Some rules to Ponder.......

[flash277]

USSSA Rules:

346. A runner a) deliberately removes her helmet, or b) loses her helmet accidentally while running the bases during a live ball.



Ruling - in a), DELAYED DEAD BALL and, for a first offense, a TEAM WARNING is issued. For a subsequent offense by any team member, the offender is restricted and the head coach is EJECTED. Ball status is delayed dead whenever anyone who is required to wear a helmet deliberately removes the helmet WHILE THE BALL IS LIVE. In b), LIVE BALL and NO VIOLATION (10.2.F, p 58; 11.2 PENALTY A-K, p 59)



Note: this is a rules difference between NFHS/USSSA and USA SB/NCAA. In NFHS/USSSA, there is no out charged for deliberate helmet removal



347. There is a runner on first base when the batter hits a pitched ball to right field. R1 is obstructed as she is advancing toward second base; as she continues and slides into third base, the ball is dislodged from F5's glove and goes out of play. When the ball goes into dead ball territory, B2 is between first and second bases.



Ruling - DELAYED DEAD BALL is signaled and OBSTRUCTION is called at the time of the violation, followed by a DEAD BALL and a ONE BASE AWARD to all runners when the ball enters dead ball territory. Runners are awarded one base (from their position at the time the ball becomes dead) when a fielder loses possession of the ball on a tag play and the ball enters dead ball area. In this situation, R1 is awarded home, and B2 is awarded second base (8.14.D.2, p 48; 8.15.B.2, p 49)



348. The bases are loaded with one out. B5 hits a pitched ball for a double. R3 and R2 both advance to home plate; however, R2 misses home. R3 notices R2's mistake and shoves her back towards home plate.



Ruling - DELAYED DEAD BALL, but R2 is immediately OUT for being physically assisted by someone other than another runner. Although R3 was a runner before the batted ball, she is now a RETIRED RUNNER. Physical assistance by retired runners, the on-deck batter or players from the bench/dugout are akin to assistance by base coaches, and governed accordingly (8.18.Y, p 53)



Comment: a question that is often asked -- "this is a runner who has apparently scored; doesn't the defense have to appeal that missed the plate to 'reactivate' her live runner status?"



The answer would be -- IT DEPENDS -- on what rule the runner violates. A runner who is in "appealable" status is not allowed to commit, or benefit from, illegal acts which facilitate her curing her mistake (i.e. - physical assistance, leaping a fielder who is not on the ground, interference, etc) and those violations should be called without waiting for a proper appeal



On the other hand, if the runner goes into the dugout without curing her violation; she should not be called out until the violation is properly appealed



349. There are runners on first and third bases. On the next pitched ball, B3 interferes with the catcher's ability to throw out R1, who is stealing. The play is not completed at second base because F6 cuts off F2's thrown ball. F6 then throws home in an effort to retire R3, who is advancing on a delayed steal. B3 doesn't interfere with the play at home, and R3 is a) safe at home, or b) put out at home.



Ruling - in a) and b), DEAD BALL at the TIME OF THE INTERFERENCE, B3 is declared OUT, and the runners must return to the bases occupied at the time of the interference. The ball is dead and batter is declared out when she hinders the catcher's attempt to play on a runner. The subsequent action is a moot point (8.12, p 40; 8.16.C, p 49)



350. With no outs and no runners on base, B1's third strike is missed by F2 and the ball, still in flight, lodges a) between F2's body and chest protector, or b) in the umpire's ball bag. B1 continues to second base.



Ruling - In a) and b), DEAD BALL and a ONE BASE AWARD (first base) to the batter-runner. B1 becomes a batter-runner when she incurs the third strike; however, the ball becomes DEAD when a pitch lodges in an Umpire's or catcher's equipment. Each runner (including the batter-runner) is awarded one base if a pitch by the pitcher becomes lodged in equipment (8.14.D.1, p 48; 10.1.G.5, p 57)


QUICKIE QUIZ:

What happens if the pitcher does not PRESENT the ball?

