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I'm trying to determine who the courtesy runner would be in USSSA if you are only playing with a team of 9 and someone is injured? I have tried reading through the rules but I just can't come away with a clear understanding.
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Under USSSA rules, the courtesy runner must be a player not in the game.
Rule 8. Section 3B
"Players who have participated in the game in any other capacity are not entitled to serve as a courtesy runner."
So, is you only have nine players, every player much run for herself. You can not have a courtesy runner.
Some sanctions allow the last out to run - but not USSSA.
However, if a player is injured through a rule violation by the defensive team (hit by pitch, obstruction, malicious contact) then the player who had the last completed at bat (not necessarily out) can replace the injured player for on base for that inning only.
(Rule 5, Section 2.A.1)
Rule 8. Section 3B
"Players who have participated in the game in any other capacity are not entitled to serve as a courtesy runner."
So, is you only have nine players, every player much run for herself. You can not have a courtesy runner.
Some sanctions allow the last out to run - but not USSSA.
However, if a player is injured through a rule violation by the defensive team (hit by pitch, obstruction, malicious contact) then the player who had the last completed at bat (not necessarily out) can replace the injured player for on base for that inning only.
(Rule 5, Section 2.A.1)
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What if the player was sliding and twisted an ankle, what then?
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The answer to that question is in rule 6-2.
If the runner cannot continue, and no substitute is available, the runner is declared out. Her spot in the batting order is also a declared out when snever she is due to bat. Once a player leaves the game (ie: cannot run the bases or bat) she may not re-enter it.
Also, don't confuse a "courtesy runner" with a "substitute". They're two completely separate things covered by completely different rules.
If the runner cannot continue, and no substitute is available, the runner is declared out. Her spot in the batting order is also a declared out when snever she is due to bat. Once a player leaves the game (ie: cannot run the bases or bat) she may not re-enter it.
Also, don't confuse a "courtesy runner" with a "substitute". They're two completely separate things covered by completely different rules.
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I don't work USSSA games, so I'm going by their on-line rule book. I don't see that rule in there. Rule 5-2 is the run-ahead rule.
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I don't work USSSA games, so I'm going by their on-line rule book. I don't see that rule in there. Rule 5-2 is the run-ahead rule.
The 5.2.A.1 rule reference is correct in USSSA 2011 Fast Pitch Rules.
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Might want to check the "tournament" rules you are playing in. Sometimes they make exceptions for batting all girls and last out being used as courtesy runner for pitcher and catcher.
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Thanks for the clarification.
If you Google up their fastpitch rule book, you might get a link to an out of date book. I know that I did! The first link that popped up was apparently for an older rule book. Maybe that has something to do with them revamping their web site and not getting rid of all the old links yet.
In any event...that is an interesting rule and ruling, one that I believe is unique to USSSA.
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The Rule Book is definitely used for all National Events. When there is a local event such as Beavercreek, the TD may vary the rules somewhat and TDS generally post their rules.
TDs have varying philosophies on rules. I hate to win on a technicality but there are others who will use technicalities to win--especially if they are soundly being beaten. So, I am very lenient when it comes to an injury such as you described--I allow a courtesy runner, the injured player can not come back in but is not an out when their next turn at bat happens and the team has to play short in the field.
I do not at all tolerate any players who are too old to be playing in an age group--that is cheating not a techicality.
TDs have varying philosophies on rules. I hate to win on a technicality but there are others who will use technicalities to win--especially if they are soundly being beaten. So, I am very lenient when it comes to an injury such as you described--I allow a courtesy runner, the injured player can not come back in but is not an out when their next turn at bat happens and the team has to play short in the field.
I do not at all tolerate any players who are too old to be playing in an age group--that is cheating not a techicality.
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I always find it interesting that teams just have the expectation that they can always put in another runner if they don't have any subs, or not have to take an out if they're short on players. They seem to think that they should get some kind of break, even though not having enough players is their own fault.
Just remember- you are already getting a huge break by being allowed to play short-handed. It wasn't too many years ago that if you couldn't field a full team of nine players, the result was a forfeit!
Given the choice of taking an out or taking a forfeit...the automatic out doesn't sound so bad.
Just remember- you are already getting a huge break by being allowed to play short-handed. It wasn't too many years ago that if you couldn't field a full team of nine players, the result was a forfeit!
Given the choice of taking an out or taking a forfeit...the automatic out doesn't sound so bad.
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Bretman--- I agree that rules regarding number of players have really loosened up---but some of the loosening seems logical when you look at other team sports work. My rules here are that if you start with 8 players, the 9th position is an automatic out but I do allow any player showing up after the game starts to enter into the 9th position and the automatic out is not in effect. I know evryone doesn't think the way I do and the old-schoolers certainly don't like it. I know the game wasn't designed that way--but I also know the game was designed years ago. My philosophy is that the players who show up should get a chance to play--and I let them worry about their teammates who fail to live up to a commitment and you never know if it was a commitment thing or maybe an accident on the way.
