Some rules to Ponder.......

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Feb 13, 2021
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a), ILLEGAL; an absent player may not return to the lineup. In b), LEGAL (provided the player has a re-entry remaining); an exception exists if an the Absent Player LEFT THE GAME UNDER THE BLOOD RULE (5.2.A.1-2, p 30)



I really hate this exception for one specific reason. While I agree with both premises, It is when they BOTH exist that you have a potential issue. If a player was removed because of the INJURY (a sprained ankle) and there was BLEEDING INVOLVED, would she be considered to have been removed due to the injury or under the blood rule? It seems that if you get hurt, it is better to make sure you draw blood, just saying.....
 
Aug 25, 2019
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USSSA RULES:


311. R1 is on first base with no outs. B2 hits a slow roller down the first base line. The ball bounces off F3's leg and and lands in front of her a) within a step and a reach, or b) not within a step and a reach. F3 and B2 collide as F3 attempts to pick up the misplayed ball.

Ruling - in a), DEAD BALL and INTERFERENCE; B2 is declared OUT and R1 is returned to the last base legally occupied at the time of the interference. In b), unless B2 intentionally interferes, DELAYED DEAD BALL is signaled and OBSTRUCTION should be called. At the conclusion of the play, if the obstructed runner does not attain the base she would have attained if had been no obstruction, she is awarded the base(s)

If a batted ball is misplayed but the fielder is still making an initial play and the runner contacts the fielder, this is interference. If the misplayed ball bounds away so that it is NO LONGER WITHIN A STEP AND A REACH and contact then occurs as the fielder and runner collide, this is obstruction (3.INITIAL PLAY, p 22; 8.18.H NOTE 5, p 51)

312. R1, R2 and R3 are on third, second and first bases, respectively, with one out. B5 hits a fly ball high above the infield which should be declared an infield fly, but the umpires erroneously fail to make the call. F4 settles under the pop fly, but misplays it and it falls out of her glove. F4 picks up the ball and throws to F2, who tags out R1 sliding into home. After the play is over, both coaches approach the umpire: the defensive coach argues the infield fly should have been called, and the offensive coach notifies the umpire that F4 is using an illegal glove.

Ruling - B5 is declared OUT on the INFIELD FLY; R1, R2 and R3 are all AWARDED THREE BASES and score. When an infield fly is not initially called, the batter-runner may be declared out if brought to the umpire's attention before the next pitch. Each runner (other than the batter-runner in this case, who is out on the IFFR) is awarded three bases when a fair-batted ball is touched by an illegal glove or mitt. The award is based on runner position at the time of the infraction (8.14.B.1, p 47; 8.15.B.1, p 48; 8.17.H NOTE, p 50)

313. The home team has only 9 players. In the second inning, B3 is ejected. In the bottom of the fourth inning, the home team is leading 3-0 when B7 breaks her ankle sliding into second base. The coach wants to insert LCAB B6 to fulfill B7's baserunning responsibility.

Ruling - IMPROPER PROCEDURE; under no circumstances shall a team be allowed to have less than eight (8) players in the batting order. The game is FORFEITED when a team can not provide the required number of players to start or CONTINUE a game. Since the offending team is winning at the time of forfeiture, the offended team (the visitors) is credited with a 7-0 win (4.7.A.6 and 4.7.B, p 28; 5.2.B, p 30)

314. A pitcher who starts the inning is replaced by another pitcher. The original pitcher returns to the pitching position in the same inning.

Ruling - LEGAL; a pitcher may be removed as a pitcher and returned as a pitcher once per inning, provided the return does not violate the pitching, substitution, or charged conference rules. However, a pitcher returning to pitch in the same half-inning shall not be allowed warmup pitches (5.5, p 32; 6.1.L, p 36)

315. R1 is on first base with no outs and a count of 2 balls and 2 strikes on B2. R1 leaves base legally as F1 releases the ball. B2 hits the pitch that goes a) directly from the bat to F2's glove and is immediately caught, b) directly from the bat to F2's glove, then rebounds off F2's chest protector to the glove and is caught, c) directly from the bat to F2's chest protector, then rebounds to the glove and is caught, or d) off to the side where F2 makes a diving catch. In all cases, R1 advances safely to second base without returning to first base. At the conclusion of the play, the defense appeals that R1 failed to retouch (i.e., tag up) at first base.

