What should a coach do if they have an illegal player participating in the game?

In the context of high school baseball, if a coach has identified that an illegal player is participating in the game, they should take appropriate action to address the situation. The correct response involves understanding the nature of the rules governing player eligibility and conducting themselves accordingly.

When a coach realizes they have an illegal player, the most strategic response is to notify the umpire of the infraction. This ensures that the situation can be properly addressed according to the rules of the game. If the coach accepts the play as it stands without alerting the umpire, they forfeit their opportunity to rectify the mistake and also may face further repercussions depending on the governing body’s rules regarding player eligibility and infractions.

Therefore, instead of accepting the play as it is or remaining passive, the coach should advocate for fair play by bringing the matter to the umpire's attention so that the necessary formal procedures can take place, including potentially substituting the illegal player and ensuring compliance with regulations.