Subs

[CecilOne]

Isn't there a rule that allows a temporary "substitute" for an injured runner to complete the time on base?

[RKBUmp]

Looks like USSSA does, but dont know of any other rule set that has that provision. Dont do much in the way of USSSA so dont keep up on their rules.

[MT 73]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

Isn't there a rule that allows a temporary "substitute" for an injured runner to complete the time on base?

I thought that there was a rule in some code ( not sure which one) that in the case of an injury the opposing coach could choose one of the players to enter the game.
Then again I am not even sure if this was in baseball or softball.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by MT 73

I thought that there was a rule in some code ( not sure which one) that in the case of an injury the opposing coach could choose one of the players to enter the game.
Then again I am not even sure if this was in baseball or softball.

LL has that provision

[Mountaincoach]

The reason I asked that is because I've seen it happen twice in ASA (USA) games in the past couple years. Once with one of my players, once with the opposing team. Both times it was a hot fastball to the ankle, and both times, the coaches were very generous and openly gave the green light for the last batted out runner to take the injured player's place on base. That's what we did the first time, and the officials allowed it. Second time around, the officials were not so ready to allow such substitution, and we all stood there scratching our heads while the officiating crew stood over my player trying to figure out if they should call her out, how badly was she really hurt, etc. I didn't want mommy and daddy climbing my case, so I told them to just call her out if they had to. After several more minutes of further procrastination (in a timed game), she "toughened up" and hobbled out to the base even though I was telling her to stay in the dugout. If USA doesn't have a provision, they certainly need to adopt one.

[RKBUmp]

Just because some umpire allowed it to happen doesnt mean it was in the rules. And whoever said the rules of the game should be fair? There are all kinds of ways coaches could use that rule to their benefit. Slow girl on base, oh, she suddenly has a hurt ankle and cant run. Of course the last out just happens to be the fastest girl on the team. There is also a rule about if the player leaves the game due to injury and forces the team to go short handed, that player may not return to play.

[Mountaincoach]

It is indeed a slippery slope. I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that probably 90% of the umpires out there would talk to both sides and allow another runner if the kid truly is unable to continue. The alternative would sound something like this from behind the backstop--- "You mean you are gonna call my baby out after that girl tried to kill her with that ball?"

Where's the popcorn?

[RKBUmp]

Purely rec league I can see where umpires may allow it to happen. Competitive league, Im officiating the game under the rule set I was hired to do the game under. I will not make any modifications to that rule set, even if both coaches agree. I have seen it happen, a coach initially agrees to allow an infraction to be made thinking it will have no effect, then they end up losing and suddenly the official is at fault for allowing the rule to be broken.