A. A courtesy runner may be used after a batter has safely reached, or is awarded, first base – at the request of the batter turned runner, not the manager. The batter is allowed to remain in the game. The batter who wants a courtesy runner must advise the umpire every time he comes to the plate. This must be done prior to the first legal pitch to the batter. If not done then, a courtesy runner cannot be used until the next batter has completed his at bat.

B. Teams in the Red, White, and Gold and Gray Divisions will be allowed three (3) courtesy runners per offensive team per inning. Blue Division teams will be allowed four (4) courtesy runners per inning. An individual may only be a courtesy runner once each inning.

Exception: If a team in an “open inning” bats through its entire order, the three (3) courtesy runners can be reapplied.

Example: The 5th batter in the order leads off the “open inning” and comes up again in the same inning. At that point the “three courtesy runners per inning” starts over for that inning. This is true for any “last” or extra innings.

C. In the event the courtesy runner on base is scheduled to bat, an automatic out will be declared. The runner is out at the base he reached, and he may take his turn at bat, unless it creates the third out.

D. A courtesy runner may not be replaced with another courtesy runner except for an injury causing the permanent removal of the original courtesy runner from the game.

E. Any runner must hold his base or his “safety option” (explained in “Exception” below) until the batter contacts the ball. Runners should not be called out if a batter swings and misses. Runners should return promptly to their base when required.

EXCEPTION: There is an optional safety rule that can be used by runners on first or third base. They do not have to be on the base. They can go as far into foul territory as they want if they are even with their base and at a right angle to the foul line. BUT they cannot advance to second base or home plate without first retouching their base. Once the runner establishes his position in foul territory he cannot advance to the next base until the ball is hit. If he leaves early, he will be called out.

(Runners need to remember to “retouch” when a line drive or fly ball is involved. They can be “doubled up” prior to “retouch”)

F. A runner must make every effort to avoid colliding with opposing players while running the bases. If, in the umpire’s judgment, a runner misses a base or overruns 2B or 3B to avoid a collision with a defensive player, the runner will not be called out. (See SSUSA Rule 8.6 and 8.7(4)

EFFECT: If any of the above procedures are violated and the runner is considered illegal, he will be called out.

G. A batter, after hitting a fair ball, cannot carry his bat any further than halfway up the first base line. For safety reason, if a batter – turned runner does carry his bat past the halfway point, he will be called out.

H. BLUE DIVISION ONLY: Each manager will identify four (4) players as ‘Designated Runners’ prior to the start of the game. These ‘Designated Runners’ cannot be part of a conventional double play.

EFFECT: If a ‘Designated Runner’ comes to the plate with less than 2 outs, should the defensive team record an out via a force or tag play prior to recording an out at first base, the ‘Designated Runner’ is entitled to first base without liability to be put out.

1. If a ‘Designated Runner’ is forced to leave the game for any reason, his team loses the ‘Designated Runner’ advantage associated with that player.