Bingo! USSSA FP Playing Rules...
Rule 5, Sec 2. PLAYING SHORT is an exception to Rule 5.1 above . A team shall be allowed to play with one batting position unfilled. The batting position the team cannot fill shall be designated as the absent player. When the absent player is scheduled to bat, an out shall be declared for each turn at bat. A team may play short under the following circumstances:
A. A team may continue a game with one less player than is currently in the batting order whenever a player leaves the game for any reason other than ejection and no substitutes are available.
1. If the player leaving the game is the batter or a runner, they shall be declared out. Exception: If the player is injured, the player may be replaced by the player not currently on base who had the last completed time at bat. This exception does not apply to any future time at bat.
2. The players who have left the game cannot return to the lineup.
Exception: a player, who has left the game under the blood rule, may return.
B. A team may begin the game with eight (8) players in a 9 player lineup. The absent player shall be listed in the ninth (9th) batting position and the team will be required to take an automatic out in the ninth position in the batting order. under no circumstances shall a team be allowed to have less than eight (8) players in the batting order.
C. The team may not play short if there is an eligible substitute available. If an eligible player arrives, they must enter the game immediately.
