Title: Down East Umpire Association
1Down East Umpire Association
2013
2013
2Down East Umpire Association SoftballTABLE OF
CONTENTS
- Rule Changes
- Rule 1. Field and Equipment
- Rule 2. Definitions
- Rule 3. Players, Substitutes and Coaches
- Rule 4. Starting and Ending Game
- Rule 5. Dead Ball and Suspension of Play
- Dead-Ball and Delayed Dead-Ball Tables
- Rule 6. Pitching
- Rule 7. Batting
- Rule 8. Batter-Runner and Runner
- Rule 9. Scoring and Record Keeping
- Rule 10. Umpiring
- By State Adoption
- Points of Emphasis
- Official NFHS Softball Signals
3Down East Umpire Association Softball
-
- 2012 SOFTBALL RULES CHANGES
- 1-3-1
- The color white was removed from the list of
permissible colors for softballs. All softballs
used for competition must now be optic yellow. - 1-5-2a
- The requirement that the bat knob protrude at a
90-degree angle from the handle was removed. - 3-2-5
- Headwear requirements were revised and clarified.
Headwear (caps, visors, headbands, ribbons, etc.)
may be mixed, but if worn, they must be white,
black, beige or school colors (the colors are not
required to be the same for team members). The
logo may be any color. Flat items, no longer than
2 inches, used to control the hair, such as bobby
pins, barrettes and hair clips are permitted.
Plastic visors, bandannas and hair-beads are
prohibited. - 7-4-2 Penalty
- A more severe penalty was added when a batter has
used an altered or non-approved bat. In addition
to an out being called on the batter, the batter
and head coach will be ejected from the contest.
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- Editorial Changes
- 1-5-1c
- Clarified that shaving, rolling or artificially
warming the bat barrel are prohibited. - Rationale Recent data indicates a significant
improvement to bat performance when bat warmers
are used (approximately 2 MPH to batted ball
speed). The clarification now clearly states the
prohibition in the rule, not just in a Point of
Emphasis. - 2-4
- The definitions of legal and illegal bats were
revised and updated. - Rationale Clarification for proper penalty
administration. - 2-5-3 3-5-6 7-5 New 7-4-12 8-6-15 8-6-16 New
- Several rules were updated and reorganized to
clarify offensive interference. - Rationale The rules indicated were all related,
yet inconsistently described/penalized. - 3-2-13 NOTE
- The Note was revised to clarify that state
associations may grant exceptions to NFHS playing
rules for participants with disabilities, special
needs and/or extenuating circumstances. - Rationale Clarifies that an individual state
association may authorize exceptions to the
playing rules to provide reasonable
accommodations to individual participants with
disabilities and/or special needs or other unique
and extenuating circumstances. Such exceptions
are not considered rules modifications since they
are not general in nature rather, they are
limited to the circumstances of specific
individual participants. - 8-9-2 New Exception
- The courtesy-runner procedure was clarified.
- Rationale Clarified the procedure when the
pitcher/catcher on the lineup card is unable to
face the first batter in the bottom of the first
inning due to injury/disqualification. - 10-1-2 New Note
- A note was added clarifying the administrative
responsibilities of umpires through the
completion of required reports.
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- Rule?1 Field and Equipment
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SECTION 1 THE FIELD
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LEGAL EQUIPMENT MARKINGS
8No obstruction
Down East Umpire Association Softball
No obstruction
No obstruction
No obstruction
No obstruction
No obstruction
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- 60 FEET APART
USING A
- 12 INCH BALL
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43 FEET MEASURED FROM REAR TIP OF HOME
PLATE FRONT PITCHERS PLATE
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6 FEET DIAMETER
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OUTFIELD FENCE 185 FEET 235 FEET
FENCE 6 8 FEET HIGH
FOUL TERRITORY RECOMMENDED 30 FEET
FOUL TERRITORY RECOMMENDED 30 FEET
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ALL LINES MUST BE WHITE!
ALL LINES 2 ½ INCHES WIDE
RUNNING LANE, CATCHERS BOX, COACHES BOXES,
BATTERS BOXES MUST BE MARKET
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8 ½ FEET WIDE AND 10 FEET DEEP
4 FEET IN FRONT
3 FEET IN BACK
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ON DECK BATTER MUST REMAIN ON TEAM SIDE!
ON DECK CIRCLES DO NOT HAVE TO BE USED.
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MEDIA AREA MUST BE MARKED!
MEDIA AREA MUST BE MARKED!
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ALL BASES MUST BE WHITE
BY STATE ADOPTION A DOUBLE FIRST BASE MAY BE USED
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17 INCHES ACCROSS
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24 INCHES
6 INCHES
43 FEET FROM PLATE MEASURED FROM REAR TIP OF
HOME PLATE TO FRONT PITCHERS PLATE
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12 INCH SOFTBALL
BALL COLOR OPTIC YELLOW OR WHITE
MUST HAVE MARK!!!
PLAY SIZE COR COMPRESSION
WEIGHT CIRCUMFERENCE
Fast Pitch 12 .47 max 375 lbs.max
61/4 to 7 ounces 117/8 to 12¼ inches
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ANY FIELD DEMENSIONS THAT ARE DISCOVERED TO BE
INCORRECT MUST BE FIXED AT TIME OF DISCOVERY!!!!!
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MAY BE 2 COLORS COLORS NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH
BALL COLOR
14 INCHES HIGH 8 INCHES WIDE
NO FORGEIN OR STICKY SUBSTANCES
IF ILLEGAL MUST BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY!!!!
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NON APPROVED BAT LIST www.asasoftball.com)
NO DINTS, CRACKS, DINGS, RIVETS, PINS, SHARP
AREAS, RATTLE, OR ALTERATIONS.
MUST HAVE MARK ON BAT
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STAMP MUST BE PRESENT ON HELMENT AND MASK!
NO CRACKS, DENTS, OR SCREWS MISSING!
MUST BE WORN BY BATTER, ON DECK BATTER, BALL
SHAGERS UNDER 18 IN LIVE BALL TERRITORY!
