Lineup Rules

Question
Can you tell me the difference between a continuous batting order (which I understand) and a "rule book batting order"  How does a rule book batting order work. please explain with and without a DH.  Can I chaneg the person who is the DH after the game has started?

Thanks

Answer
Hello Carol

Many intramural leagues have free substitutions and the teams are allowed to bat the line-up. Basically this means if you have 11 players they would all bat (they must stay in the same batting order) and you can freely sub players in and out for the 9 players on the field.

By the rule book you can only have 9 starters (unless you have a DP - see below) in the batting order and these nine also play defense. If you have 11 players the other 2 must be listed on the line up card as subs. If you sub a player they have to be reported. A sub will take the place of the one of the starters and replaces them in the batting order however you can freely move around any of the 9 players in the defensive positions. A starter can be reentered one time replacing the sub.   

I explain the DP/ Flex rule at this post:
http://experts.about.com/q/Softball-2562/Pinch-Hitter-Pinch-Runner-1.htm