DP/FLEX RULE ADOPTED DP/FLEX RULE ADOPTED
(3-3-6) (3-3-6)
Designated Player (DP)/FLEX Rule A DP does not have to be used.
replaces DH Rule. If used it must be noted on the starting
DP/FLEX Rule allows for more lineup.
participation and flexibility in the game. A team using the DP starts the game
Gives coaches more options: with 10, but could end with nine or 10.
not to use the DP/FLEX at all, Practical application and sample
use it to the same extent as the DH was used, or exercises to follow.
use the DP/FLEX option to its fullest extent.
THE LINEUP CARD THE LINEUP CARD
The DP is the offensive
player and must remain If replaced by a substitute, the DP
in same batting position position remains in the lineup.
for entire game. A starting or substitute DP may re-
The name of player for enter one time, as long as the DP
whom the DP is batting returns to the original position in the
(FLEX) will be placed batting order.
in the No.10 position in
lineup.
SUBSTITUTING FOR THE DP SUBSTITUTING FOR THE DP
The DP may be replaced by: Baker pinch-
Pinch-runner runs for Cooper
Pinch-hitter Cooper has left the
FLEX game and has a re-
In all cases, the DP has left the entry remaining
game, with one re-entry permitted.
Baker is now the DP
1
THE FLEX MAY PLAY OFFENSE THE DP RE-ENTERS
If the FLEX bats or The DP (Cooper) re-
runs for the DP, the enters to bat or run
DP leaves the game The FLEX (Brown):
Returns to the No. 10
The FLEX (Brown) is position
now batting in the
No. 7 position Plays defense only
Has never left the
Lineup down to nine game
THE DP MAY PLAY DEFENSE
THE DP MAY PLAY DEFENSE
FOR THE FLEX
Cooper goes in to The DP may also play defense at
pitch any position.
Brown has left the If the DP plays defense for a player
game other than the FLEX, that player still
bats and has not left the game.
Lineup down to nine
Brown may re-enter
THE DP MAY PLAY DEFENSE ILLEGAL SUBSTITUTION
Cooper plays second
base and still bats No. 7 The FLEX may not go into one of the
first nine positions for someone other
Able no longer plays than the DP.
defense but still bats
An illegal substitution results.
No. 2
Able has not left the
game
2
KEY POINTS EASY REMINDERS
The DP can never be on defense only.
The role of the DP/FLEX is never
terminated. The FLEX can never be on offense
only.
A team may go from 10 to nine
players and back to 10 any number of The DP and the FLEX can never be
times during the game. on offense at the same time.
The game may end with 10 or nine The DP and the FLEX can play
players. defense at the same time.
SAMPLE LINEUP CARD
DP/FLEX RULE All samples
will use this
SAMPLE lineup card
and progress
EXERCISES through a
series of
substitutions.
SAMPLE EXERCISE #1 SAMPLE EXCERCISE #1
• “Jones" (DP) bats and gets on
base safely. Green
• The offensive coach asks for (FLEX)
time for a change. running for
• “Green will run for Jones." Jones (DP)
3
SAMPLE EXERCISE #1 SAMPLE EXCERCISE #2
• Two innings later, Green singles
Note – to left.
• Jones has left the game. • The offensive coach asks for
time to make a change.
• "Smith running for Green and
Green will still be playing right
field.”
SAMPLE EXCERCISE #2 SAMPLE EXERCISE #2
Smith (sub) Note –
running for • Smith enters the game for the
Green (FLEX)
first time and is the new DP.
Green • Green (FLEX) has NOT left
remains in the game – back to defense
game playing only.
right field only
SAMPLE EXCERCISE #3 SAMPLE EXCERCISE #3
• In the 4th inning, the offensive
coach asks for time to make Jones (DP)
another change. re-enters
• “Jones to re-enter and bat for for Smith
Smith.”
4
SAMPLE EXERCISE #3 SAMPLE EXCERCISE #4
Note – • In the next half inning, the
• Jones has used her re-entry. defensive coach asks for time to
• Smith has left the game and make another change.
has a re-entry remaining. • “Jones (DP) will play defense in
center field for Thomas.”
SAMPLE EXCERCISE #4 SAMPLE EXERCISE #4
Jones (DP) Note –
to play • Jones the DP is now playing
defense in offense and defense.
center field • Thomas still bats in the 3rd
for Thomas position in the lineup and is
playing offense only.
SAMPLE EXCERCISE #5 SAMPLE EXCERCISE #5
• An inning later, the defensive Jones (DP) to
coach asks for time to make play defense in
another change. right field for
• “Jones will move to right field Green (FLEX)
and play defense for Green; Thomas goes
Thomas will go back to center back to center
field.” field
5
SAMPLE EXERCISE #5
Note –
• Jones (DP) is still playing
offense and defense.
• Green (FLEX) has left the
game since she is not playing
defense (still has a re-entry
remaining).