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NO CRACKS, DENTS, OR SCREWS MISSING!
STAMP MUST BE PRESENT ON HELMENT!
MUST BE WORN BY CATCHER OR ANY NON-ADULT WARMING
UP PITCHER
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LEGAL TO WEAR ON DEFENSE ONLY!!! EXCEPT THE
CATCHER!
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NO EQUIPMENT IN LIVE BALL TERRITORY!!!!
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ALL ILLEGAL EQUIPMENT MUST BE REMOVE OR FIXED
PRIOR TO GAME TIME!!!!
SHEILDS MUST BE CLEAR!!!
PENALITY COACH AND PLAYER DISQUALIFIED!!!
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Rule?2 Definitions
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SECTION 1 APPEALS UMPIRE MAKES RULING UPON
REQUEST BY COACH OR PLAYER.
TYPES Missing a base, leaving a base, batting
order, or attempting to advance to second base
after rounding 1st
METHODS LIVE BALL OR DEAD BALL ALL ABOVE CAN
BE LIVE BALL OR DEAD BALL EXCEPT BATTING ORDER
DEAD BALL ONLY
Must be made before next legal pitch, end of an
inning prior to infilders leaving fair territory,
on last play of game before umpires leave field
of play. NOTE umpires should not leave the
field at end of the game until last infielder
leaves fair territory.
RUNNERS MAY ADVANCE DURING A LIVE BALL
APPEAL! MAY NOT RETURN TO TOUCH A BASE IF
REACHED NEXT BASE, LEFT FIELD OF PLAY OR
FOLLOWING RUNNER SCORES.
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SECTION 2 BALL, BATTED, BLOCKED, DEAD, DELAYED
DEAD, FLY, GROUND, PASSED, ROTATION
BALL Playing implements. Term designated for a
pitch not a strike.
BATTED BALL Pitch contacted by a bat fair or
foul
BLOCKED BALL live ball pitched, batted or
thrown touched or stopped by something not a
part of normal play
DEAD BALL A ball not in play.
DELAYED DEAD BALL Rule Violation ruled on after
ball becomes dead.
FLY BALL Batted ball that rises an appreciable
height above ground.
GROUND BALL Batted ball that bounces on ground
fair or foul
PASSED BALL Pitch by catcher Runner may advance
BALL ROTATION Determins which ball that is in
play
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- SECTION 3 BASE LINE, PATH
- BASE LINE direct line between two separate
bases. - BASE PATH Base line 3 ft on either side More
than 3 ft / OUT - NOTE runner establishes her path when not be
played on.
- SECTION 4 BAT ALTERED BAT, ILLEGAL BAT,
NON-APPROVED BAT - ALTERED BAT leagl bat structurally changed
- ILLEGAL BAT bat that doesnt meet
specifications - NON-APPROVED BAT ASA Specifications
www.asasoftball.com
- SECTION 5 BATTER, BATTER-RUNNER, ON-DECK BATTER
- BATTER player of team at bat occupy either
batters box - BATTER-RUNNER Player finished time at bat play
ends or put out - ON-DECK BATTER offensive player on deck circle
at team dugout stay in circle during warm-ups or
becomes batter
SECTION 6 BATTERS BOX Area including lines in
which batter is positioned when batting.
- SECTION 7 BATTING ORDER, OUT OF ORDER
- BATTING ORDER Official line-up / batting order/
starters positions - BATTING OUT OF ORDER failing to bat in proper
sequence on line-up
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- SECTION 8 BUNT, ATTEMPTED BUNT, DRAG BUNT
- BUNT ball tapped at not a swing
- ATTEMPTED BUNT holding bat or movement to
intended to tap ball. Pull back bat or take away
from ball is taking the pitch. - DRAG BUNT bunt attempt while running forward in
the batters box.
- SECTION 9 CATCH
- CATCH secure possession of a batted, pitched or
thrown ball. - Fielder must prove control release must be
voluntary. - During Transfer to throwing hand dropping ball is
ruled a catch. - Its a Catch Secure possession before stepping,
touching or falling into dead ball territory or
falling over fence and on a fence - No catch
- Catch without use of glove, hand in proper place
- Fails to maintain possession for any reason
- Use of uniform or equipment that is displaced
- Touch ball while foot is touching dead ball
territory at time. - Traps ball
- Ball prevented from touching ground by players
equipment/body must be securely held by hand or
glove
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- SECTION 10 CATCHER, CATCHERS BOX
- CATCHER player catching pitches must be in
catchers box - CATCHERS BOX 10 ft deep 8.5 inches wide.
SECTION 11 CHECKED SWING Batter stops an
attempted hit/slap/bunt swing carried batt
barrekk in front of batters body. Bat struck at
the ball judgement
SECTION 13 COACHES BOX 1 coach/ box restricted
to box during pitch
- SECTION 14 CONFERENCES CHARGED, PREGAME
- CHARGED request to meet with offensive or
defensive player - PREGAME meeting involving umpires, head coach
/or captains
SECTION 15 CONFINES OF FIELD Field of play,
dugout/bench area, warm-up area within view of
umpires
SECTION 17 DUGOUT (BENCH AREA) Area reserved for
team personnel engaged in game
SECTION 18 EFFECT Consequence of play or results
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SECTION 19 EJECTION Umpire exercises authority to
remove team personnel from game
- SECTION 20 FAIR BALL
- FAIR BALL batted ball that
- settles or touched fair
- Touches or bounds a base
- Touches 1st,2nd, or 3rd base
- While fair touches anybody or anything
- Over fence while fair
- Touches fair beyond a base
- FAIR FLY judged according to flight of ball at
touch
SECTION 21 FAKE TAG Obstruction Call simulates
a tag
- SECTION 22 FIELD OF PLAY, FAIR, FOUL, DEAD BALL
TERRITORY - FIELD OF PLAY area in which ball may be played
or fielded legally. - FAIR TERRITORY with-in including foul lines
plate, lines, poles - FOUL TERRITORY outside of foul lines
- DEAD-BALL TERRITORY area outside normal playing
area Pregame conference
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- SECTION 23 FIELDERS, INFIELDERS, OUTFIELDERS
- Any player on the team in field of play
- Infielders 1st, 2nd, 3rd, ss, P, C
- Outfielders LF, CF, RF
- Section 24 force play
- Force play runner is forced to run must
advance to next base - Force Ends runner touches next base or following
runner is out - No force if a batted ball is caught prior to
touching ground - Force reinstated if runner retreats to any base
other than home may be declared out upon touch
of base to which she is forced.
