Reporting when DP plays the field?

CoachJD · Apr 30, 2018

NFHS rules: Does a team have to report when the DP goes into the field, NOT for the Flex.

Situation: DP is my #2 pitcher. Starting pitcher was hitting (the Flex was the SS). After 2 innings, I put in the #2 pitcher. The 2B is the one who didn't play defense. The Flex remained in the game.

I assumed this was akin to just moving people around the field on defense (say switching the CF and LF or something), so I didn't report it. Two innings later, the #2 pitcher started to struggle, so I put everything back to how it was at the beginning. Nobody left the game. No subs were used. The HP umpire told me I should have reported when the DP entered on defense.

Was he correct? I know I handled the DP/Flex properly, but if I'm supposed to report that, I want to make sure I do.

Strike2 · Apr 30, 2018

Most umpires I've encountered in travel ball don't care about defensive changes that don't impact the batting lineup. However, HS seems to be more particular about details. Although I don't think it's strictly required in any rule set, I'd ask the umpire about it before the game if I was going use DP/Flex.

reagansdaddy · May 1, 2018

I always error on the side of reporting when the DP is coming in on defense. Some umps don't care and some do. As a scorekeeper, I appreciate it so that I know who is playing where in the field.

GunnerShotgun · May 1, 2018

My first thought is that you don't have to report that particular pitching change. The only impact would be if you were playing with courtesy runners and the umpire needed to track the eligible pitcher.

Comp · May 1, 2018

I believe somewhere in the NFHS rule book it does mention something about the umpire should be notified when the DP is playing defense, but as you have said it is basically a defensive position change which has no requirement to be reported. BUT, I will say if you are changing your pitcher you should notify the umpire because if you don't your pitcher will not be eligible for a courtesy runner if the umpire hasn't recognized they have been changed.

CoachJD · May 1, 2018

Thanks, all. For what it's worth, there was no confusion about the pitching change itself. Our pitchers look and pitch very differently. I actually used a courtesy runner for the second pitcher with no issue. The HP umpire just didn't realize it was the DP who came in.

I will report it from now on just to avoid any confusion.

Ajaywill · May 1, 2018

NCAA rules require that all defensive position changes be reported, but no other rule set does to the best of my knowledge.

For HS and USA ball, I ask coaches at the pre-game to let me know if they change the pitcher or catcher so I can keep track if they want to use a courtesy runner later.

Reporting when DP plays the field?

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