forefeit rule
Rich:
You are correct in the fact that failing to field 9 players is not an automatic forefeit. However, the rule does state that a game shall not start with less than 9 players on a team. The game is referred to the BOD for the possibility of rescheduling, not whether or not they can play with 8. If the game cannot be rescheduled so both teams can field 9 players, it is then a forfeit. The BOD should not change rules in mid-season, which they did by allowing games to start with less than 8. Come tournament time, those games may not count as official LL games if they allowed the games to start with 8 and take an automatic out. I think this coach has grounds to ask these games be reviewed by the district for validity. He is teaching his players responsibility and is following the rules as stated at the beginning of the season. He should not be penalized by having other teams allowed to break the rules.
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