- SECTION 25 FOUL BALL, FOUL TIP
- Foul Ball batted ball that
- Settled or touch foul
- Bounds outside 1st or 3rd base
- First to hit gound foul beyond 1st and 3rd base
- Touches someone or something in foul territory
- Runner interferes with defense attempt to field a
foul ball - Touches batter or bat while batter is in box
- Goes from bat to catchers body or equipment
prior to catch - Foul Tip batted ball goes from bat to
glove/hand caught live ball
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- SECTION 26 GAME, SUSPENDED, CALLED, REGULATION,
FORFIETED - Suspended game is stop temporarily to be finished
later - Called game is ended by umpire
- Regulation game 7 innings unless shortened by
rule - Forfeited Game is awarded to opponent of
offending team
- SECTION 27 ILLEGALLY BATTED BALL
- Illegally batted ball is a pitch contacted by the
batter - With illegal bat
- Any part of foot on plate at time of contact with
ball - Foot entirely out of batters box
SECTION 28 IN FLIGHT Ball in flight is batted,
thrown or pitched ball that hasnt touched
ground, an object, or person
SECTION 29 INFIELD Portion of field that is
normally skinned covered by infielders
SECTION 30 INFIELD FLY RULE Fair fly that can be
caught by an infielder with ordinary effort.
Runners on 1st 2nd or bases loaded. Batter
out live ball no force runners may tag
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SECTION 31 INNING 3 outs/ team both teams play
offense and defense inning start on last out
- SECTION 32 INTERFERENCE (OFFENSE)
- Physical or verbal act by offense that impedes,
hinders, or confuses defense runner creates
malicious contact with fielder - Types equipment, umpire, or spctator
SECTION 33 LEAP Pitcher has both feet airborne
prior to delivery
SECTION 34 LINE DRIVE Batted ball which travel
parallel or near ground for most of its flight
SECTION 35 OBSTRUCTION (DEFENSE) Any act by the
defense tha hinders or impedes a batters attempt
or runner advancing. Act may be intentional or
unintentional. Unless fielder is in possession
of ball or making initial play on ball
SECTION 37 ON-DECK CIRCLE 5 ft Diameter safe
distance away from home plate
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- SECTION 38 OUT, FORCE OUT, TAG OUT, PUT OUT
- OUT umpire declares offensive player has been
retired 3/tean - FORCH OUT put out in which offensive player is
forced to advance. - TAG OUT touch the runner with live ball or ball
in glove/hand - PUTOUT fielder retiring an offensive player
SECTION 39 OUTFIELD Portions of the field beyond
the infield
SECTION 40 OVERSLIDING, OVERRUNNING,
OVERWALKING Runner goes past a base after
advancing
SECTION 41 PENALTY Loss assessed by umpire for a
rule infraction
- SECTION 42 PINCH HITTER, PINCH RUNNER
- Pinch Hitter person inserted to bat.
- Pinch Runner person inserted into line-up to run
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- SECTION 43 PITCH, LEAGL, NO PITCH, QUICK
- Pitch live ball legally delivered to the batter
- Illegal Pitch violation of pitching rule
- No Pitch umpire halts play or nullifies pitch
- Quick Pitch Pitch delivered that catches batter
unprepared
SECTION 44 PITCHER Person designated on line-up
card as pitcher to deliver pitch to batter
SECTION 45 PITCHERS 16 FOOT CIRCLE 16 foot
circle used for look-back rule both feet are
partially with in circle
SECTION 46 PITCHERS PIVOT FOOT Pitchers pivot
foot must be in contact with the ground
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- SECTION 47 PLAY BALL, MAKE A PLAY, INITIAL
PLAY - Play Ball umpire uses term to start or resume
play - Make a Play
- Any action by the pitcher that cause a
reaction(look-back rule) - Any action by a fielder attempting to catch/gain
control of a batted or thrown ball - Attempt by a defensive player to retire a
runner/batter-runner
SECTION 48 RESTRICTED TO THE DUGOUT/BENCH
AREA Restricted to the dougout/bench area
indicates a participant has been confined to the
dugout/bench area for the remainder of the game
for a rule infraction (not a major unsporting
act).
SECTION 49 RUN Run is scored when an offensive
player legally advances to and touches home plate
- SECTION 50 RUNNER, RETIRED RUNNER
- Runner offfensive player who advances to,
touching or returning to a base. - Retired Runner player who has scored or has
been put out and is still in live-ball territory.
43Down East Umpire Association Softball
- SECTION 51 SLAP HIT
- Slap Hit batted ball struck with a short
chopping motion rather than with a full swing. - Two types of slap hits are
- Batter takes stance as if to bunt but then either
drives the ball into the ground with a short
swing or punches it over the infield. - Batter takes running steps toward the pitcher
befor making contact with the pitch
- SECTION 52 SLIDE LEGAL, ILLEGAL
- Legal Slide feet/head first feet first one
leg and buttock shall be on the ground. Runner
shall be within reach of base with hand/foot - Illegal Slide
- Rolling or cross-body slide into fielder
- Raised leg is higher than the fielders knee
while standing - Runner goes beyond the base and makes contact
with or alters play of the fielder - Runner tries to injure the fielder.
