Just when I thought I had the flex figured out

[SE Minnestoa Re]

2014 NCAA Experimental Rule - Links
The rule proposal before the NCAA Softball Rules Committee (NSRC) for consideration at their committee meeting late spring 2015 is to replace the current DP/Flex rule with the Links line-up option. The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel (PROP) has approved the NSRC’s request for experimental rule status that allows coaches to use the Links instead of DP/Flex in 2014 fall games of their choice.
The NSRC is seeking anecdotal and specific feedback on the advantages and disadvantages of offensively linking two players together in the batting order. Head coaches should provide comments regarding their experience (including any rule ambiguities or loopholes discovered) through the Ask Dee link on the www.sup.ArbiterSports website. The same link may be used for questions and by umpires who wish to provide feedback on their experience.
The details of the rule are:
1) For the entire game, 10 players are in the line-up with two listed on a single line in the batting order (the Links).
2) The position designation for the player in the line-up but not currently on defense shall be “0.”
3) When that spot in the batting order comes up, one Link will bat and if she successfully reaches base, either Link may run the bases. Regardless of who batted or ran the last time the batting order spot came up, the next time, either Link may bat and either may run. Note: the offensive position exchanges between the Links shall be reported to and recorded by the umpire even though they are not substitutions.
4) Any nine of the 10 players in the line-up play defense; movement in and out of the defensive line-up is not a substitution but it and all position exchanges among fielders must be reported and recorded for the purpose of accurate player statistics and scorekeeping.
5) All other rules regarding participation and substitution apply, including re-entry rights for all 10 starters into their original spots in the batting order, and players are only considered to have left the game when substituted for on offense. Note: when a substitute enters the line-up for one of the Links, the coach shall indicate the Link who is leaving the line-up, since both Links can be substituted for and still re-enter. Substitutes for either Link have all the rights of a starting Link except re-entry.
In its simplest form, a player who only plays offense could be linked with one who only plays defense. As in DP/Flex, options include linking an offensive specialist to a pitcher who does not bat, or a defender who the coach does not want out in extreme weather conditions any more than necessary, or a defensive player who the coach wants limited to defense only because most injuries occur on offense.
Alternatively, two players with different offensive skills can be linked together. As in some DP/Flex strategies, a strong hitter can be linked to a base running specialist or two players with superior defensive skills can be the Links and share the spot in the batting order while an offensive specialist is in the line-up batting only.
In any case, the role of the umpire for a fall competition experimenting with the Links is to enforce all the existing rules of participation, substitution and re-entry and:
1) Be sure the starting line-up links two players in a single spot in the batting order; and
2) Accept record and report all position changes received from the defensive coach and the exchange of offensive responsibilities by the Links as reported by the offensive coach even though they are not substitutions.
The role of the opposing head coach is to ensure the opponent bats in the correct order, that players assume their reported defensive positions and when the opposing team violates either, to properly notify the umpire.
Still have questions? Sample scenarios are detailed in a PowerPoint in Dee’s Corner at www.Sup.ArbiterSports.com.
Please share this page and any other details regarding optional rules that may be used in your fall games (see Pages 16 and 17 of the 2014 and 2015 NCAA Softball Rules and Interpretations Book for options) with your opponent(s) and umpires in advance of their arrival to the field.
On behalf of the NSRC, thanks for your participation. We look forward to your comments through the Ask Dee link.

[roadking]

I think I will like this one with the player names on the same line of the line up card.
Though I understand the DP\Flex, this will make it easier for everyone with line up management.