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Kent,
Reporting is what keeps the game orderly and under control.
It keeps the scheming coaches in check.
Think of it this way. In the first inning #10 runs for #3, but never reported. In the seventh inning, #5 would be the tying run, but is injured sliding into second base with no available subs on the bench. So, here come #10 to run for #5. Defensive coach tells the blue that #10 was in the game earlier for another player. Blue checks line-up card and does not see #10 in the game at any point. The umpire has no choice, but to permit #10 to run for #5 unless the one of the umpires knows with full certainty that #10 did indeed partake in the game as a sub for another player.
This is why preventive umpiring is so important. In the situation above, no matter which way the umpiring crew goes, one team is going to believe they were shortchanged.
This is why there needs to be a penalty that will make the coach think about what s/he is doing and entice them to do it right. Remember, when you lose a sub, you now also lose at least one re-entry.
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The bat issue in softball is as much about liability, insurance and litigation as it is about competition, inflated egos and softball.
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