44Down East Umpire Association Softball
SECTION 53 SQUEEZE PLAY (F.P.) Squeeze Play
play in which a runner steals home and batter
bunts
SECTION 54 STARTING PLAYERS 9 or 10 (DP/FLEX)
Players submitted to and accepted by the plate
umpire at pregame conference
SECTION 55 STOLEN BASE Stolen Base advance of a
runner to next base without aid of a base hit,
putout, fielding error, passed ball, or wild
pitch. Double or triple steal involves 2 or 3
runners
- SECTION 56 STRIKE, STRIKEOUT, STRIKE ZONE
- Strike any pitch that enters strike zone without
first touching the ground or is swung at by the
batter and missed. May be called by the umpire
for specific actions by the batter. 2-8-2,
3-6-19, 7-2-1 and 7-3-1 - Strikeout result of a third strike charged to a
batter - Strike Zone(F.P.) space over home plate which
is between the batters forward armpit and the
top of the knees when the batter assumes a
natural batting stance. Any part of the ball
passing through the zone is a strike. According
to batters usual stance.
45Down East Umpire Association Softball
46Down East Umpire Association Softball
47Down East Umpire Association Softball
- SECTION 57 SUBSTITUTE, UNREPORTED, ILLEGAL
- Substitute player not listed on the lineup as a
starter but who may legally replace a starting
player. Any player who enter or renters the
game DP when the DP plays defense for the Flex
FLEX when the FLEX plays offense for the DP. - Unreported Substitute is a substitute who has a
legal right to participate but has not reported
to the umpire prior to participation (3-6-7).
All Substitutes must be reported to Umpire. - Note Courtesy Runner is not a substitute , but
must be reported. (8-9-7) - Illegal Substitute player who enters or
reenters the game without eligibility to do so
(illegal re-entry) player who reenters the game
in wrong position in batting order FLEX enter
the game as a batter or runner in a different
postion in the batting order than the DP or a
player who violates the courtesy runner rule.
SECTION 58 THREE FOOT RUNNING LANE Three Foot
Running Lane space defined by a line drawn 3 ft
from and parallel to the first base line starting
halfway between home and first base and extending
to first base in foul territory.
48Down East Umpire Association Softball
SECTION 59 TIME OR TIME-OUT Time term
used by umpire to suspend play. Ball becomes
Dead.
SECTION 60 TIME AT BAT Time at Bat period
beginning when a batter first enters the batters
box and continues until she is putout or becomes
a batter-runner. EXCEPTION Batter is not charged
a time at bat on a sacrifice hit, hit by pitched
ball, award a base on balls, replace before being
charged with 2 strikes, replaced with 2 strikes
and the substitute does not strike out, or she
advances to first base because of obstruction .
SECTION 61 TIMING PLAY Timing Play play when
the last out of an inning is not the result of a
force out and the exact time of the out may or
may not allow a run to score. If a runner
touches home base before the last out (not a
force) is made, the run would be scored. Runner
touches home base on a force or after the last
out then no run would be scored.
49Down East Umpire Association Softball
SECTION 62 TOUCHING Touching contact with ball,
equipment or a person. Applies to a pitched ball
touching a batter, batted ball touching the
batter or runner, catcher touching the bat,
player toucing a base, or ball touching
player/non-player. Contact any part of person or
clothing
- SECTION 63 WALK, INTENTIONAL WALK
- Walk 4 pitches thrown out of the strike zone
awarding batter 1st base. - Intentional Walk request made to the umpire by
the defensive coach or catcher, for the putpose
of awarding the batter first base. No pitches
are thrown.
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Rule?3 Players, Substitutes and Coaches
51Down East Umpire Association Softball
- SECTION 1 PLAYERS, POSITIONS
- Start with 9 or 10 with DP/FLEX (optional)
- Captains Optional
- Lineup card first initial, last name, jersey ,
position, batting order and substitutes - Penalty 1st Warning/2nd or more restricted to
dugout - Fielders designated by position . See Diagram.
- All fielders shall be in fair ground at time of
pitch except catcher. - Players may change to different position any
time, except as in 3-32 Note.
- SECTION 2UNIFORMS, PLAYER EQUIPMENT
- Uniforms same color or style. State Association
Permission - Jersey required Solid Contrasting Color ¼
inch border no players with same (0 00
considered same ) - Uniform 1 logo/trademark/reference 2 ¼ inches per
item - USA Flag 2 x 3 inch max allowed with written
state association approval - Caps, visors can be mixed Same Color no
bandana/plastic visors
52(No Transcript)
53Down East Umpire Association Softball
- SECTION 2UNIFORMS, PLAYER EQUIPMENT cont.
- Sleeves may vary approximately same length not
ragged/frayed - Undergarments black, white, gray or solid school
color - Upper body and lower body undergarments do not
have to match - Exposed must be same color
- Uniforms No dangerous or reflective buttons or
ornaments - No items on pitching hand, wrist, arm or thighs
that may be judge to be distracting to the batter - Player shall wear uniform properly as designed by
manufacturer - PENALTY remove/correct uniform. Notify coach
- Shoes required plastic, nylon, canvas, leather,
or synthetic material soft/hard cleats or metal
cleats Metal Cleats ¾ inch from sole . Note
Metal toe plates permitted. - No Jewelry Religions Medical-alert medals (not
Jewelry) must be taped to body. Exception Hair
control devices - ½ inch foam or padding closed over guards, casts,
braces, splints - Any equipment judged to by potentially dangers is
illegal - PENALTY Section 2 3-6-1 Penalty
54Down East Umpire Association Softball
- SECTION 3 SUBSTITUTING
- Substitute not listed on lineup card may play.
3-1-3 Penalty - Sub may enter during dead ball coach or
substitute may report change to umpire. Name/
of player entering/reentering FLEX/DP change
Courtesy Runner - Note Pitcher may return as pitcher 1 time per
inning - Plate Umpire Record all lineup card changes and
report them ot opposing team. Substitute has
entered the game when - Runner takes place of runner she replaced
- Pitcher steps on pitchers plate
- Fielder reaches fielding position
- Batter in batters box
- When ball is declared live by plate umpire
- Sub or Courtesy Runner shall not enter game
unreported. 3-6-7 Pen, 8-9-7 - Anyone my reenter once
- DP/FLEX option declared at pregame conference
- No subs player unable to continue
- Previous batter may run temporary until putout
- Player who could not continue shall be out when
due to bat - Team become Defense. 4-31- g
- A player become available
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- SECTION 3 SUBSTITUTING cont.
