The Official Forum - Adding players to a lineup

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- - Adding players to a lineup (https://forum.officiating.com/softball/102851-adding-players-lineup.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve (Post 1008460)

4.1-D.1 Shorthanded Rule

Okay, reviewed this rule today. Here's what I have...

If a team bats nine, and chooses not to take an out for the tenth batter that hasn't arrived yet, they're stuck with nine in the lineup -- and the field -- for the duration of the game.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bainsey (Post 1008547)

You got that from 4-1-D.1? :confused:

Quote:

Originally Posted by bainsey (Post 1008547)

The team has no choice in recording the out. If they are short handed, by rule every time that spot comes up it is an automatic out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dakota (Post 1008548)

You got that from 4-1-D.1? :confused:

Based on a local rule, yes. Our league allows a team to bat/field nine, and you don't have to take an out at the bottom of the lineup. However, if you do that, you're locked into playing with nine for the entire game.

The crux is, you can't alter the number in the lineup after it's been established, and it's established once the lead-off spot bats a second time. That's where I'm going with this.

Sounds like you answered your OP.

Can't ask for USA rules if/when local bylaws supplant book rule(s).

Quote:

Originally Posted by bainsey (Post 1008552)

So, they can't add a "late" arrival after the 9th bats;
but can use that "late" arrival as a sub at convenience;
but you can add the tenth player (if gender ok) after the game starts, for a while. :eek:

And people struggle with DP/FLEX and pool play! :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu (Post 1008555)

Sounds like you answered your OP.

Can't ask for USA rules if/when local bylaws supplant book rule(s).

Right, I was wondering whether there's such a global rule. I guess not.

I appreciate the input, all. Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by bainsey (Post 1008552)

Then you didn't get it from 4-1-D.1, did you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bainsey (Post 1008559)

Right, I was wondering whether there's such a global rule. I guess not.

I appreciate the input, all. Thanks!

4-1-D.1 is the "global rule" (actually, USA rule), but your league is replacing it with its own rule. Therefore, your questions should be directed to your league.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chapmaja (Post 1008464)

I disagree with that statement to some extent. Local rules are made by people who understand who the majority of players PAYING to play in their league are. The majority of players playing in Recreational Leagues are not going out and playing USA Tourneys on the weekends. They are out to play for 1 or 2 nights per week. The local rules allow some flexibility to allow the games to be played and the participants to get what they PAID for, the chance to participate in the games.

Are some rules over the top stupid? Absolutely, because at some point they do start to mess with the integrity of the game, but some of the rules do exactly what the purpose of the local rule is, getting those who are paying to participate a chance to participate.

It is made very clear at our yearly league clinic. "We are in a business to attract teams. Without teams you, as umpires, don't have games to work."

In our neck of the woods, a lot of teams playing "recreational" ball (USA-sanctioned, but using local rules) during the week are teams that play USSSA tournament ball on the weekends.
So, we deal with local rules that vary from city to city (for example, one city uses "courtesy" foul with 2 strikes, others do not), rules differences between USSSA and USA, etc. And, a lot of the players want to abide by OBR and not softball rules, with lots of arguing centering on rules they "think" they know, but have no understanding of at all.
Add to this the fact that umpires do not review the city local rules, let alone actually read the USA rule book, nor do they have an understanding of game management, and this is a can of worms that explodes on a regular basis.
Thankful I don't do SP any more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Umpteenth (Post 1008582)

....
Add to this the fact that umpires do not review the city local rules, let alone actually read the USA rule book, nor do they have an understanding of game management, and this is a can of worms that explodes on a regular basis.
....

That sounds familiar....

This is exactly why a lot of us avoid "beer-cooler" ball at almost all cost!