Section 4: Players & Officials
Team composition (Rule 4.03): Each team fields nine players at the start of the game, occupying the defensive positions of pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, left fielder, center fielder, and right fielder. WBSC competitions permit use of a Designated Hitter (DH) to bat in place of the pitcher, in accordance with the tournament's specific playing rules.
Substitutions (Rule 3.03–3.05): A player who has been removed from the game may not re-enter. Substitutions must be reported to the umpire-in-chief before taking effect, and the batting order must be maintained throughout the game unless a legal substitution occurs.
Umpires (Rule 9.01–9.05): The umpire-in-chief and base umpires have authority over the conduct of the game, including judgment on balls and strikes, safe and out calls, forfeitures, and enforcement of rules. Umpires' judgment decisions on the field of play are final and not subject to protest; only misapplication of a playing rule may be protested through the tournament's designated protest procedure.
Team officials: Each team is directed by a manager, who communicates lineup changes and pitching changes to the umpire, and by coaches stationed in the first- and third-base coaching boxes during offensive play.