Courtesy Runner Rule

[default]

I should know this ... I used to know it ... sometimes I get confused between high school and travel ball ... but last night our catcher reached base in the 7th, and at that point everyone who started on the bench was either in the game or had been in and out at other spots in the order. I asked the umpire if we could use a courtesy runner and he said no. The game wasn't that close so it didn't matter a lot. Could I have used someone else (e.g., last batted out or someone who was on the bench at that point)? If a team only has 9 players to start with, can they not use courtesy runners in high school ball? I could look it up but I don't have my rule book with me today and I'll probably forget to before it happens again!

 

[default]

My understanding has been that if you are currently playing in the game or have played in the game, you can not be a courtesy runner.

 

[default]

Was told by a OHSAA ump last night that all starters can be subbed for once and then re-enter the game. Pitchers and catchers can have courtesy runners for every time that they get on base and can be the same person for each time that they get on. Different runner for pitcher or catcher. He also said that a sub can re-enter a game for another player if the starter that they had played/ran/batted for had re-entered the game. That all starters and subs could re-enter the game once each.

 

[default]

Rule 8-9
Art. 1
The team at bat may use a courtesy runner for the pitcher and/or the catcher at any time. ?The same courtesy runner may not run for the pitcher and the catcher anytime during the game.

Art. 3
Players who are currently in the game or have participated in the game in any other playing capacity are ineligible to serve as a courtesy runner.

Art. 4
A player may not be a substitute for any player in the half inning that she ran as a courtesy runner.

Art. 5
The courtesy runner is not permitted to run as a courtesy runner for the (DP), if the DP is only batting, and not playing defense for the pitcher or catcher.

Art. 6
Once the courtesy runner is designated for that half inning, the pitcher or catcher for whom she was running may not return to run while that courtesy runner is on base. ?A courtesy runner cannot run for a courtesy runner.

Art. 7
A courtesy runner must be reported to the home plate umpire. ?If a courtesy runner fails to report, she is considered to be an unreported substitute.


If you only have 9 to start with, you will not be able to use a courtesy runner. Should a player show up later, you can use them then as a courtesy runner.

 

[default]

Article 3 covers the situation for me ... the umpire was actually right!

Thanks everyone for responding ...