ASA slow pitch shorthanded rule

[Dave9819]

I umpire ASA slowpitch and I have a question about the shorthanded rule and beginning a game with 9 playes instead of 10.

According to 4.1.c #3 of the ASA rules, slowpitch has 10 fielders.

In section 4.1.d, it states that a team can begin or finish a game with one less player than the required number of players to start a game. If this occurs, the vacant position is listed last in the order, and when this position comes up in the order to bat, an out is taken.

Does this mean if a team begins a game with 9 players and a 10th player never shows up, eveytime the 10th spot in the order is reached, an out is called?

I was told tonight that if you start the game with 9 players, then no out is called when the 10th player should bat - that the out is only called if you started with 10 players and one of the players gets hurt, etc. and must leave the game.

What is the correct interpretation of the shorthanded rule regarding starting a game with 9 players and playing the entire game with 9 players?

Thanks!