Substitutions?

[kwiggie]

History: I spent the last 4 yrs. as a BU in a men's league, so substitutions were not much of a concern to me. I have moved into a PU role this year at the youthHSMen's league level... and love it! One aspect of the game still confuses me however, as a player I never really worried about substitutions but as an Ump-Chief I need to get my "stuff" straight since I am often paired off with plain clothed locals. Could anyone help me by giving me a "lay-mans" explination of the basic substitution rules that are used by the NFHS. I do read the case book (which is mind boggling at times) and I got to believe that their are a few "basic rules" to apply when dealing with D.H.'s, Substitutions, and 2bl Switches.When it comes to learning the game as an Ump I have no pride! I just want to get things right.

[therefump]

History: I spent the last 4 yrs. as a BU in a men's league, so substitutions were not much of a concern to me. I have moved into a PU role this year at the youthHSMen's league level... and love it! One aspect of the game still confuses me however, as a player I never really worried about substitutions but as an Ump-Chief I need to get my "stuff" straight since I am often paired off with plain clothed locals. Could anyone help me by giving me a "lay-mans" explination of the basic substitution rules that are used by the NFHS. I do read the case book (which is mind boggling at times) and I got to believe that their are a few "basic rules" to apply when dealing with D.H.'s, Substitutions, and 2bl Switches.When it comes to learning the game as an Ump I have no pride! I just want to get things right.

There are more people on me knowledgeable about FED rules. However, here's some things I've picked up over the years.

1) Courtesy runner anytime for pitcher or catcher

1a) BE CAREFUL. Courtesy runner cannot be "currently" in the game.

2) Scrounge around the casebook. There's a situation where the pitcher can sub for himself (DH)

Practical Pointers:

1) Get a good umpire pad. The bigger the better (within reason). I still have an original "Hoenig's and it's too small but it's sentimental. Coaches are printing lineups (at least here) using 8.5x11 paper. It sucks.

2) Double check for numbers on lineup cards / paper:nod:

This is a start. Watch the posts. You'll get all the answers.

[UmpJM]

kwiggie,

The basic NFHS substitution rules are as follows:

1. Any "starter" (a player listed in the starting lineup) may leave and re-enter the game one time.

2. Any "substitute" (a player not listed in the starting lineup who enters the game in any capacity other then "courtesy runner") may not re-enter the game after being replaced.

3. Each team has the independent option of using a "Designated Hitter". The DH must be listed in the starting lineup and may bat for any defensive player listed in the starting lineup.

Both the DH and the defensive player for whom he is batting are "starters" and have re-entry privileges. Should the DH play defense or the player for whom he is batting enter on offense (as either a batter or substitute runner), the "role" of the DH is terminated, but this does not affect the re-entry privilege of either starter. Both the DH and the player for whom he is batting are "locked" into the same spot in the batting order for the duration of the game.

4. By state adoption, a "courtesy runner" may be used for the pitcher and or catcher any time either reaches base. The CR must be a player who has not yet participated in the game in any other capacity, and the same player cannot be a CR for both the pitcher and catcher for the duration of the game. The use of a CR has no affect on the entry/re-entry privileges of the F1, F2, or CR.

That covers the basics.

JM

[mstaylor]

Remember in NFHS you can not change the batting order. In other words the DH and the one being DHed for can not be in the line-up at the same time, nor can a sub and the person he replaced. There is at least one youth system that allows the order to be changed, not so in your case.

The other next question should be how to keep a good line-up card. That should be a seperate discussion. There may even be an old thread about that if I remember correctly.

[noumpere]

History: I spent the last 4 yrs. as a BU in a men's league,

What kind of league has BUs separate from PUs? That makes no sense to me.

I think you're making this too difficult --

1) We don't care where they play on defense (except F1 and F2).

2) Someone goes into a batting slot, the person previously there must go out.

3) Starters can return once; subs can't return.

4) DH can hit for anyone (not just F1); the DH and the DEFO can not both be in the game at the same time.

[PeteBooth]

History: I spent the last 4 yrs. as a BU in a men's league, so substitutions were not much of a concern to me. I have moved into a PU role this year at the youthHSMen's league level... and love it!

