Here was another issue we had with the umpire in chief of SPA on a substitute runner - Batter hits a single and time was called for substitute runner. The base coach had stepped on the bag when congratulating the batter. There was time out and no jersey numbers were exchanged for the sub runner. The UIC called the batter out as two players (other than batter) has touched the bag. Never had I ever seen this in the 20+ yrs of playing senior softball. I am curious as to what you think! Did all of this roll over for a bad weekend for our team, YES! thank you....

cat.. I don't know if SPA rules are different than SSUSA rules and this is a SSUSA site... but in SSUSA A courtesy runner must report to, and be acknowledged by the umpire before play resumes ... reporting to the umpire should be with a name or number not just yelling out.. blue CR.. if I did not hear a name or number I would not be able to acknowledge the runner and would call the Mgr. over and explain to him he proper way of putting in a CR or sub ... if I was doing this game I would not consider the base coach as the CR for congratulating the batter


8.5(5) • COURTESY RUNNER OFFICIALLY IN THE GAME
A courtesy runner must report to, and be acknowledged by the umpire before play resumes. A courtesy runner may enter the game only prior to the first pitch to any batter. A courtesy runner is in the game when he touches
the base. If a courtesy runner is determined illegal, he will be called out upon touching the base and no other courtesy runner is allowed.

Thanks for the comments. I felt it was a "tacky" call and power move on his behalf, to say the least. I always felt that the game should be won on the field of play and an issue of this had NO bearing on the game or outcome.

see my post from a few weeks ago in the syracuse tournamnent in SSUSA....it stills irks me

something that unnecessary can change the entire tempo of the game. If no harm, play the game and let it be won between the lines, eh?