Tournament Substitution Rules

[Ivy's Dad]

My DD just joined a travel team, so we'll be learning the whole tournament thing. What are the rules at tournaments for substitution? In Little League, the starter can come out and then return once. The substitute who replaced the starter can not return once they come out. Is it similar, or is it similar to MLB where once a person comes out they can not return. Thanks for helping a new travel team parent figure this out.

 

[jacketsfan]

It's the same as above, with a few exceptions. Most organizations allow you to put more than 9 players in the lineup. Some allow 11, with free substitution of those 11, some allow 10, with an extra "base bandit" who is a pinch-runner only (for anyone in the lineup), ASA uses 9 plus a flex, which is essentially a defensive only player, which allows you have to a DH.

Anyone not in the batting order uses the rules like you outlined. Anyone in the batting order can change every pitch if you want.

Forgot one thing, just because you are allowed 11, doesn't mean all coaches will bat 11. Some will only bat 9, and then all substitutes follow the rule.

 

[MTR]

ASA allows every participant one re-entry.

However, since you are asking about "tournament" rules, you would have to check with the tournament folks since they can adjust the rules in any manner they wish.

 

[shockcoach]

In the invitationals most allow the teams to bat then entire roster (continuous order). If a team does this, they have free substitution for everyone. Once the state and regional tournaments start in June and July you are by the book. As was said, ASA has a dp/flex rule similar, but not the same as a designated hitter. NSA allows two EP's (extra players) where you can bat up to 11 players and they can play defense anywhere and change and anytime with no rules for substitution.

You have to read each sanctions rules that you play to get the exact ruling. And as said, a coach can always choose to bat 9 and sub in per the rulebook. However, if they know the rules well, it can be an advantage to your team to play to their strengths.

Good luck

 

[rowdy]

Please don't suggest that the coaches actually learn the rules. What would the game become with such behavior??