DP/Flex Rule and substituting question

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Nov 16, 2015
184
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Here is the scenario from last night and i just want to make sure I understand this correctly.

Player 1 starts game as DP, singles and the sub in the flex #6 to run. Go back through the order and 1 re-enters and hits. Gets on base and this time she runs. Get through the order and they sub in 21 in that spot to hit. So 21 hits for 1 and plays the field. Later we sub 1 back in as the flex so she can pitch.

One of the dads asked the coach how was this legal and he said since she became the flex she can re-enter.

i saw it as she was subbed out of the game twice and re-entered twice.

I am hoping someone smarter than me can enlighten me on this
 
Jun 22, 2008
3,731
113
Your coach apparently thinks that he can switch the dp and flex positions back and forth. In other words, when he entered #6 the flex to run for #1 the DP he believed he was just swapping their positions. This would be incorrect.

When #6 flex ran for #1 DP, #1 has left the game and must use a re-entry to come back into the game. The lineup dropped from 10 players to 9. When #1 re-entered into the DP position she has used her re-entry and the lineup returned to 10 players and #6 returned to being the flex. When #21 entered and batted for #1, #1 is now done for the game and can no longer play so the rest of the game so there is no way she can be re-entered to pitch. Also, the dp and flex may never "swap" positions. One may play for the other, but if they do the other player has left the game and must be re-entered to return to the game.
 
May 17, 2012
2,804
113
You can only re-enter once. Illegal.

You can't re-enter #1 to pitch as the flex in your scenario. Once #21 is substituted in for #1 she is done for the game.
 
Nov 16, 2015
184
18
Comp, I still want you on speed dial.

Thanks Gentlemen. there are 2 of us that understand how this rule works. When #1 went to the bullpen, the other guy saw it and mentioned it to me right away. We were discussing any possible way that she could come back in and couldnt think of a scenario where she could. It was a lengthy discussion between head coach and assistant coach with the umpire to get her back in.
 
Nov 16, 2015
184
18
I just want to take this 1 step farther. #1 subs into the game as the pitcher. throws a pitch and that time the opposing coach catches on. What is the ruling on that?
 
Sep 14, 2011
768
18
Glendale, AZ
I just want to take this 1 step farther. #1 subs into the game as the pitcher. throws a pitch and that time the opposing coach catches on. What is the ruling on that?

The applicable rule in USA SB is 6-4-E and F referencing an illegal player that has come back into the after being removed twice.

The illegal player must be appealed by the offended team after a pitch or play has been made. The illegal player is disqualified and must be replaced by either a legal substitute or a player with a legal re-entry.
 
Jun 22, 2008
3,731
113
Comp, I still want you on speed dial.

Thanks Gentlemen. there are 2 of us that understand how this rule works. When #1 went to the bullpen, the other guy saw it and mentioned it to me right away. We were discussing any possible way that she could come back in and couldnt think of a scenario where she could. It was a lengthy discussion between head coach and assistant coach with the umpire to get her back in.

It should have been a real short discussion with the answer being NO!
 

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