Nothing, provided the pitcher complies with the pitching rule. The pitcher is NOT REQUIRED TO PRESENT THE BALL in fastpitch softball.

The pitcher is required to take the pitching position:

1) with the hands separated,

2) with the ball in either the hand or glove, and

3) while in this position, take or simulate taking a signal

The takeaway here is the ball DOES NOT HAVE TO BE VISIBLE. The ball may be completely hidden in the glove, or it may be behind the pitcher's body in either the bare hand or the glove, but it does not have to be physically visible to the batter, the umpire, or the fans behind the backstop.

As long as other requirements of the pitching rule are met, the pitcher is legal is they perform the "separated pause" described above

PRESENTATION of the ball is a SLOW PITCH concept, but it is NOT PART OF THE FASTPITCH GAME!

 

[Dabears17]

The takeaway here is the ball DOES NOT HAVE TO BE VISIBLE. The ball may be completely hidden in the glove, or it may be behind the pitcher's body in either the bare hand or the glove, but it does not have to be physically visible to the batter, the umpire, or the fans behind the backstop.

Thanks for clarification. In a USA tournament a few years back I was watching a game where coaches of one team were very unhappy that pitcher was in pitching position with ball behind her leg and was bringing the glove to the side of the that leg when getting her grip.

I thought they had a point.

 

[flash277]

USSSA RULES:

351.The batter hits a pitched ball for a triple but misses second base. After the play is over, the defensive team attempts to make a a) live ball, or b) dead ball appeal on the violation. B1 successfully returns to second base before the ball is thrown to second base or she is legally tagged with the ball.



Ruling - in a), this is a LEGAL RETURN (provided B1 does not violate the Look-Back, or any other base running rules), and the appeal is a moot point, since the runner returns before the appeal. A runner may return to touch a missed base or one left too soon during a LIVE ball appeal. In b), dead ball appeals may not be made until all runners have completed their advancement (including legal returns) and time has been called. No runner may advance (or return) during a DEAD ball appeal. Accordingly, B1's "return" should be ignored, the appeal should be sustained, and B1 is DECLARED OUT (9.2-3, p 54; 9.5.A-B, p 55)



352.There is a runner on third base with one out. B3 hits a pitched ball above live ball territory near the outfield fence. F9 moves in for what appears to be a routine catch. At the last second, a player from the next game (whose team is warming up beyond the outfield temporary fence), leans over the fence and catches or touches the ball, preventing F9's catch.



Ruling - DEAD BALL, and SPECTATOR INTERFERENCE is ruled. The umpire shall impose such penalties and/or make any awards as in the umpire's judgment will nullify the interference. In this case, the umpire should: i) declare B3 OUT on the likely catch, and ii) AWARD R3 HOME on the likely sacrifice fly (8.14.E.1, p 48)



353.The batter swings at and hits a pitched ball foul. One of the batter's feet is entirely out of the batter's box and touching the ground when the bat makes contact with the ball.



Ruling - DEAD BALL, and the batter is declared OUT for an ILLEGALLY BATTED BALL. What is of importance is the batter's actions and not whether the ball is fair or foul. A batter shall not hit the ball fair or foul while either foot is touching the ground COMPLETELY OUTSIDE THE LINES OF THE BATTER'S BOX or touching the plate (7.9, p 39)



Comment: umpires should be aware that defensive coaches will try to convince them a batter should be called out by using the more restrictive NCAA rule which states no part of the foot can be outside the line at the time of bat-ball contact. BELOW THE COLLEGIATE LEVEL, if ANY PART OF THE FOOT (even a sliver of the heel) is touching the line when the ball is batted, the action is LEGAL (unless the plate is touched)



354.The batter hits a pitched ball out in front of home plate. F2 lunges and catches the ball before it touches the ground. The ball a) did, or b) did not go higher that the batter's head.



