Substitution Qstn.

quote:

Originally posted by FanForLife:
I am coaching a U12 team in Michigan & will soon be playing in a tournament governed by high school rules.

This tournament allows an extra hitter (EH) so out of a roster of 12, basically 2 aren't playing.

My question is regarding the 9 defensive players and the EH. Am I allowed to substitute amongst them (defensively) freely ? i.e. 3B & RF switch positions, but stay in their original position in the batting order.

Can the EH also be treated as a defensive player and also switch positions for an active defensive player ?

Lastly (sorry for length), normally I have to keep 1 player on the bench the entire game in case someone is hurt so he can enter for them since the others on the bench I try to substitute in 1/2 way through the game to get them some PT. Can the EH be used instead of the last bench player to enter for a hurt player & avoid forfeit a game ?

Thanks in advance.

Depends on the tournament rules, so, unfortunately, there is probably no definitive answer we can give.

I agree with Matt, every system has their take on an EH. Most do allow you to switch between defensive players and the EH freely, batting order stays the same. Using the EH to make nine is an option in most places but you really need to clarify with the tournament.

+3 with Mike and Matt..

EH is not a NFHS rule so its clear there will tourney specific rules that should cover your questions....

Ok, now I understand why I couldn't find any rules pertaining to the EH in the rulebook.

Not considering the EH, I'm still wondering about my original question about substituting among the 9 active defensive players?

Thanks

probably arent coming off as a font of answers, but in these cases its very much tourney specific...

You may place/move the fielders in the lineup in any position (3b/rf), but NFHS rules do not permit free substitution....starters have one re-entry, subs do not..

quote:

Originally posted by FanForLife:
Not considering the EH, I'm still wondering about my original question about substituting among the 9 active defensive players?

Unless there are tourney rules against it, you should be able to move your defensive players (not including the pitcher) around as much as you want. You have to remember that the defense positions are largely traditional; in actuality, you can move any person to any spot on the field you want.

As an old travel coach, let me chime in.

Most of these guys will post the rules (FED, OBR, etc) that they'll follow, with a list of exceptions on their web site. The EH rule obviously isn't part of FED, so this is one of the exceptions. Sometimes they'll allow batting 9, 10 or even the entire lineup.

They usually have exceptions for running for pitchers and catchers, modified run rules, innings limitations for pitchers, what happens if batting all players & injury occurs, etc.

Go to the web site for the tournament you're entering or call the director and ask him where the rules are. Always have a copy in the dugout, as the umpires (no offense to you all) frequently don't know what exceptions are allowed.

With all that said, the only tournament we ever played that didn't allow free substitution for all ten lineup spots was Cooperstown, where EH had to bat 10 and couldn't play defense. All others allowed EH to move in and out of defense like any other player. Look it up and have a hardcopy so you can refresh your memory.