[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Big Slick

NCAA 8.1

The language is "fielding a team" and, just like many rules, is rather ambiguous. In both scenarios, if there are two outs, then the rule is rather clear, game over. However, in the specific case of an injury with out #3, the coach does have a slight option. As per the interpretations on Arbiter, the coach does not have to make the sub right away and can leave the player in the line up. She can also take her position in the batter's box (which is a requirement) while not expecting to even swing at a pitch. Of course, this would happen under very limited circumstances, such as that team needing just a few runs to end the game.

I think the ambiguity comes in if the player leaves the park for medical treatment. She might be due up 7th or 8th in the inning, but can we say the team is "fielding" the required amount of players? I don't know the answer to that, but if I were the other coach, I would protest.

Of course, this doesn't apply to ASA of NFHS, as both allow for short handed play.

Generally, in an NCAA game, a player could "leave" via the back of the dugout for a variety of purposes - she's not unable to play until she's actually unable to perform her duties (not there to take the field, or take her spot in the batter's box). I've never even heard of someone taking this rule to mean that if a coach protested that the 7th batter happened to not be in the dugout, that we must hunt them down to figure out if they were too injured to bat (in 20 minutes when she comes up) or if they are simply getting some gatorade. To say that a player injured during the 3rd out of an inning must somehow prove she's able to continue RIGHT THEN, or demand a sub RIGHT THEN, is more ludicrous than anything I've read on this thread. The poster that posted that is simply flat wrong.