Pinch runner Substitutions vs Courtesy Runners

[ChesneyGirl219]

I run an ASA Co-ed Adult Softball Program and we play with most ASA rules and a couple (local rules). Our debate is the breakdown of the official ASA Coed (adult) Pinch Runner Rules (substitutions) vs Courtesy Runners

Can you give a detailed explanation of Using Pinch Runners? Especially in the first inning, who is allowed to pinch run, last batted out, etc.

Courtesy Runner ( My understanding)
• Courtesy Runners
o (1) Per Inning – Same Sex – Anyone not starting or in line up can run.
 If in line up, must be careful that their time to bat does not come up while on base. If this occurs they would be OUT and removed from base and then bat.

[Andy]

First of all...Pinch runners and Courtesy runners are two different things.

A pinch runner is another term for a substitute. This means that the player that is on base is removed from the game and a substitute takes their place. In order for the first player to play again, they must use their re-entry to return to the lineup. A substitute is a player that is not in the starting lineup.

A Courtesy runner is a player that is allowed to run the bases for a player that safely earns their way on base with a hit, walk, etc. This is not considered a substitute and the player that batted has not left the game and will go back on defense at the end of the half-inning.

It has been my experience that lineup rules and courtesy runner rules are the most often modified rules in local leagues.

Your understanding of the new (2016) ASA Courtesy runner rule for SP is correct.