From the NSA Rulebook:
Sec. 6 Courtesy Runner: The player in the batting order where the last out was recorded or any player not currently in the game may replace the current (the player physically playing the position when the 3rd out was recorded) pitcher or catcher as a courtesy runner at any time. The pitcher or catcher will remain in the game and the courtesy runner will retain all substitution rights (if the courtesy runner has substitution rights). A player can be used only once per inning as a courtesy runner. Should the player that made the last recorded out be on base for any reason or is the pitcher or catcher, or batting or has already been a courtesy runner in that inning; the new courtesy runner would be determined by going back previous outs to the next allowable courtesy runner or to any player not currently in the game. If in the first inning a courtesy runner is used for either the pitcher or the catcher (who are listed in the line up when the line ups are turned in) and there are no outs recorded, the courtesy runner will be the player furthest removed from the pitcher or catcher needing the courtesy runner or any player not currently in the game. PENALTY: Using the wrong courtesy runner is a violation of the illegal player rule, Refer to Rule4 Sec. 7. (Coach and Player ejection and an out)
NOTE: The pitcher or catcher may be used as a courtesy runner and a player with no substitution privileges may also be a courtesy runner as long as the player has not been ejected.
The NOTE explains the ability of a starter to be used as courtesy runner only if she has used all of her substitution rights. ?If she started and was substituted for once and she has not reentered the game, she is not eligible because she still has one re-entry left. ?So your answer is yes and no, depending on if she has any substitution rights. I do not remember seeing that part of the note last year. It might be new for 2007.
You do not have to, but I always announce to the ump if the courtesy runner is the "Last Out" or "Not in the Game". ?It lets the ump know because he is going to ask anyway. I guess I'll have to add "No substitution Rights" to the list.
I think the penalty for using the wrong courtesy runner is a little harsh because I have yet to meet the coach who intentionally puts in Speedy when they know they cannot. ?The courtesy runner did nothing wrong, she is just doing what the coach told her to do. It has always been confusion about the rule that has caused the wrong player to be used. ?I would like to just get the out.