JM has given you a good list but from my experience when doing youth leagues, many have adopted CBO in which case you can have free substitutions. They also have a speed-up rule for F1/F2 meaning the last batted out (since all players are currently used ) can run for F1/F2.

In tournaments sometimes it's mandatory.

In the modified division of HS they also have what they call an EH - Extra hitter in the line-up so you have to be careful there.

The important thing is that in most leagues the batting order cannot change.

Also, F1 can move to another position and then pitch again.

VERY VERY IMPORTANT. - DO NOT accept PROJECTED Substitutions. This is more prevelant in LL where they have the SPR rule but it does happen from time to time and you need to be alert.

If there is NO DH when you receive the line-ups, DH Done for that game or DH goes and plays defense - roll of DH terminated.

Pete Booth

[kwiggie]

Thank you very much guys, this information is helpful and "timely".

[BT_Blue]

If there is NO DH when you receive the line-ups, DH Done for that game or DH goes and plays defense - roll of DH terminated.

Is anyone else glad he didnt ask about the NCAA dh rule? Oh man, what a headache.

Also not all leagues or states allow the EH. they have it for softball, I believe, but here in CA we dont use it for baseball.

He is how I enter, exit, and re-enter players.

If someone comes in for a starter I will put a single line through the starter's name. I will then write the name, number and inning of the player that is being subbed in. I will then put an X through his name if it is listed in the subs (my understanding for FED is that they do not need to be listed).

Then one of two things will happen.

If the sub is subbed for I will put another X through the sub's name and write in the new sub doing the same as before if he is listed below (that is putting an X through his name).

OR

If they re-enter the starter I will put an X through the sub's name on the line up (he is now done for the game and ineligible to return) and circle the starters name.

If they sub for the same starter again, and X goes through his name and the new sub is written in just like the first.

Something else that was not mentioned. When a sub is given to you. It is ok to ask if this is what the coach wants to do and confirm it with him. Also take your time to write it in. Dont say you will do it later cause you most likely will forget and now something happens like BOO and you have problems cause you didnt write it in.

[noumpere]

(my understanding for FED is that they do not need to be listed).

They don't need to be listed under OBR or NCAA either. Local leagues (and maybe some of the various youth codes) might have that requirement.

[BT_Blue]

They don't need to be listed under OBR or NCAA either. Local leagues (and maybe some of the various youth codes) might have that requirement.

agreed but since we were talking about FED here I just stuck with that.

What I really hate is when I get handed a line up and the subs are listed in the right column in the lineup right where I write in my subs... and of course the spot they write in these bench jockeys is right in the spot where they actually sub the people in and its not the kid they wrote into the right hand column.:banghead::WTF

[therefump]

Have I mentioned that I HATE the DH............

[mstaylor]

When I manage a line-up and they have the subs written down I do it one of two ways. If they list the uni number I use that, if not I assign a number to each name. When the manager gives me a change, I write the appropriate number next to the starter and put a line through the sub's name. If the starter re-enters or another sub comes in then I cross through the old sub's number. If the starter comes back in and then is subbed for again then I cross through his name to show he is done.

[BT_Blue]

Have I mentioned that I HATE the DH............

Just be glad we arent talking about the NCAA dh rule. Its so bad that there is an entire section of the rule book dedicated to it. Also there is a full power point presentation on it and Honigs has a laminated condensed version of what is in the rule book for you to take with you on the field.

Lets put it this way:

The pitcher can also be the DH

The pitcher can be DHed for

The pitcher can become the DH and hit for the next pitcher

There are others but thats just the gist of it. Not to mention that the lineups can go back and forth through out the game from a 10 man lineup (pitcher being DHed for) to a 9 man lineup (pitcher also as DH or hitting for himself) back to a 10 man lineup and then back again... Talk about a head ache!

:rantoff:

Edited June 11, 2009 by BT_Blue

[mstaylor]

I'm actually getting a handle on the NCAA DH rule. That's kind of scary.

[BT_Blue]

I'm actually getting a handle on the NCAA DH rule. That's kind of scary.

I thought I did... that was until I took the NCAA test this past year and now Im not quite sure.