EP, DP, FLEX points

[teebob21]

Originally Posted by Cecil4

Does "batting order" exclude the FLEX, a non-batter?

Yes. The USA Softball definition of "batting order" is the official listing of offensive players in the order in which they bat. (USA Rule 1).

While the letter of the law is unclear now, the original intent remains. In the original DP/FLEX rule, the Flex is listed last on the lineup (10th). The Flex must play defense at all times to remain in the game, and any other 8 of the 9 in the batting order fill the rest of the defensive positions. The Flex can bat for the DP only, in the spot in the order where the DP was listed at pregame.

Now that an EP is sanctioned, if and EP is used, the Flex is still listed last on the lineup (11th). The Flex must play defense at all times to remain in the game, and any 8 of the 10 in the batting order fill the rest of the defensive positions. The Flex can bat for the DP.

4.4.F refers to the fact that the Flex can be subbed for: any legal substitute or the DP. The EP is not a legal substitute; she is a starter.