Ruling - in a) and b), this is a batted ball caught in flight which is NOT A FOUL TIP, and the batter is declared OUT. Whether the ball went higher than the batter's head is no longer relevant to foul tip determination in Fastpitch softball; in order to be ruled a foul tip, the batted ball must go directly and speedily from the bat to the catcher's mitt or hand and be legally caught by the catcher. The catcher's action in this situation (lunging for the catch) is inconsistent with the definition of a foul tip (3.FOUL TIP, p 22)



355. Casey is listed on the lineup card as the catcher, batting in the fifth position. In the fourth inning, she a) switches defensive positions with Lucy, the starting left fielder, or b) is substituted for by eligible substitute Suzie, who comes in and catches. Neither change is reported to the home plate umpire. In the sixth inning, the replacement catcher gets on base and the coach requests a courtesy runner.



Ruling - in a) and b), a COURTESY RUNNER SHOULD BE ALLOWED for the replacement catcher, the player who LAST PHYSICALLY PLAYED THE POSITION ON DEFENSE.



In a), there is no requirement in USSSA (or NFHS) to report defensive changes. In b), Suzie's entry is an UNREPORTED SUBSTITUTION, but all action stands, and the violation has no impact on her right to have a courtesy runner. A TEAM WARNING is issued for a first offense; for a subsequent violation, the head coach is EJECTED (for the current game only)



QUICKIE QUIZ:



Which of the following is NOT a strike in USSSA Fastpitch?

a) a pitched ball enters any part of the zone in flight and is not struck at

b) a pitched ball is prevented from entering the zone by batter's actions

c) a pitch is struck at and missed

d) a foul ball when the batter has less than two strikes

e) a pitch becomes a foul tip

f) a member of the offensive team intentionally erases a line

g) the batter delays


QUICKIE QUIZ ANSWER:

f) erasing a line is NOT charged with a strike in USSSA - if the umpire determines it is necessary to sanction the behavior, 11.2.T (p 59, unsporting acts) would apply

 

[flash277]

USSSA RULES:

356. A batter enters the box with a wooden bat. Although the bat is labeled "Softball", it does not have the USSSA 1.20 BPF "Thumbprint" authenticating mark.



Ruling - LEGAL, provided the bat is otherwise compliant. Wood bats are legal in USSSA sanctioned play without any 1.20 BPF "Thumbprint" mark being required provided the manufacturer has marked the bat with the word "Softball" or "Official Softball" (2.10.C-D, p 12-13)



357.A player has been disqualifed from the game by either the umpire or by rule. The player returns to the game and the substitution is a) announced to the plate umpire, or b) not announced to the plate umpire by the coach/manager.



Ruling - in a) and b), the return of the player in question is an ILLEGAL PLAYER; however, a violation does not occur until the player enters the game and a pitch occurs



In a), the umpire should inform the coach that (s)he an cannot accept the change, and no substitution is charged unless another player is entered. In b), the violation is correctable (i.e. -- can be "un-done") until a pitch is thrown; if discovered after that point, the player in question AND the head coach are EJECTED. Additional penalties may apply depending on whether the illegal player is on offense or defense, and when the violation is discovered. The illegal player may be replaced by any eligible substitute, including the player she replaced, IF that player is eligible to re-enter (5.7, p 32-33)



358.There are runners on first and third bases with one out. B4 hits a pitched ball in the air to right field. F9 moves under the ball in foul territory, grasps the ball, but decides to let it drop to the ground when her coach yells "Let it go!". R3 legally tags and advances safely to home plate.



