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In my area, both teams must start with 9 players. Actually, the offensive team can start with 8, as long as player #9 shows up by the time he must bat or go in on defense. Anyway, if there is an injury, or any reason why a player must leave the game (8th grade graduation dance), then a team may continue with 8 players. Each time #9 is supposed to bat, an out is declared (since he can't bat). Less than 8 players would result in a forfeit.
Under no circumstance do we umpire a game with 8 or fewer players. Don't let anyone talk you into this (you are already here anyway, you are getting paid, etc.). Umpiring such a game (forfeit) is a formula for disaster. Remember, "no good deed goes left unpunished."
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