When does a substitute officially become a player?

A substitute officially becomes a player when they legally enter the court to participate. This means that the substitute must follow the proper protocol for entry, which includes waiting for the appropriate stoppage in play and entering at the designated substitution area. This rule ensures that the game remains organized and that the timing of substitutions does not disrupt the flow of the game.

The process usually requires the referee to acknowledge the substitution, confirming that the player entering has met all the criteria to do so legally.

The other scenarios—such as a coach signaling for a player to enter, the game being paused, or the exchange of jerseys—do not grant the status of a player. Each of these options relates to different aspects of the substitution process but does not reflect the moment when the substitute officially becomes part of the game. The legality of the entry is crucial, as improper entries can lead to penalties or violations.