How do I handle substitutions, re-entry and courtesy runners?
Rule- USA
- NFHS
- High school softball
- High school (grades 9-12)
- Fastpitch
- NFHS rules
- 2027 season
- Umpires
Substitutions (3-2-2): a substitute may replace a player when the ball is dead. The coach reports the change to the plate umpire, who records it on the lineup card and tells the opposing head coach. Projected substitutes, entered without first removing the player from that lineup spot, aren't permitted.
Re-entry (3-2-5): a player who has been replaced may re-enter once, in the same spot in the batting order.
Unreported substitute (3-5-7): issue a team warning to the coach, and the next offender on that team is restricted to the dugout. On a second violation, the head coach is also restricted.
Illegal player (3-3): once discovered, she's restricted to the dugout for the rest of the game, and is called out if discovered on offense.
Courtesy runners (8-10): may be used for the pitcher and catcher. For 2027, the old requirement that the pitcher and catcher on the starting lineup must face the first batter before a courtesy runner can be used for them has been removed.
Number of players (3-1-1, 4-3-1): each team must start with nine players, and may use the DP/FLEX option. A team needs nine to start and at least eight to continue.
Updated 21 Oct 2026