DP/FLEX Rule
Also known as: dp flex, dp/flex, dp flex rule, designated player, flex player
The DP/FLEX rule lets a fast-pitch team bat a designated player (DP) who does not field. The DP bats for the FLEX, who fields but does not bat. The FLEX is listed 10th on the lineup card. The two can trade roles under set limits, and each can re-enter once.
A team using the DP must announce it before the game. The DP bats in one of the nine batting spots, or any spot in youth (Junior Olympic) play. The player she bats for, the FLEX, is listed 10th, or last in youth play, and plays defense only. The DP keeps the same batting spot all game.
The roles can change during the game. The FLEX may bat in the DP's spot. The DP then leaves the game and the team bats nine. The DP may also play defense. If she fields for the FLEX, the FLEX leaves the game and the team again drops to nine. If the DP fields for someone else, that player keeps batting but stops fielding. Putting the FLEX in any batting spot other than the DP's makes her an illegal player.
Coaches use the DP/FLEX to keep a strong fielder, often a pitcher or catcher, on defense while a stronger hitter bats. It also lets a team move players between offense and defense without using up substitutes. High school and other rule books have their own versions. Check the exact wording for your league.
Tips by skill level
Write the DP in the batting order and the FLEX in the 10th spot before the game. Tell the plate umpire at the pregame meeting.
Plan your swaps before the game. Decide when the FLEX might take over the DP's spot, and track re-entries on the scorebook so you never field an illegal player.
Example
A team's pitcher fields well but struggles at the plate. The coach lists her as the FLEX in the 10th spot and has a power hitter bat for her as the DP. In the fifth inning, the pitcher takes over the DP's batting spot and the team bats nine for the rest of the game.
Why it matters
Used well, the DP/FLEX adds a bat to the lineup without giving up a glove. Used wrong, it can create an illegal player and get that player disqualified.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting to list the DP and FLEX on the lineup card before the game
- Batting the FLEX in a spot other than the DP's
- Losing track of who has already used a re-entry
Frequently asked questions
How does the DP/Flex rule work in softball?
A designated player (DP) bats for a defensive player, the FLEX, who is listed 10th and fields only. The FLEX can bat in the DP's spot, and the DP can play defense. Each move has limits, and each player can re-enter once.
Can the flex player bat?
Yes, but only in the DP's spot in the batting order. When she does, the DP leaves the game and the team bats nine.
Can the DP play defense?
Yes. If she plays defense for the FLEX, the FLEX leaves the game. If she plays for another fielder, that player keeps batting but no longer fields.
Sources
Related terms
- Extra Player (EP) RuleThe extra player (EP) rule lets a slow-pitch team bat more players than it fields. Only ten, or the league's standard number, play defense at a time.
- Open Roster RuleAn open roster rule is a local-league option that lets a slow-pitch team move and swap defensive players freely during a game. It is not a USA Softball rule. Under USA Softball, a starter who leaves may re-enter once, in the same batting spot.
- Catcher's RoleThe fast-pitch catcher does far more than catch pitches. They call pitches, manage the pitcher's mindset, control the running game, and organize the defense.
- Pitcher's Workload ManagementA pitcher's workload management tracks and limits pitch counts and innings and protects rest between outings. It aims to reduce overuse injury risk all season.
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