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First, there is no requirement that there even BE and on-deck circle.
Second, if there is an ODC, there is no requirement that the next batter due up stand in it.
This leads to:
Third, if the coach believes his player is in an unsafe position while in the ODC, he can keep her in the dugout / behind the fence.
Here in MN, we have several summer leagues who require the ODB use the circle behind the batter if she is going to be out of the dugout.
Our state HS league (MSHSL) experimented with this (with NFHS's blessing) as well the last couple of years.
My experience is that it generally works well (i.e. no issues with standing on the opponent's side, no significant delays in the game, etc.).
Speaking personally, unless allowing the player to use the opponent's ODC is in the written rules, I would not allow it for the simple reason it is entirely possible for an ODB to get hurt even when behind the batter, so I would not want the liability exposure of allowing a player to be where the rules say she should not be. If the location of the ODC is unsafe in the coach's judgment, keep the "on-deck" batter in the dugout.
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Tom
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