Substitution Question

[sd72667]

Our league is U-10 Cal Ripken League. We played a team yesterday that has 4 out of the 10 good players on defense. In the 1st inning, they put 3 of them in the outfield, but then after our 1-5 batters hit, they moved them to the infield to face our "weaker" batters. Does anyone have an idea in general on substitution rules? We are allowed to change defensive positions at the start of every inning, so kids can play different places. But during an inning, unless there is a pitching change and a double switch, I do not think it is a legal maneuver. I asked our Commisioner and he did not know what the ruling is either. Any ideas?

[RodCarew]

pretty sure its legal to shift your defensive alignment in the middle of an inning.

Its pretty crappy coaching at the U10 level though.. how did the "weak" kids feel being moved around like that?

I would have a hard time looking those kids in the eyes after that move, let alone sleeping well at night.

[jbolt_2000]

Not sure if its different between Cal Ripken and Little League, but we can make any defense change we want during the inning (with exceptions to pitchers of course).

If I want to move my stud short stop to RF because I know their #4 hitter pulls the ball to that side everytime and them move him back to short for the #5 hitter, it is legal.

Is it good coaching? I don't think so. As a coach I expect my RF to understand that the #4 batter is hitting his way and better be on his toes. Is he going to make a diving catch like the SS would? Probably not, but if he gives 100% I'm fine with that. If I move him for #4 hitter then move him back for the #5, then I am telling my RF that he isnt that good and I don't trust him and most likely he won't give 100% for the rest of the game.

[songtitle]

The coach is a jerk. I have seen this done with one player, but never several.

[sd72667]

I wonder if you can use the integrity rule, or ethics rule. To protect and promote child safety, good sportsmanship and the integrity of the game. I believe it falls under bad sportsmanship.

[Ursa Major]

Hey, someone should write Cal Ripken himself and asks him what he thinks of that maneuver. Betcha he'd be tempted to rip that manager out a new one.

I've too seen crap like this but only on a single player basis -- which may be even worse. Someone ought to let the league president/hierarchy know and have 'em put a stop to it. Too many parents are like sheep and don't even realize that this is utter horsebleep.

[ralanprod]

I've written before that I like our league's rule that you can't make defensive changes unless there is an injury or a pitching change.

On top of a development issue, I see moving players around constantly to be a huge waste of time. If you have no rule to prevent it, what is there to stop a coach from changing out his catcher for the strong armed SS every time a runner gets on base?

Moving players around constantly is nothing more than a way for a weak coach to hide the fact that he can't teach his players how to field their positions.