It is important for the umpire-in-chief to know about a courtesy runner.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not Applicable
• D. Depends on league rules

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is how courtesy runners are used and who needs to keep track of them during a game. A courtesy runner is a running substitute the offense may use for the pitcher or catcher to keep the game moving and reduce fatigue. This running substitute is selected by the offensive team and is governed by the rules, but it does not change the batting order, and the umpire-in-chief does not have to actively track or declare who the courtesy runner is for every instance.

Because the runner’s identity doesn’t affect the live-ball play, the umpire’s primary job is to enforce fair play and call plays correctly, not to manage or monitor each courtesy runner. The official scorer handles recording substitutions and runners, and the manager can designate the runner as allowed by the rules. So it’s not essential for the umpire-in-chief to know about a courtesy runner for every occurrence, which is why the statement is false.