- Signs of Concussion Remove player appendix a
- Anyone bleeding/bloody shall be directed to leave
the game until stop bleeding, body/uniform
cleaned Reentry rule applies
- SECTION 4 ILLEGAL SUBSTITUTE
- May be discovered by umpire or either team once
ball is live and an illegal substitute has taken
position as - Runner she replaced or batter in batters box
- Pitcher on pitchers plate or fielder reaching
position - Courtesy-runner if that violates courtesy-runner
rule - PENALTY OUT Restricted to Dugout
- Illegal Offensive players discovered
- In batters box before batter-runner reaches 1st
or putout pitch delivered - Illegal batter-runner or runner advances, scores
or causes play to be made allowing another runner
to advance or score and infraction is discovered
before next pitch. - Infraction detected after next pitch
- Game ending play prior to infielders/umpires
leaving - PENALTY Out if still on base (2c,2d)Play
nullified, outs stand runners return (2b,2d)
play stands (2c) all restricted to dugout
56Down East Umpire Association Softball
- SECTION 4 ILLEGAL SUBSTITUTE cont.
- Illegal defensive player discover before next
pitch - Involved in a play with a batter ball
- Non-batted ball is touched by an illegal sub
that leads to runner being putout - Non-batted ball touched that alters play but no
runner putout - PENALTIES
- RESTRICTED dugout/bench for game (3a,3b) offense
has option(3c) may award bases (3a) batter may
bat again (3b,c) No pitch if it is a strike,
pitch counts if a ball - After a pitch all plays stand but illegal player
is restricted to bench - Play stand if play doesnt lead to a putout or
alter play. Sub restricted.
57Down East Umpire Association Softball
- SECTION 5 COACHING
- Pregame conference with head coach. Verify
lineup, players/equipment legal - PENALTY Game will not begin
- Any team member may occupy coaches box
- Coach wears school uniform or jersey/coaching
shirt with shorts or slacks warm-up suit - PENALTY coach not allowed on field of play until
fixed - Coach may not physically assist a runner
- PENALTY Runner out ball live 8-6-5
- Team personnel may be near a base must vacate
any area needed by a fielder. - PENALTY dead ball runner closes home out all
other runner return - Any offensive team member other than runner or
retired runner interferes with batted fair or
foul fly ball batter out possible double play,
runner closest to home is out. - PENALTY Dead ball batter and runner out
8-6-16,17,19 7-4-12 - Coach may leave bench to attend to a player
ill/injured
58Down East Umpire Association Softball
- SECTION 6 BENCH AND FIELD CONDUCT
- Team must wear or use legal equipment
- PENALTY removed/legal coach and player
disqualified - No fake tag without ball
- Shall not carelessly throw a bat
- After game has start may not hit balls to defense
- Stand behind catcher while other team is on
defense - No one outside dugout unless legally allowed to
do so - Note Bench personnel may warm-up between innings
- Players and subs shall not enter the game
unreported - Amplifiers or bullhorns prohibited for coaching
purposes - Team personnel shall not do anything to cause an
illegal pitch - Only scorekeeping devices are allowed in coachs
box - PENALTY Art. 2-10 team warning, next offender
restricted to dugout. Art. 2 fake tag
obstruction Art. 7 head coach restricted to
dugout Art. 8,9,10 may issue a warning, restrict
to dugout
- No electronic device for coaching purpose during
the game - Tobacco Prohibited
59Down East Umpire Association Softball
- SECTION 6 BENCH AN D FIELD CONDUCT cont
- Unsporting Acts shall not be committed
- Word/actions to incite
- Profanity/intimidation/deceitful tactics/baiting
/taunting - Anything not in sprit of the game
- Team personnel shall not charge and umpire
- Arguing calls by umpires is prohibited
- No throwing equipment
- PENALTY Art. 11-16 may be an ejection Warning
Art 11,13 coach may be restricted - Shall not intentional remove lines of batters
box or field of play - PENALTY strike/ball may be called team warning
leading to restriction to dugout if repeated. - Initiating malicious contact is prohibited
- Team personnel shall not participate in a fight
coach assists to break it up - PENALTY ejected (18-19) Play dead, out unless
putout or scored, all runner return, defender
ejected - Anyone restricted to bench may be ejected for
misconduct. Players remain on bench. Coach leave
playing area.
60Down East Umpire Association Softball
SECTION 7 CHARGED CONFERENCES
- 1 Offensive conference per inning
- Umpire should deny any subsequent request
- No conference if attending to an injured player
- 3 during 7 inning game
- Extra inning 1 per inning
- PENALTY after 3 or 1 in extra innings pitcher
shall be removed as pitcher for duration of the
game
61Down East Umpire Association Softball
Rule?4 Starting and Ending Game
62Down East Umpire Association Softball
- SECTION 1 STARTIN A GAME
- Coach decides if field is playable to start
- Pregame Conference 5 min to game time
- No warm-ups
- Home/Visiting team lineups Verified
- Ground rules
- Verify Player/Equipment Legal
- Home coach may designate special ground rules
teams must agree or umpire makes a decision. Not
to supersede Rule Book - Field marked
- Ball dead if goes over backstop
- Wild pitch, passed balls, batted balls that
passes through a fence apply 8-4-3c - Dead ball area if difficult to field ball in a
spot on the field - Chalk Live/Dead ball area on unfenced fields
- Visitors bat first
- Play Ball announce by umpire to start game
- Umpires have sole judgement on the safety of
continued play
63Down East Umpire Association Softball
- SECTION 2 ENDING GAME
- Team behind has completed its turn at bat in the
7th inning or extra inning unless home team is
losing - Regulation Game if
- 5 full inning played 4 ½ home team winning
- Played beyond 5 inning when game is called
- State Adoption suspended games
- If called prior to regulation game suspended
- Tied Score stands State Adoption Rule
- Tie Breaker may be use by State Adoption
64Down East Umpire Association Softball
- SECTION 3 FORFIETED GAME
- Forfeited Game when
- Late appearing after umpire call play ball
state adoption - Refuse to continue play once games has started
- Delay more than 1 min after umpire calls play
ball - Delay tactics
- Willfully violates rules after being warned
- Less than 9 players to start
- Less than 8 players Out called in that spot
- Home team fails to put field in playing
conditions when directed by umpire. - Score 7 0 unless forfeited after of inning
to be a regulation game score remains the same.