Ruling - in a) and b), LIVE BALL and a FOUL TIP; the batter is charged with a strike and since it is the third strike, she is declared OUT. R1's advance is legal as it is not necessary to retouch the base after a foul tip, so the appeal is INVALID

In c), DEAD BALL and a FOUL BALL; however, since there are two strikes, the batter is not charged with a strike (unless she attempted to bunt). Any batted ball that travels directly to any part of the catcher's body or equipment (other than the hands or glove/mitt) is a FOUL BALL and dead. R1 is returned to first base and the appeal is moot

In d), LIVE BALL and B2 is declared OUT on the catch by F2; a batted ball which does not go directly to the catcher (i.e. - the contact with the bat causes some change in direction) is either a caught foul fly or a caught foul line drive (albeit, a "backwards" one). The defense's appeal is VALID and UPHELD; R1 is declared OUT for failure to retouch first base after the caught ball was first touched by F2

(3.FOUL TIP, p 22; 7.14.B, p 40; 8.7.A&D, p 45; 8.16.A, p 48; 8.17.B, p 49; 8.18.J, p 51)
 
Aug 25, 2019
1,066
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USSSA RULES:

316. R1 is on first base with one out. B3 hits a pitched ball which is caught by F8 for the second out. R1 does not legally tag up, but advances to second base. The ball is returned to the pitching circle, and the defense is granted "Time". F8 then makes a dead ball appeal on R1 leaving first base early.

Ruling - VALID APPEAL, and R1 is declared OUT. Unlike some other codes, USSSA Fastpitch allows any defensive player (not just an infielder) or the coach to make a dead ball appeal once all runners have completed their advancement and time has been called (9.3, p 54)

317. R1 is on second base with no outs. B2 singles and on a close play at the plate, the umpire calls R1 a) out, or b) safe. R1 then proceeds to get in F2's way or grabs at F2's arm in an attempt to delay her subsequent throw to play on B2, who rounds second base aggressively on the throw to the plate.

Ruling - in both a) and b), DEAD BALL and INTERFERENCE; B2 (the runner closest to home) is declared out for R1's interference. In b), R1's run counts.

R1's status at the time of the interference is the same on this play whether she has already been put out or legally scored; either way, she is a RETIRED RUNNER. If a retired runner interferes and, in the judgment of the umpire, another runner could have been put out, the umpire shall declare the runner closest to home out (8.18.H NOTE 2; p 51)

318. B1 leads off the first inning and hits a double. B4 comes up (out of order) to bat next, gets hit by a pitch, and is awarded first base. B2 then comes up, hits an infield fly, and is declared out. B3 bats next and flies out to F8. The defense then notices that B4 is standing on second base and appeals batting out of order.

Ruling - the defense's batting out of order appeal is DENIED; at the time the appeal is made, the batting order is legal. B3's at bat is proper (because she properly followed B2), and the next batter should be B4, but she is skipped because she is on base as a result of an improper at bat which was undetected until it was too late to appeal

B5 is the next proper batter

When several batters bat out of order before discovery so that a player's time at bat occurs while they are a runner, such player remains on base, BUT IS NOT OUT AS A BATTER

(9.10.D NOTE, p 56)

319. B1 hits a fair ball to right-center field. F8 and F9 converge and F9 grasps the sinking line drive in her glove just before the two fielders collide. They fall to the ground, and F9's glove comes off her hand and is also on the ground, with the ball still in the glove. F8 picks up the ball from the glove.

Ruling - LIVE BALL, but NO CATCH is ruled. A batted ball is no longer IN FLIGHT when it touches an object on fair or foul ground, other than a fielder (including her properly worn/placed equipment). It is not a catch if a fielder uses any equipment that is displaced from its proper position to play on a batted ball (3.CATCH.B.3, p 19; 3.IN FLIGHT, p 22)

Note: this situation is NOT governed by the detached equipment rule, which covers intentional illegal acts by the defense to obstruct, deflect and catch batted, thrown and pitched balls

320. R1, R2 and R3 are on third, second and first bases, respectively with one out. B5 hits a sharp line drive which a diving F9 "short hops". All runners legally advance one base but R1, thinking the ball was caught, attempts to return to third base and tag up. After R1 retouches third base, the defense throws the ball to F2, who is standing on home plate, before R1 can return to the plate.

Ruling - NO VIOLATION, R1's RUN SCORES, and the bases remain loaded, unless the umpire judges R1's actions to be interference (i.e. - her actions prevent another runner from being put out). R1, having legally scored, is a retired runner; if she interferes, the runner closest to home (R2) would be called out (4.2.A, p 26; 8.18.H NOTE 2, p 51)

Comment: a retired runner (one who has been put out or who has legally scored) cannot "be called out AGAIN " or "un-score" by subsequent actions. A legally scored run cannot be nullified by subsequent action of that runner, such as an effort to return to third base in the belief that she left the base before a caught fly ball was first touched


QUICKIE QUIZ:

Can a TAG-OUT be a force play?


