problem with NFHS question #62

[shipwreck]

Here is the question with what I believe to be the correct answer, but am getting arguments from numerous umpire colleagues.

62. All the following are true regarding the FLEX player, except;
a. The FLEX is listed in the 10th position in the lineup.
b. The FLEX may be substituted for by the DP playing defense.
c. The FLEX may bat anywhere in one of the nine positions of the batting
order.
d. The FLEX may be replaced by a legal substitute at any time.
e. When the FLEX is substituted for, the team is down to nine players.

I answered e, but many around me say c is also a correct answer. I wholeheartedly disagree with them. Even the higher up person said there are two correct answers, c and e.

Is this question poorly worded for them or am I missing something? I say the Flex may bat anywhere in one of the nine positions of the batting order.( As long as the DP is listed there)

Any help here? Thanks, Dave

[txump81]

I think e also. However, I can see c and e as the Flex can't bat anywhere in one of the nine positions of the batting order. She MUST bat in the DP's spot. The question is poorly worded. Imagine that.

[RadioBlue]

The answer has to be "e". While I agree the wording isn't the best, think of it this way. In a game, can the FLEX bat in any of the 9 positions? No, they can only bat in one: the spot where the DP is batting in the lineup. So, for a particular game, the FLEX has only ONE spot in the lineup in which she can bat.

[CecilOne]

It's just the phrasing.
The "anywhere" in "anywhere in one of the nine positions" means
as long as it is one of the nine positions, either batter box can be used.

[JEL]

"e" would only be correct if the FLEX was substitued for using the DP.

Any other legal sub can be entered in the FLEX spot.


"c" however is incorrect on at least two points. The FLEX never bats. She may sub in for the DP but then she is no longer the FLEX. Also, there would only be one spot in the batting order she could enter, not "anywhere."

[bbsbvb83]

Originally Posted by JEL

The FLEX never bats. She may sub in for the DP but then she is no longer the FLEX.

I disagree with this. The FLEX may play offense for the DP, but that does not mean she is the new DP... she is still the FLEX.

From 3-3-6d:

The DP may be substituted for at any time by a legal substitute or the FLEX may play offense for the DP. In either case, the DP will leave the game. If replaced by a substitute, the DP position remains in the lineup.

[RadioBlue]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

It's just the phrasing.
The "anywhere" in "anywhere in one of the nine positions" means
as long as it is one of the nine positions, either batter box can be used.

Yeah ... but only one she can use is the one in which she is currently standing.

[Tru_in_Blu]

I have as correct answers: a, b, d

Answer "e" is correct w/ the caveat that the DP was the person who was the substitute, as mentioned previously.

"Correct" meaning it's true of the Flex. Not to pick an answer to the question.