Courtesy runner appeal

[slagothar]

For ASA softball tournament:

Opposing team's pitcher reached base, team ran out a courtesy runner. The courtesy runner was a player that had started in CF, but was subsequently subbed for and on the bench. Courtesy runner was standing on first base while pitcher back in dugout. Clearly, this is an illegal substitution, and we were ready to appeal.

However, the plate umpire called the opposing coach over and informed him he did not have a legal sub available to use as a courtesy runner for the pitcher. The pitcher went back to run at first base and the game continued.

The question - did the umpire act improperly by stopping the opposing coach from making an illegal substitution? Our contention is that he should have allowed the substitution, which we would have appealed, making the base runner out and resulting in ejection (?) of opposing coach.

 

[Comp]

First off a courtesy runner is not a substitution, so you cannot have an illegal substitution in the situation you are describing. It was simply an inelligible courtesy runner. And, the umpire should never accept either an inelligable courtesy runner or an illegal substitution. Sounds like the umpire did their job correctly in informing the coach they could not use the original center fielder as a courtesy runner.

 

[slagothar]

First off a courtesy runner is not a substitution, so you cannot have an illegal substitution in the situation you are describing. It was simply an inelligible courtesy runner. And, the umpire should never accept either an inelligable courtesy runner or an illegal substitution. Sounds like the umpire did their job correctly in informing the coach they could not use the original center fielder as a courtesy runner.

Thanks for the response. Looking over the courtesy runner rules, you are right that it is not an illegal substitution, but according to 8-10-G: "If a courtesy runner fails to report or violates the courtesy runner rule they are considered an illegal runner and shall be disqualified." So, while no out results, it seems that the illegal runner should've been disqualified for the remainder of the game (which could have been important, as she was the only other pitcher on the team and came in later in the game to pitch). I still don't understand why it is the umpires job to police the substitutions / courtesy runners, as the rules seem to indicate it is incumbent on the defensive team to initiate an appeal. I could understand if the offensive coach inquires if a certain player is allowed to be the courtesy runner; in this case, it seems appropriate for the umpire to let him know.

 

[Comp]

Time was called and the coach attempted to use an ineligible courtesy runner. The umpire did their job and did not allow it. Since time was out the ineligible runner never actually participated in that function.

While it may not be written in the rule book, umpires are instructed to never allow illegal substitutions or ineligible courtesy runners. When it does happen it is because the umpire did not check their lineup card prior to allowing it.

 

[slagothar]

Thanks for the help in clarifying!