NFHS Softball Substitution Rule.

[Tru_in_Blu]

Originally Posted by ilyazhito

The plate umpire should bring this up at the plate meeting. "Coach, your starting lineup only has eight players". Hopefully, a spof correction can be made there before the lineups are exchange.

Well, of course. But sometimes $h!t happens, which is what the OP is about.

No need to state the obvious.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

Well, of course. But sometimes $h!t happens, which is what the OP is about.

No need to state the obvious.

Equally obvious, I would think is the fact that NFHS cannot legally start the game with 8 players. Nor can NCAA.

You've played an inning, so it isn't a forfeit; it can now only be a clerical error and an unreported player (sub) in that 9th position.

Warning in NFHS. In NCAA, if reported by the offended team at the right time, it can be a do-over after defensive play by the unreported player, or an out assessed to the unreported batter.

In USA Softball, where you CAN start shorthanded, you can also add a 9th when that person "arrives". It can be penalized as shorthanded until reported, it is simply unreported until reported if already using 9.

[Tru_in_Blu]

Equally obvious, I would think is the fact that NFHS cannot legally start the game with 8 players. Nor can NCAA.

So Steve, per the OP, the game really didn't start with 8 players, correct? We're told there were 3 subs.

Nine players took the field on defense. If the "unreported" player made a play that resulted in an out, wouldn't that have to be appealed prior to a next pitch or inning end?

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

Equally obvious, I would think is the fact that NFHS cannot legally start the game with 8 players. Nor can NCAA.

So Steve, per the OP, the game really didn't start with 8 players, correct? We're told there were 3 subs.

Nine players took the field on defense. If the "unreported" player made a play that resulted in an out, wouldn't that have to be appealed prior to a next pitch or inning end?

Under NCAA rules, that is the case. Note, I stated "it CAN be"; my presumption the offended team proceeds as required.

In my opinion, that appeal cannot happen in NFHS; reference 3-3-3. If a sub is officially in the game (although unreported) once the ball is made live after taking that position, we need to presume the unlisted starter is also officially in the game with the same stipulation. The only result of an appeal is the warning (or restrictions if a second offense) for discovery of unreported; ref 3-6-7 Penalty.