Page 16 - rulebook 2020

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Section 5. Players and Substitutes

USFA has adapted the following rules. The Official lineup rules
for tournament play to be used for all State, Regional and National
Play

The DP/FLEX rule has been eliminated in an effort to
simplify the game, increase playing time for teams and give
coaches flexibility and opportunities to involve more players.

5-1: Batting order shall list all players that are actually batting. A
minimum of 9 players must be listed in the batting order. (See
*NOTE for exception). There is no limit to the number of batters
that can be used in the batting order. This batting order is for
Offense. Players that are not batting will be listed on the lineup
sheet as substitute players.

5-2: For Offense:

The substitute player can be used at any given time during the
game. The original player (starter) can reenter the game at any
given time. The starter and the substitute may each reenter one.
All substitutes are tied to the player they are substituting for. Once
Batting order is established, it can only change by legal
substitution or a player being removed for injury or illness.

5-3: For Defense:

Free substitution on defense. Any 9 players listed on the lineup
sheet can play Defense. The 9 players can be in the batting order
or listed as a substitute. Defensive substitutions are not required to
be reported. Additional Defensive substitutions can be made
during a pitching conference, pitching change or due to injury or
illness.

*NOTE: Shorthanded Rule
Game can start with 8 players. An out will be recorded when the
th
missing player’s spot comes up to bat. When a 9 player arrives,
they must enter game immediately.

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