Substitution (sport)

Substitution (sometimes referred to as interchange) is a concept or term used in many different team sports where a team is able to change one player for another whilst a match is in play. Substitute players that are not in the starting lineup reside on the bench and are available to substitute for a starter. Substitutes also known as bench players, backups or reserves. Starters who are substituted are sometimes referred to as being "on the bench" during the game.

Examples include:

• Australian rules football (Interchange (Australian rules football))
• rugby league (Interchange)
• Association Football (Substitute (association football))
• Cricket (Substitute (cricket))
• basketball (substitute)..

Some sports have restrictions on substituting or interchanging players whereas others do not.