65Down East Umpire Association Softball
- SECTION 4 PROTESTED GAME
- It is optional on the part of a state association
as to Whether protests are permitted. When
allowed, protests are permitted regarding rules
one through nine only. When protests are
submitted to organizations which do allow the
filing, such protest shall be submitted using a
prescribed procedure (10-2-3i). All individual
and team averages shall be included in the
official records, except that no pitcher shall be
credited with a victory or a loss in such a game
if the game is not completed - Play Offs must have Protest Committee
66Down East Umpire Association Softball
Rule?5 Dead Ball and Suspension of Play
67Down East Umpire Association Softball
SECTION 1 DEAD BALL ART. 1
Activity /Play /Action Ref Award / Penalties
Pitch touches Batter 5.1.1a Awarded first / except no effort to avoid 8.1.2b, 7.3.2, 7-4-8, 7-4-2
Illegally batted ball 5.1.1b Batter is out / runners return 7.4.8, 7.4.2
Ball hit twice in fair or foul territory 5.1.1b Batter is out / runners return 7.4.13, 7.4.13 exception 8.2.6
Uncaught foul ball 5.1.1d Runners return to base occupied at time of pitch 8.3.2 Exception
Spectator interference 5.1.1d Umpire judgment award that nullifies interference 8.4.3l
Interference by runner 5.1.1e Interfere is out and all runners return to occupied at time of the play. 8.6.10
Interference by retired runner 5.1.1e Runner closest to home is out all other runners return to base occupied at the time of play. 8.6.10
Interference by runner ( foul fly) 5.1.1m Interfere is out and runners return to last occupied base. Strike on the batter 8.6.10b
Interference by the coach or other team members With a thrown ball 5.1.1g For interference by the coach the runner is out. With other team members rule 3.5.4.5 penalty 8.4.2f
Interference by the coach or other team members With a batted ball 5.1.1e Batter / runner is out. If interference prevents a DP runner closest to home is also out. 8.6.16
68Down East Umpire Association Softball
SECTION 1 DEAD BALL ART. 1
Activity /Play /Action Ref Award / Penalties
Fair batted ball over the fence in flight prevented by spectator or players detached equipment 5.1.1f Award all runners home 8.4.3e-g
Fair ball touches spectator, bounces over or lodges in a fence 5.1.1f Award umpires judgment or two bases 8.4.3h,k
Fair ball touches a runner or umpire before or after it passes a fielder and another fielder has a play. 5.1.1f Hit runner is out. Batter is awarded first and all other runners return to base last occupied unless forced to advance. 8.1.2a, 8.4.1f, 8.6.11
A thrown ball , not a pitch which becomes blocked 5.1.1g Award all runners two bases from last base reached at the time of the throw. 8.4.3f
A pitched ball which becomes blocked 5.1.1g Award all runners one base from the time of the pitch. 8.4.3c
Umpire handles live ball, inspect the ball or calls time for any reason. 5.1.1h Runners return to last base they reached or passed. 5.2.1
Fair or Foul ball is caught and the fielder leaves the field of play with one or both feet. 5.1.1i Award all runners one base from the last base reached or passed. Unless it was the third out. Note 8.4.3j
A live ball is intentionally kicked, thrown or carried into dead ball territory 5.1.1k Award all runners two bases from the last base reached or passed. 8.4.3k
Offensive team calls time or any other command in an effort to cause the opposing pitcher to violate the pitching rules. 5.1.1j No runners may advance. Team warning issued for first offense . Subsequent offenders are ejected.
69Down East Umpire Association Softball
SECTION 1 DEAD BALL ART. 1
Activity /Play /Action Ref Award / Penalties
Infielder intentionally drops a fly ball or line drive with less than two out and base runners. DP ball 5.1.1l Batter runner is out and all other runners return base occupied at the time of the pitch. 8.5.7
Illegal pitch not released or released to a base. 5.1.1p All runners advance one base and batter is awarded a ball. 6.2.7 Penalty 6.2.1, 6.2.2
Base runner leaves the base before pitcher releases the pitch. 6.2.4c No pitch is declared and the runner is out. 6.2.4c, 8.6.18
Quick pitch before the batter has taken position or is off balance. 6.2.4b No pitch is declared 6.2.4b
Illegal slide 8.6.13 Runner is out and all other runners return to base occupied prior to infraction.
Malicious interference 8.6.14 Runner is out and ejected. All runners return to the base occupied at the time of the interference.
Ball hitting loose equipment of the team on defense. 5.1.1g All runners advance two bases. 8.4.3f Penalty
Interference by the batter when catcher attempts a putout. 5.1.1q Batter is out. Runners return to the base occupied at the time of the play. 7.4.4
Batter steps backward toward home to avoid be put out. 8.2.8 Batter runner is out and all other runners return to base occupied at the time of the play. 8.2.8
Batter runner fails to advance to first and enters team area. 8.2.4 Batter runner is out. Runners return to the bases occupied at the time of the infraction. 8.2.4
70Down East Umpire Association Softball
SECTION 1 DELAYED DEAD BALL ART. 2, 3 4
Activity /Play /Action Ref Award / Penalties
Illegal Pitch released 5.1.2a The pitch is ruled a ball and runners are awarded one base. If pitch is hit the offensive team has the option of the play or the award . 6.1.1,2,3,4 Penalty
Obstruction of the batter by the catcher or fielder 5.1.2b If batter and all runners advance at least one base. If awarded first base runner only advance if forced. 6.4.12, 8.1.1d
Intentionally touching batted ball with detached player equipment. 5.1.2c Award of three bases if not reached during the play. 8.4.3e
Intentionally touching thrown ball with detached player equipment. 5.1.2c Award or two bases if not made during the play. 8.4.3e
Interference on the catcher by the umpire on at thrown ball. 5.1.2c If the runner is not put out, the runner must return to the occupied at the time of the attempted play. 8.5.6
Obstruction 5.1.3 2.36 Award to the base they would have reached had there been no obstruction.