Yes. The manner in which a runner is put out is irrelevant to whether or not an out is a FORCE OUT or a TIME PLAY.

When a runner is forced to vacate a base because the batter BECOMES A BATTER-RUNNER and is put out prior to legally advancing to the next base by:

i) action of the defense (tagging the base to which the runner is advancing or tagging the runner), or

ii) by rule

BEFORE a succeeding runner (including the batter-runner) is put out,

THAT is a FORCE OUT and if it is the third out, no run scores
 
Jun 6, 2016
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315. R1 is on first base with no outs and a count of 2 balls and 2 strikes on B2. R1 leaves base legally as F1 releases the ball. B2 hits the pitch that goes a) directly from the bat to F2's glove and is immediately caught, b) directly from the bat to F2's glove, then rebounds off F2's chest protector to the glove and is caught, c) directly from the bat to F2's chest protector, then rebounds to the glove and is caught, or d) off to the side where F2 makes a diving catch. In all cases, R1 advances safely to second base without returning to first base. At the conclusion of the play, the defense appeals that R1 failed to retouch (i.e., tag up) at first base.

Ruling - in a) and b), LIVE BALL and a FOUL TIP; the batter is charged with a strike and since it is the third strike, she is declared OUT. R1's advance is legal as it is not necessary to retouch the base after a foul tip, so the appeal is INVALID

How would b) apply to uncaught third strike (which would not be applicable in this example since there's a runner on first)? If a tipped ball doesn't have to be caught cleanly (meaning it can hit the glove, be juggled, etc. and still caught for an out) to count as a foul tip, would dropped third apply to a ball that hits the glove first, is not caught cleanly, but is ultimately secured before hitting the ground?
 
Aug 25, 2019
1,066
113
USSSA RULES:


321. B1 leads off the inning with a single. B2, using a non-approved bat, also singles, advancing B1 to third base. B3 enters the box with the same bat used by B2. The umpire notices the non-approved bat by observation, or b) is notified of its use by the defense a) prior to a pitch to B3, or after a pitch to B3.

Ruling - in both situations, DEAD BALL, the offending player is called OUT, the player and her head coach are EJECTED, and the non-approved bat is removed. An illegal/non-approved bat violation is not an appeal play; the umpire should rule immediately when the violation is discovered, regardless of how he/she learns of it

In a), the offending player is B2, since discovery occurs prior to next pitch. B1's advance on B2's illegally batted ball is nullified. B2 is the player who is called out and ejected, and B3 must bat with a legal bat

In b), the offending player is B3; the first pitch to B3 effectively legalizes B2's use of the non-approved bat. B3 is declared OUT for entering the batter's box with a non-approved bat

(7.14.A, p 40; 10.1.C, p 56)

Comment: In this situation, there is an overlapping interval where both batters are technically in violation; after B2's illegally batted ball and after B3 enters the box, but before a pitch to B3, both batters are in violation. However, the rule is not intended to penalize by declaring two batters out and two player ejections (plus the head coach)

In this interval of "double exposure", the illegally batted ball violation should take precedence over the entering the box violation and the preceding batter/violation should be penalized

322. The offensive coach wishes to have the FLEX bat for one of the starting players (not the DP) and makes the change with the plate umpire. The defensive coach protests the change a) before a pitch to the FLEX, b) after a pitch to the FLEX, c) after the FLEX safely hits and drives in runs, or d) in the next inning.

Ruling - placing the FLEX in the game offensively for anyone other than the DP is an ILLEGAL PLAYER violation

In a), the error is correctable. A player does not violate the illegal player rule until she enters the game and one pitch is thrown. The offensive coach can cancel the violation by leaving the DP in the game offensively (no re-entry is charged) or by entering an eligible substitute

In b), the Illegal player (the FLEX) and her head coach are immediately EJECTED. The DP may be re-entered (if eligible) or a eligible substitute may be entered to assume the count and complete the at-bat of the illegal player

In c), the illegal player is called OUT, and she and her head coach are immediately ejected. If her hit occurred on the previous pitch, all advances on that hit are nullified, but any outs stand

In d), all action stands. The illegal player and her head coach are ejected

(4.7, p 33)

Note: if the illegal player is on defense and made a play on the previous pitch when discovery occurs, the offense has the choice of 1) the result of the play, or 2) replaying the last pitch

323. The bases are loaded with one out. The batter hits a fly ball to F8, who catches the ball for the second out. The runners at second and third base both leave before the caught ball was first touched; R1 scores from third base, and R2 from second base advances to third base. At the conclusion of the play, F1 throws the ball to F5, who a) steps on third base and appeals R1's violation, or b) tags R2, who is standing on third base, and appeals her violation.

