would someone be able to explain(as simply as possible)the new DP/FLEX rule as it applies to federation play. It is confusing the snot out of me!!! Appreciate anybody who might enlighten me. Thanks

Mike,
That's some question. Could you maybe clarify a bit what it is that you are confused with.

And here's a good place to start:
http://www.cactusumpires.com/

On this site, go through the powerpoint on lineup card management - at the end is a section on the DP/Flex.

Meanwhile, both Dakota & I put together some stuff that's pretty good too. You can look at that stuff on Joel Blue's site at eteamz. Here's that site:
http://www.eteamz.com/sites/GCBUmpire/
You find the stuff in his "downloads" section, I think.

Finally, since you're asking for Fed, I am going to assume that you've done Fed ball for a few years. There are only a few differences between today's DP/Flex and the old DH rules. Those differences are:
1-The role of the DH/DP is never terminated.
2-A team may go from 10 to nine players and back to 10 players any number of times during the game.
3-The offensive player and the defensive player for whom she is batting can play defense at the same time.

Let me suggest that you look at the cactus site, see the stuff at Joel's site, keep these listed differences in mind and then try to list what it is that is confusing.

in a nutshell.
 

DP is a hitter.
FLEX is a fielder for DP only.

DP may play field for any player.
If DP plays field for any player other than FLEX, the other has not left the game. If DP plays field for FLEX, then FLEX has left the game.
<I>(Yes, DP and FLEX may both field with no players removed from the game.)</I>

FLEX may bat only for DP.
If FLEX bats for DP, DP has left the game.

If DP fields for FLEX, Flex is out, but may reenter once.
If FLEX bats for DP, DP is out, but may reenter once.

mick

Can also go <A href="http://www.piaa.org/Sports/Specific/Softball/index.asp">HERE</A>to get some info on the DP/FLEX. The rule card has a table that helps explain the rule.

Thanks, Duke. Glad to see that was helpful. I helped with that site's info too.

I wondered about that. I see you are from PA.
I incorporated some of it into Emily's powerpoint presentation.

I do have a question regarding the FLEX rule. When the DP plays defense for a person other than the FLEX, what happens to the person they are playing defense for?

A follow up... if the person that they play defense for is the new DP, then if I want to bat the FLEX, where do they go? Do they bat for the original DP or the new DP? Does the defense change affect the offense at all? Probably not... but just wanted to make sure. Thanks.

Mick

Your explanation is probably one of the better ones I've seen (I wasn't confused one bit ;) ).

I'm likely going to keep this with all my softball materials this year.

Thanks for the heLP :D

The DP will always bat in the DP starting position in the batting order. This is a given, and shall not vary, regardless for whom the DP may take the field. If the FLEX bats at all, the Flex will bat only in the starting position of the starting DP.
You are correct, the Defense of the DP and Flex has no affect on the batting order.

mick

no praw. ;)

Thanks, Mick. Just wanted to ease my concerns...

Re: in a nutshell.
 

Re: Re: in a nutshell.
 

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Mighty fine company.
Thanks, Glen. ;)
mick