Contact with the ball with any illegal mitt or glove 8.8.15 The offensive team can take the result of the play or the penalty. Returning the batter to her at bat with the count prior to the play. 8.8.15c
Deliberately removing the helmet in live ball territory 5.1.2e Team warning. Subsequent violators , player and head coach will be restricted to the dugout. 3.6.1 Penalty
71Down East Umpire Association Softball
SECTION 2 SUSPENSION OF PLAY
- Time Shall be Called
- Put the Ball back in play after time or dead
ball - Suspension of the Game Field / Weather or
Other Note After 30 minutes, the umpire may
declare the game ended or, by state association
adoption, suspended. - when a player, bench personnel or spectator is
ordered from the field of play, or player is
ordered to secure protective equipment. - when an umpire or player is incapacitated, unless
injury occurs during a live ball, then time shall
not be called until no further advance or putout
is possible. - NOTE If necessary, the umpire may suspend play
immediately if, in the umpires judgment, further
play may cause injury or jeopardize a
participants safety. (10-2-3g) - when a player or coach is granted time for a
substitution, conference with the pitcher, or for
similar cause. - when play is suspended for any other cause,
including an award of a base after an infraction,
inspection of the ball, or the ending of a
half-inning. - ART. 2 . . . When the ball becomes dead
- no action by the defense during that time can
cause a player to be put out, except a proper
dead-ball appeal. (2-1-3b) - a runner may not advance, nor return to a base
that was not touched or that the runner was not
in contact with on a caught fly ball during a
live ball if the runner had advanced to or beyond
a succeeding base. - any runner may advance when awarded a base or
bases for an act which occurred before the ball
became dead. All awarded bases must be touched.
(8-1-2, 8-3-11) - Two Umpire Signals
- Time and Dead Ball
- Delay Dead Ball
- Put the Ball Back in Play
72Down East Umpire Association Softball
Rule?6 Pitching
73Down East Umpire Association Softball
- SECTION 1 PITCHING REGULATONS (FP)
- Pivot Foot on pitchers plate Non-pivot foot in
contact or behind. Both within 24-inch length of
pitchers plate. - Shoulder must be in line with 1st and 3rd with
ball in the glove or hand with hands separated - Simulate taking a signal from catcher
- Hand together for 1 to 10 seconds.
Motionless/moving - Catcher must be with in the box and ready to
receive a pitch to be a pitcher. - Pitcher must have ball to be on or near pitching
plate. - Pitcher may remove herself from pitching
position - Step back w/both feet before hands come together
- Hands together not windup step back w/both
feet. - Either foot may be removed first
- PENALTY (Art. 1) Illegal Pitch
74Down East Umpire Association Softball
- SECTION 1 PITCHING REGULATONS (FP)
- Pitch
- Starts 1 hand is taken off ball / any motion
that is part of windup after hands have been
brought together - Hands together and motion starts 1 step forward,
towards batter. Backwards step allowed prior to
hands coming together - Exception 6-1-1f2 Removing from pitchers
position - Notes
- Slide not a step
- Crow Hop Leap are Illegal. 2-162-33
- Legal delivery underhand motion
- Release forward past vertical line of body
- Hands below hip wrist no farther away from body
than elbow - Delivered on throwing arm side not behind back
not between legs - Pitch completed with step toward the batter
- PENALTY (ART. 2,3,4) Illegal Pitch. Delayed Dead
Ball if pitched Ball on batter Base runners
advance one base(6-2-2 exception)
75Down East Umpire Association Softball
- SECTION 1 PITCHING REGULATONS (FP)
- Any Windup
- Immediately deliver ball to batter
- No rocker motion no returning hands to ball
- No stop or reversal of forward motion
- 1 ½ revolution of the arm
- Doesnt continue to windup after taking a forward
step or after ball is released. - Note continuation is any action causing arm to
continue past the shoulder - PENALTY (ART. 2,3,4) Illegal Pitch. Delayed Dead
Ball if pitched Ball on batter Base runners
advance one base(6-2-2 exception)
76Down East Umpire Association Softball
- SECTION 2 INFRACTION BY PITCHER (FP)
- Shall not deliberately drop, roll, bounce or etc
to prevent batter from swinging - Penalty Illegal Pitch Delayed Dead Ball Ball
on Batter 1 base award to runner on base. - Shall not use any substance on pitching hand
shall not be any substance applied by any player
wipe off fingers before contacting the ball
remove distraction items from pitching hand or
arm - Penalty Illegal Pitch Delayed Dead Ball Ball
on Batter 1 base award to runner on base. - EXCEPTION hit ball coach has option to take
play or penalty - Note Delayed Dead Ball Signal and Voiced
- 20 seconds to release next pitch once pitcher has
ball - Penalty Ball on batter
- No pitch declared
- Suspension of play
- Quick pitch
- Runner leaves base too soon
- Attempts to pitch before runner return to their
base. - Time is Called to cause an illegal pitch
- Penalty (Aft. 4a-d) Dead Ball (4e) live ball
legal pitch
77Down East Umpire Association Softball
- SECTION 2 INFRACTIONS BY PITCHER (F.P.)
