by JEL » Thu May 15, 2008 3:01 pm
Well to point you in the right direction I would say, "the rule book?"
Without getting into the DP/FLEX option which you should learn, here are the basics.
When line-ups are given to the umpire, 9 players are listed as the "starting players." They are now "in the game." The remainder are listed as "subs" and are not in the game. These 9 players can play any position on the field, but must stay "in order" in the batting lie-up. All players have one right to "re-entry."
At any time during the game the coach can enter a sub for any of the 9 and the sub is now in the game, but the starting player leaves (sub will bat in the starters spot in the batting order). The starter may return, but she MUST bat again in her original spot. The sub will have left the game. At this point, the starter has used her re-entry, she may again be replaced by the original sub, or another sub who has not yet been used. Once she comes out of the game a second time, she can not re-enter, her day is done. The sub(s) who are entered for any starter MUST take that players spot in the batting order, and if they re-enter (once only) they must do so in that spot. If that sub is then removed she has used up her re-entry and is finished for the game also. A sub can sub for a sub (just think that one out), but must occupy the batting spot where they were subbed. Once a sub is entered into say the fourth batting spot, she is locked into that spot and must return only there if a return is desired.
As I said above, there is also a DP/FlEX option which allows 10 players in the game, but only 9 will bat. There is also a "courtesy runners" option and these are done by l;egal subs who have not ever been in the game.
It really is simple, but you need to get ahold of a rule book