DEFO/DP/Flex explanation

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by Dakota

I disagree. "All" the evidence does not "suggest" it is complicated. As can be seen from another thread, people can make even the force out rules complicated.

There are a number of articles posted (check the handout page on Softball Umpires) that will help you (or others) understand the rule.

I agree the ASA rule book is not the best reference for understanding this rule, but once the various aspects click, it is remarkable how uncomplicated it really is.

I agree, Tom. This rule has been in the college game since '84 and in ASA since '86. It is complicated because folks try to make it complicated - it took me 2 seasons of using it before I realized just how simple the rule is. And with all the simplicity of the rule - the DP is the single most potent position in the game of softball. I found the NCAA's chart to be most useful in looking at these positions.