Ruling - in both a) and b), VALID LIVE BALL APPEAL, and the appealed runner is declared OUT. In a), R1 is declared OUT, disallowing her run. In b), R2 is declared out. Since this out is NOT a force out, it is a time play; accordingly, R1's run counts because she scored before the appeal. However, the defense could, before all infielders leave the infield, make a FOURTH OUT APPEAL on R1's violation to nullify R1's run (4.2.A, 9.9, p 55)

324. The pitcher, while standing behind the pitching plate, receives a signal a) visually from F2, or b) verbally from the dugout, and then glances at her armband. She then steps onto the pitching plate.

Ruling - LEGAL, provided the pitcher is otherwise compliant with the pitching rule. There is nothing which prohibits a pitcher from taking a signal behind the pitching plate, OR LOOKING AT HER ARM BAND, while behind the pitching plate. As long as the pitcher legally takes (or simulates taking) a signal once she assumes the pitching position, she is compliant with this aspect of the pitching rule (6.1.C, p 34)

325. The bases are loaded with no outs. B4 hits a fly ball in the infield and the infield fly is properly signaled and called by the umpires. As F3 settles under the fly ball, B4 interferes with the catch while the ball is over fair territory inside the diamond. The ball hits fair untouched and then spins foul. At the time of the interference, all three runners are a) standing on their bases, or b) attempting to advance.

Ruling - in both a) and b), the batter is OUT when she hits an infield fly which is ultimately fair, or would have been fair had the offense not interfered. B4's interference prevents the ball from being touched in fair territory, so even though the ball falls untouched and rolls foul, it is enforced as a fair batted ball when interference prevents the defense from playing it as such.

To summarize, BALL STATUS (fair or foul) is determined in this case at the instant the ball becomes dead due to the interference

In a) B4 is declared OUT on the infield fly, and the ball is DEAD when B4 interferes. Retired runner interference does not apply, because there is no potential play on other runners

In b), B4 is declared OUT, and as a result of B4's interference, DEAD BALL, and R1 is declared out also. If a retired runner interferes and, in the judgment of the umpire, another runner could have been put out, the umpire shall declare the runner closest to home out (8.16.C, p 48; 8.17.H, p 49; 8.18.H NOTE 2, p 51; 10.1.E, p 56)



QUICKIE QUIZ:

How many times can a pitcher return to the pitching position in a 7-inning game?


Theoretically, THIRTEEN times, according to Rule 5.5:

A player may be removed as a pitcher and returned as a pitcher once per inning, provided the return as a pitcher does not violate the pitching, substitution, or charged conference rule

Thus, a starting pitcher could:

1) in the first inning, be removed as pitcher and then later return in that inning, then be removed again (this second removal bars the player from returning to the circle a third time in the same inning)

2) return to start the second inning, face a batter, and then be removed again

3) return in the second inning, face another batter, and then be removed again

4-13) repeat the second inning procedure in innings 3-7

All of this can be done, legally, as long as the player doesn't violate the re-entry rule and the coach doesn't run afoul of the limit on charged conferences
 
Feb 13, 2021
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All of this can be done, legally, as long as the player doesn't violate the re-entry rule and the coach doesn't run afoul of the limit on charged conferences

And as long as he makes one of these changes every time he goes out to the circle, he doesn't use ANY conferences. (The returning pitcher receives only 5 pitches each time, not 8)
 
Feb 13, 2021
880
93
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How would b) apply to uncaught third strike (which would not be applicable in this example since there's a runner on first)? If a tipped ball doesn't have to be caught cleanly (meaning it can hit the glove, be juggled, etc. and still caught for an out) to count as a foul tip, would dropped third apply to a ball that hits the glove first, is not caught cleanly, but is ultimately secured before hitting the ground?

@CoachJD, sorry I didn't see this question earlier. If the ball is secured before it hits the ground and it went bat-glove-rest of the stuff it hits, then it is a foul tip, strike three batter out, live ball. If it goes bat-other stuff-glove it is a foul ball dead ball as soon as it hits 'other stuff' regardless of if it is caught or not. If it goes bat-glove-otherstuff and ultimately hits the ground then it is a foul ball. So, the easy answer to yoru question is, if it hits the bat it can NEVER be a D3K because it ends up either a foul tip, which by definition is caught, or it ends up a foul ball.
 
