Section 4: Players/Officials
Team and Lineup
- Each team plays nine defensive players: pitcher, catcher, four infielders (first, second, third base, and shortstop), and three outfielders (left, center, right).
- The batting order lists the players who will bat; it must be followed in order through the game.
The Designated Player / Flex (DP/Flex)
- The NCAA permits a Designated Player (DP) who bats for a defensive player known as the Flex. The DP occupies a spot in the batting order; the Flex plays defense and does not bat (unless entered into the DP's batting spot).
- The DP and Flex give coaches flexibility to separate offensive and defensive roles, with specific rules governing when each may enter, leave, and re-enter.
Substitutions and Re-Entry
- Substitutes enter by being reported to the plate umpire.
- Starter re-entry: A starting player who is substituted for may re-enter the game once, but must return to the same spot in the batting order.
- A substitute (non-starter) who leaves the game may not return.
- Pinch hitters and pinch runners are substitutions and are governed by the same re-entry rules.
Officials
- Umpires: Games are worked by an umpire crew — a plate umpire plus one to three base umpires (two-, three-, or four-umpire crews). The plate umpire calls balls and strikes and has general charge of the game; base umpires rule on plays on the bases and in the outfield.
- Official scorer: Keeps the official record of the game — runs, hits, errors, and the line score.
- Head coach: Responsible for the conduct of the team and is the point of contact with the umpires for lineup changes, conferences, and appeals.