[Tru_in_Blu]

We have a local rule in Men's slow pitch that reads as follows:

A continuous batting order will be used during the playoffs. All players in attendance will be in the batting order. However, the team with the most players has the option to bat the same number of players as the team with less players. All remaining players will be substitutes. During the playoffs a team can play with as few as 9 players but the 10 slot will be an out each time in the order.

If a player is injured during the game or needs to leave the game for any other reason, this will not be an out in the order unless a team drops to 9 players. Integrity must be used at all times.

The situation we had was that the team with more players, therefore 2 or 3 substitutes, had their number 2 batter get injured. The coach ultimately did utilize one of his subs, but wanted to simply skip the injured player in the batting lineup. This would not result in an out per their bylaw and have the benefit of not having to put a less prolific offensive player into the No. 2 slot.

ASA shorthanded rule stipulates that if playing shorthanded and a substitute arrives, that player must enter the game or be ineligible for the rest of the game. It's not exactly how the above played out, but the logic seems to fit. That, and the "integrity" statement included in the bylaw.

Any comments?