“...rules are rules.”
Especially when the rule conveniently disqualifies the other team, and allows you the win.
I would agree that you must abide by the rules, but if I were the coach, I would give this violation a pass (if this is, in fact, a rule).
“Especially when the rule conveniently disqualifies the other team, and allows you the win.”
IIRC, this is how Obama won his first election.