Courtesy Runner Penalty

Question
QUESTION: I am looking for the penalty / effect in the ASA rule book for using the wrong courtesy runner.  NSA clearly states it is an ejection of the head coach.  The only thing I can find (ASA)is under Rule 4 Sect 6 part C(5-6) which has to do with UNREPORTED substitutes (before a pitch = no penalty, after a pitch = the runner is officially in the game, which makes no sense to me but is another argument).  What is the penalty for a coach trying to use the wrong courtesy runner before and after a pitch is thrown?  One last thing I want to make sure I am clear on; if a legal courtesy runner is used for the pitcher in the 2nd inning, that same player may not be used as a courtesy runner for the catcher in the 5th inning? Sorry so long and thank you for your time.

ANSWER: Hi Don,

You're welcome for my time.  You successfully found the unreported substitute runner rules, 4-6-C-5 & 4-6-C-6.

The rule you couldn't find pertains to the "wrong courtesy runner."  There are numerous reasons why a player would be the "wrong courtesy runner."  Please go to 8-10, the courtesy runner rule, to read all those reasons.  8-10-G has the sentence you're looking for: "If a courtesy runner fails to report or violates the courtesy runner rule they are considered an illegal runner and shall be disqualified."  In other words, the rules deal more harshly with illegal players than they do with unreported substitutes.  Now go to 4-6-F-3-c: ILLEGAL RUNNER Occurs when: "A player does not report as a courtesy runner or an illegal courtesy runner is used."

Now go to 4-6-E.  I'll paraphrase it: A "wrong courtesy runner" must be detected by the defense while that runner is in the game.  The illegal runner rule isn't violated until a pitch, legal or illegal, or a play made.  After a pitch or play, then the illegal courtesy runner is disqualified.  If she wasn't put out during the pitch or play, then she can be replaced by a substitute.

Now go to 8-10-A-3.  That's the rule that tells you, no, the same courtesy runner may not be used for the pitcher in the 2nd inning and the catcher in the 5th inning.

Scott Kelly

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Wow, all that because I missed the OR in 8-10-G.  Goes to show you really have to be good at reading every word!  So there is no out called, but the player is disqualified for the remainder of the game?

Answer
Hi Don,

Thank you for the followup question.  No, no out is automatically called on an illegal player, but if they made an out, it stands.  The only automatic part of their penalty is that they are disqualified for the remainder of the game.  Disqualifications and ejections are both always entire-game penalties.  Disqualified illegal players can be legally replaced either by a substitute or a starter who re-enters the game.

Scott Kelly