Clipboard Rules - 2026 - Softball-3

Training Legends Pitcher Re-Entry Rules

  • Starters: Any starting player, including the pitcher, may leave the game and re-enter one time in their original batting position. 
  • Substitutes: Any substitute player who is removed from the game may not re-enter. 
  • Position Switching: A STARTING Pitcher ONLY may be moved to another defensive position and later return to pitch during the same game. 
  • Limitations: A STARTING pitcher may leave and return to the mound provided the return does not violate defensive conference limits or any applicable pitching restrictions. 
  • Illegal Return: If a pitcher is removed due to injury and the replacement pitcher requires more than the permitted warm-up pitches, the injured pitcher may not return to the game as a pitcher.
  •  Re-Entry: Starters may re-enter the game one time, provided they return to their original spot in the batting order.
  • Reporting: All substitutions must be immediately reported to the plate umpire. Unreported substitutes may result in penalties, though play stands.
  • Lineup Flexibility: Teams may bat as many players as they want in both pool and bracket play.
  • Open Defensive Substitution: Any rostered player may play in the field without being reported, except for the pitcher and catcher positions.
  • Courtesy Runners: A courtesy runner for the pitcher or catcher of record may be used. If not using a player not currently in the lineup, it must be the last batted out.
  • Injury/Short-Handed: If no substitute is available, a team may play with 8 players, taking an out for the missing 9th player.
  • Returning Pitcher: A STARTING pitcher may be removed from the pitching position and returned to the pitching position ONLY NOT in the same inning.
  • Starting Pitcher: If a starting pitcher is replaced before the first opposing batter has been put out or advanced to first base, they may play another position but cannot return to pitch.
  • Warm-ups: New pitchers are generally allowed up to 5 warm-up pitches (or 1 minute).
  • Illegal Action: If a pitcher holds the ball for more than 5 seconds with the batter in the box, the umpire will call a dead ball and award a ball to the batter.