When can a substitution be reported according to the rules?

The rules regarding substitutions in sports typically allow for a player to be substituted under certain conditions to maintain the flow of the game and ensure fair play. One of the key points is that substitutions can be reported when a team is going on defense. This means that a coach can signal for a player to enter the game as soon as the previous player has completed their play and the team is ready to switch roles.

This approach allows teams to make tactical decisions as the game progresses, maximizing their chances of success on defense while also ensuring that the opposing team's offense is aware of the changes. It helps maintain the pace of the game and enables teams to respond to the evolving dynamics of play.

Other options reflect different interpretations: while substitutions might be discussed before a game or at the beginning of each inning, these do not capture the immediate and tactical nature of substitutions during active play. Similarly, option C is too vague since it does not specify a particular moment within the game when a substitution can be made. Substitutions are primarily effective when the team is clearly recognized as going on defense, allowing for strategic adjustments based on the game's progress.