What should the plate umpire do if a pinch-hitter is not listed on the lineup card?

Study for the NFHS Baseball Rules Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with detailed explanations for each. Boost your knowledge and be prepared for your exam!

The appropriate action for the plate umpire when a pinch-hitter is not listed on the lineup card is to permit the player to pinch-hit and then mark the change on the lineup card. This choice is correct because the rules of baseball recognize that teams often need to adapt their batting order for various reasons, including strategy or player conditions. The umpire's role also includes ensuring that the official documentation of the game – the lineup card – is updated to reflect any changes, providing clarity for the remainder of the game.

By allowing the pinch-hitter and updating the card, the umpire maintains the flow of the game while ensuring that all substitutions are officially recorded, thus preventing confusion later on regarding player eligibility and the batting order. This supports fair play and upholds the integrity of the game.

In this context, making the change on the lineup card is particularly important, as it prevents potential disputes regarding who is eligible to bat in subsequent innings. It also avoids unnecessary penalties that might arise if a coach were restricted or warned for a genuine oversight that does not impact fair play.

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