they do not adequately address the seriousness of the violation. A time-out is typically called to manage play or provide teams with a moment to regroup, but it does not directly resolve an issue with rule compliance. Hence, issuing a technical foul reinforces the importance of adhering to the substitution protocols.