What must the umpire do if a team has not batted around after sending out a courtesy runner?

In the context of NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) rules, a courtesy runner is generally permitted for a player who is injured or unable to run for themselves. However, if a team has not had a complete batting order (meaning not all players have batted) and sends a courtesy runner for a player, the runner becomes illegal because they should not be on the base if their turn to bat has not been reached.

When the courtesy runner is introduced, it implies a temporary replacement for a specific player. If the batting lineup has not cycled through completely, allowing the courtesy runner to continue would disrupt the order of play. Declaring the courtesy runner illegal ensures that all players adhere to the established sequence and that the integrity of the game is maintained.

In brief, declaring the courtesy runner illegal is critical to uphold the rules governing player participation and the flow of the game. This action protects the fairness of the competition and aligns with the NFHS regulations that govern player substitutions and special circumstances involving runners.