DP/Flex

[mxzjaz]

This happened in HS game the other night. Brought it to umpires attention, but nobody seemed to want to make a ruling on it and did not affect the outcome of the game. Need opinion on this. I think it was totally done the wrong way.
- official lineup card was given to umpire with a DP/Flex listed. #7 batter, the DP also had postion 3 listed next to her name. When I questioned this, I was informed that the Flex will be leaving the order after the official score card has been collected by the umpires. Ive always been under the impression the flex can only go away when she goes into the slot for the DP, not just taken out of the lineup. What's your opinion?
- later in game, they bring this "flex" that started the game on the official lineup card in as a sub batting for #9 batter. I protested again, basically saying this was an illegal substitution. Agree? Opinion?

 

[BretMan2]

1) This is a legal move, but if I was taking their line-up cards at home plate, I would make them clean this up a little bit.

Starting out, there should be no position listed for the DP. Actually, DP is her position, same as left field, shortstop, or catcher are positions. So I would clarify that with the coach first.

The FLEX player could be listed as F3.

If they want to make this switch, I would have them hold off until the line-up cards have been officially verified and accepted. Then they could tell me that they want the DP to play defense for the FLEX. At that point the FLEX would have left the game (you now have nine players in the line-up). The FLEX can use a re-entry to come back in at any point. But...

2) If the FLEX does re-enter, she can only re-enter into the FLEX or the DP position. So, as you thought, subbing this player into the #9 spot of the batting order would indeed be an illegal substitution.