Purpose of the Substitute Player Pool (SPP)
The Substitute Player Pool (SPP) exists to support teams that would otherwise be unable to field a full roster of nine players for a scheduled game.
Substitute Player Pool (SPP) – 2026 Season
The goal of the SPP is to:
- Allow games to be played when a team is short players
- Maintain competitive balance
- Ensure fairness and consistency across divisions
- Protect players from overuse and unsafe situations
The SPP is a support mechanism, not a roster replacement strategy.
How to Request a Substitute Player
If a team needs a substitute player:
- The Head Coach must notify their Division Commissioner and the Player Agent
- The Player Agent will request availability from the Substitute Player Pool
- Substitutes are assigned based on:
- Availability
- Rotation and fairness
- Division and eligibility rules
All substitute assignments are coordinated centrally to ensure consistency and equity.
Substitute Player Rules: What Subs Can and Cannot Do
Substitute players
MUST
- Play at least 9 consecutive defensive outs
- Bat at least once in the lineup
MAY
- Play within their own division
- Play up one or more divisions, if eligible
MAY NOT
- Pitch
- Play down a division
- Play more than one game per day
These rules are in place to protect player safety and competitive balance.
Communication Rules (Very Important)
🚫 Under no circumstances should a coach contact a parent directly to request a substitute player.
All substitute requests must go through:
- The Division Commissioner
- The Player Agent
Direct outreach to families undermines fairness and creates confusion. Central coordination ensures equal opportunity for all pool players.
Practical Guidance: Substitutes vs Forfeits
The SPP is not a cure-all.
If a team is down one or two players, a substitute may be appropriate
If a team is down more than two players, the preferred options are:
- Rescheduling the game, or
- Taking the forfeit and using the time for:
- Practice
- Skill work
- Team development
- Fun baseball activities
Player safety, development, and fairness should always come first.
Identifying Substitute Player Pool Candidates
After the first few practices, coaches are asked to identify 2–4 players from their team who may be good candidates for the Substitute Player Pool.
Once identified:
- Share player names with the Division Commissioner and Player Agent
- League leadership will contact families directly to gauge interest and availability
Participation in the SPP is voluntary and coordinated by the league.
Final Notes
The Substitute Player Pool works best when:
- Coaches follow the process
- Communication remains centralized
- Expectations are clear and consistent across teams
Thank you for helping maintain a fair, safe, and positive game environment throughout the season.
⚾ Play BALL!