Submission for quote of the year, 2006

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by blu_bawls

Does the ASA or USSSA have a section in their rule books about line up cards?

ASA 4-1-A(1), which says in part,

A starting player shall be official when the line-up is inspected and approved by the plate umpire and team manager at the pre-game meeting.

ASA 7-2-A

The batting order ... must be delivered before the game by the manager or captain to the plate umpire.

ASA 7-2-B

The batting order delivered to the umpire must be followed throughout the game, unless a player is replaced by:
1. A substitute ... or
2. ... FLEX bats for DP ...

ASA 5-6-A

The manager or team representative of the team making the substitution shall notify the plate umpire at the time the substitute enters. The plate umpire shall then report the change to the scorer.

ASA 8-10-G

A courtesy runner must be reported to the plate umpire.

The aggregate of all of these makes the umpire's line-up card just a smidge more important than a mere copy. It is the original (where originally submitted by the team manager; where changes are originally made by the plate umpire). The score book is the copy. Especially in the 99% of the games that do not have an impartial official scorekeeper.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Let's add the ASA Umpire manual, which states (Pregame Ground Rules),

Check the lineups from the respective teams. Make certain each checks his lineup card including first, last name, defensive position, and number of each participant. When returned to the umpire, the lineup is official. If an extra copy is available, it should be turned over to the scorekeeper.

Following the pregame discussion with the managers, it is advisable to double check the data with the scorer .....discuss with the official scorer such matters as how YOU will be handling the appearance of pinch hitters and substitutes. This matter is particularly important because of the reentry rule, and in fast pitch games, the designated player rules.

And, finally,

The umpire is responsible for the batting order and should maintain a lineup card throughout the game.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Piggyback thought. Ever wonder why, in ITB, it is the responsibility of the umpire to advise the teams which runner starts at 2nd base. Or why, if the wrong runner is used, the runner is simply replaced without penalty??

Because the umpire has the official lineup card!!

[blu_bawls]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Piggyback thought. Ever wonder why, in ITB, it is the responsibility of the umpire to advise the teams which runner starts at 2nd base. Or why, if the wrong runner is used, the runner is simply replaced without penalty??

Because the umpire has the official lineup card!!

Actually you can do that without a lineup card. You check the official book.

Now I don't see anywhere where the expression "official" is used to describe the lineup card. The only thing I find is official book.

Please advise.