Aug 25, 2019
1,066
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Long time away, but Some Rules to Ponder is back!

USSSA Rules:

326. There are runners on second and first base. B3 hits a grounder to F6, who scoops up the ball, touches second, and then throws the ball toward first base. The throw is high and F3 tosses her glove into the air, making contact with the thrown ball, which then rolls out of play.

Ruling - DELAYED DEAD BALL at the time the thrown ball is touched by the detached equipment, followed by a DEAD BALL when it rolls out of play. R1 is out at second base for the second out; R2 and and B3 are awarded as follows:

Although the general rule is that overthrows into dead ball territory result in a two-base award based on runner position at the time of throw, in this situation, the offense should be awarded the potentially more favorable result of two bases at the time of the violation for the DETACHED EQUIPMENT VIOLATION

Therefore, if B3 has reached first base at the time the ball is contacted by the detached glove, she should be awarded second AND third, even though she may not have reached first at the time of the throw

(8.14.C.2, p 48; 8.15.B.1, p 49; 10.2.B, p 57)

327. There are runners on third and second base with one out. B4 hits the pitched ball on the ground between F5 and F6. F5 cuts in front of F6 and just as she grabs the ball, R2 collides with F6, who is standing in the baseline. F5 drops the ball and all runners are safe.

Ruling - DELAYED DEAD BALL is signaled and OBSTRUCTION is called; when two or more infielders attempt to field a batted ball, only one is entitled to INITIAL PLAY protection under the interference rule

In this case, F6 is not entitled to initial play protection because F5 is the fielder who actually fielded the ball; therefore F6 is guilty of obstruction (3.INITIAL PLAY, p 22)

328. As F1 begins the pitching motion, B1 steps backwards away from the plate and plants a foot outside the batter's box. F1 a) discontinues the pitch, or b) legally delivers the pitch

Ruling - in a), NO PITCH is declared. If the pitch is not delivered, a rule has been violated by both the pitcher and the batter. The Umpire should call time and begin play anew. In b), LIVE BALL and the pitch is called a STRIKE, regardless of location (7.8 NOTE 2, p 39)

329. There is a runner on third base with a 1-1 count. On a squeeze play, B2 attempts to bunt the next pitched ball and R3 attempts to score. B2 misses the ball and a) steps in front of F2, or b) makes contact with F2, who is in the catcher's box, so that R3 can score.

Ruling - in a) and b), DEAD BALL and INTERFERENCE is called; B2 is declared OUT and R3 is returned to third base. The result of the pitch (a strike) stands

A batter is guilty of interference when she makes any movement which hinders the catcher's attempt to play on a runner; the ball is dead and the batter is out (7.12, p 40)

Comment: this is a significant rules difference between BASEBALL and NCAA FASTPITCH vs the other major fastpitch codes. Below the collegiate fastpitch level (i.e., USSSA, USA SB and NFHS), the person who interferes (the BATTER) is OUT and the runner is returned to third base

330. B1 hits a grounder to right field. F3 sets up to receive the throw from F9 in such a fashion that she obstructs B1's basepath, and B1 has to run widely around her, but beats F9's throw to first base. B1, after running through the bag, turns around and immediately returns to first base. After the ball is returned to F1 in the pitching circle, the offensive coach, seeing the umpire's signal or hearing the verbal "Obstruction" call, tells B1 to run to second base. B1 steps off first base, advancing toward second, as F1 holds the ball in the circle

Ruling - DELAYED DEAD BALL is signaled and OBSTRUCTION called at the time of the defensive violation; B5 is at that point protected from being called out between first and second bases.

B1's subsequent action, however, constitutes a LOOKBACK VIOLATION; the ball is DEAD and she is declared OUT. The play is over when she reaches the base she would have attained (had there been no obstruction) and the ball is returned to the circle. If she commits a Lookback violation or leaves before the next pitch is delivered, she is declared out


QUICKIE QUIZ:

WHO can make a DEAD-BALL appeal?

a) the defensive coach, by verbally stating the violation
b) any fielder, with or without the ball, by verbally stating the violation
c) only an infielder can make a dead ball appeal
d) the pitcher's father standing behind the backstop, provided he yells loud enough for the base umpire to hear it

Answer to Quickie Quiz:

a) and b). Once all runners have completed their advancement and time has been called, the coach or ANY defensive player, with or without the ball, may make a verbal appeal on a runner missing a base or leaving a base too soon on a caught fly ball (9.3, p 54)
 

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