Ruling - LIVE BALL, the batter is OUT, and the RUN SCORES, provided the umpire judges the fielder's actions to be a legal catch. A legal catch would be ruled if the fielder, in the umpire's judgment, holds the ball long enough to prove complete control of it AND the release of the ball is voluntary and intentional. If a catch is ruled, ball status of fair or foul is immaterial to the runners' right to advance on the caught fly ball



If the umpire judges "NO CATCH", the BALL STATUS must be considered:



i) if the ball is FAIR at first touching and subsequently dropped, the ball remains LIVE, with all runners (including the batter-runner) at risk, so all runner advances stand



ii) if the ball is FOUL at first touching and subsequently dropped, the ball is DEAD and a FOUL BALL is ruled



(3.CATCH.A, p 19; 8.7.D, p 45)



359.B1 overslides or overruns first base a) during an advance from home plate after batting, or b) on returning to first base after attempting to advance to second base. In each situation, she is tagged with the ball while off base.



Ruling - in a), the batter-runner is SAFE; a batter-runner who reaches first base safely and then overruns or over slides may immediately return without liability of being put out, provided they do not feint or attempt to advance to second. In b), this is a VALID LIVE BALL APPEAL which should be SUSTAINED, and B1 is declared OUT. This appeal must be made during a live ball before the batter-runner returns to first base, and it MUST BE MADE BY TAGGING THE BATTER-RUNNER, not the base (8.10, p 46; 9.1.D and 9.2, p 54)



360.Team A is a) using a standard 9-player lineup, with no substitutes available, or b) batting its entire roster of 15 players. In either case, B6 slides into home plate, rolls her ankle, and has to leave the game. In the sixth inning, B6 has returned to health and is ready to return to the game and bat.



Ruling - in a) and b), ILLEGAL, an ABSENT PLAYER may not return to the lineup, unless she left the game under the Blood Rule AND has a re-entry left. In b), because the team is using 15 players, the injured player would not be considered to have left the game until either i) she is unable to appear for a turn at bat, or ii) she was injured while running the bases, and had to have a LCAB runner complete her baserunning responsibilities, whichever occurs first (5.2.A.1 EXCEPTION, p 30; 5.2.A.2, p 30)



Comment: whatever the size of the batting order that is presented at the pregame conference, the coach is essentially "guaranteeing" THAT number of batters will be maintained througout the game. Whenever a batting position must be dropped, for whatever reason, an Absent Player (automatic out) condition is created


QUICKIE QUIZ:

What are the mechanics for a "pulled foot" situation?


QUICKIE QUIZ ANSWER:

IF:

i) the ball beats the runner, AND

ii) the base umpire DOES NOT SEE SEPARATION (i.e. - see the fielder's foot off the bag),

THEN

the umpire should call the runner out

IF THE OFFENSIVE COACH ASKS the base umpire to ask the plate umpire if the foot was pulled, by mechanic the base umpire go to his/her partner for information. If there is additional information, the base umpire should reverse his/her own call.

It is improper for the base umpire to ask "did you see something different?" We, as umpires, are asking for specific information -- "did you have a pulled foot?"

The plate umpire should confine themselves to a "yes" or a "no" without further editorial comment, and it's then up to the calling umpire to sustain or reverse the call

The call must be made correctly, regardless of the situation. If the foot is pulled, we need to get the call correct. The plate umpire is only giving information, but it must be complete information

We NEVER go for help if we actually see a fielder off the bag, just as the plate would never go for help if (s)he called a STRIKE when the batter "went" on a check-swing

Go for help when you are missing information if you have called the runner OUT. But when you have the information, "Coach, I have the defender off the bag," you should not "appease" a coach. When you make the SAFE call because the defender was off the bag, be confident and stay with the call!

 

[MoJo]

Thanks for clarification. In a USA tournament a few years back I was watching a game where coaches of one team were very unhappy that pitcher was in pitching position with ball behind her leg and was bringing the glove to the side of the that leg when getting her grip.

I thought they had a point.

Just the past weekend at a 12u tournament, plate ump on field X "corrected" every pitcher. He was very insistent that the pitcher had to have hands separated, showing the ball for at least 1 sec, then step on the pitch plate.