- 1 min 5 pitches between innings
- Note
- Pitcher returning same half inning no warm-up
pitches - Umpire may allow more pitches due to weather or
injury - Penalty Ball on batter for each pitch in excess
of 5. Doesnt apply if umpire delays the start of
play - Ball slips from hand during backward or forward
motion, it is a pitch. - Effect Ball on batter runner may advance with
liability of being putout Fielder may retrieve
ball if batter has no chance of hitting it - EXCEPTION batter has a chance to swing at pitch
strike is called live ball if batted - Pitcher shall not throw to a base while in
contact of pitchers plate after having taking a
pitching position - Note pitcher may remove herself from pitchers
plate - Illegal pitch if fielder is in the line of
batters vision or distracts the batter prior to
pitch being released. - Shall not deliver a pitcher until fielders are in
position - Penalty (Art. 7,8,9) Illegal Pitch Dead Ball
Ball runners may advance
78Down East Umpire Association Softball
- SECTION 3 INFRACTIONS BY CATCHER (F.P.)
- Inside lines of catchers box when pitch is
released. - Penalty Illegal Pitch
- Return ball to pitcher after each pitch except
after a strikeout or putout by catcher or play on
a base runner. - Penalty Ball on batter
- EXCEPTION Intentional Walk w/o pitching
- SECTION 5 BALL ROTATION
- Pitcher may choose any ball to start each half
inning unless both ball have not been in the
game bottom of 1st inning pitcher must use an
unused ball - Pitcher may request the other ball before
throwing a warm-up pitch. Otherwise wait until
the ball goes out of play or becomes blocked..
79Down East Umpire Association Softball
Rule?7 Batting
80Down East Umpire Association Softball
- SECTION 1 POSITION AND BATTING ORDER
- Player bats according to her position on lineup
card. (4-1-2) Substitute shall take the place of
replaced player. Batter follows preceding
player. Improper Batter in box 1 pitch
thrown. May be corrected before being putout or
becoming a base runner. - After 1st inning, next batter is the batter
following the last batter to complete her turn at
bat in preceding inning. - PENALTIES (Art. 1,2)
- Batter Out defense only appeal after at bat
completed - Runner Appeal prior to next pitch, infielders
leave field proper batter out Runners return,
outs stand, all actions leading to appeal is
legal. - Legal pitch improper batter now legal batter.
- Proper batter called out next to bat will be
player whose name follows that of proper batter. - Improper batter become legal batter. Next batter
is whose name follows such batter. - Several players bat out of order players turn
at bat occurs while on base remains on base but
no Out.
81Down East Umpire Association Softball
- SECTION 2 STRIKES, BALLS AND HITS
- Strike when
- Pitch enter strike zone not struck at
- Struck at and missed
- Foul less than 2 strikes
- Foul tip or foul on attempted bunt(F.P.) even on
3rd strike. - Penalty strike (7-3-1)
- Foul ball batted ball contacts batter while in
box - Dead ball strike
- Swing and ball hits batter
- Batter prevents ball from entering strike zone
- Offensive player intentionally removes a line.
- Ball is declared when pitch not struck at, not in
strike zone, illegal pitch or catchers /
pitchers delay - EFFECT Pitch hits plate is a ball unless struck
at - Foul / fair hit, Bunt (F.P.) touched by bat of
batter in box.(2-202-8) - EXCEPTION FOUL TIP
82Down East Umpire Association Softball
- SECTION 3 BATTING INFRACTIONS
- 10 seconds to enter box batter shall not delay
next pitch - PENALTY strike may be called, declared out
strike 3 - Effects
- Batter shall not permit a pitch to touch her
- PENALTY ball or strike unless strike 3 or ball 4
- SECTION 4 BATTER IS OUT
- 1 less players than started with Out when her
turn to bat - Batter in box w/illegal bat discover used an
illegal bat before next pitch - Batter changes batters box while pitcher is
ready to pitch - Batter interferes with catcher lean over plate,
hinders action at plate, hinders attempted play
on runner, fails to vacate area for play at plate - 3rd strike caught
- Runner on 1st 3rd strike with less than 2 outs.
83Down East Umpire Association Softball
- SECTION 4 BATTER IS OUT cont
- Runner on 1st 3rd strike with less than 2 outs.
- Batter contact ball with foot outside batters
box or touching plate - Bunt 3rd strike foul
- Foul caught in flight or spectator interference
- Interference foul ball
- Hitting a ball second time
- Throws her bat and interferes with player making
a play - PENALTY Section 4 Batter Out Art
2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,12,13 Dead Ball Art
2,6,9,10,11,13 runners return to last base
occupied Art 2 put out on play stands Art.
4,11 return to base touch at time of the
interference. Also 8-6-10 Penalty
84Down East Umpire Association Softball
Rule?8 Batter-Runner and Runner
85Down East Umpire Association Softball
SECTION 1 THE BATTER BECOMES A BATTER-RUNNER
- ART. 1 . . . A batter becomes a batter-runner
with the right to attempt to score by advancing
to first, second and third and then home plate in
the listed order when - she legally hits a fair ball.
- (F.P.) the catcher fails to catch the third
strike before the ball touches the ground when
there are fewer than two outs and first base is
unoccupied at the time of the pitch, or anytime
there are two outs. - an intentional base on balls is awarded (S.P.),
or a fourth ball is called by the umpire. - EFFECTS
- (F.P.) The ball is in play unless it has been
blocked. - the catcher or another defensive player
obstructs, hinders or prevents the batter from
striking or hitting a pitched ball. - EFFECTS
- The umpire shall give a delayed dead-ball signal.
- If the batter hits the ball and reaches first
base safely and if all other runners - have advanced at least one base on the batted
ball, catcher obstruction is canceled. All action
as a result of the batted ball stands. No option
is given. Once a runner has passed a base, the
runner is considered to have reached that base
(whether missing the base or not) and no options
are given. - Otherwise, the coach or captain of the team at
bat, after being informed by the plate umpire of
the obstruction, has the option to take the
result of the play, or have the obstruction
enforced by awarding the batter first base and
advancing all other runners only if forced. - The catcher or any other fielder shall not
- Step on, or in front of home plate without the
ball, or - On a swing or attempted bunt, touch the batter or
her bat with a runner on third base trying to
score by means of a squeeze play or a steal. - PENALTY (Art. 1) The runner would be awarded the
base on the attempted steal or squeeze. The
batter shall also be awarded first base on the
obstruction and the ball is dead. - ART. 2 . . . A batter is awarded first base when
- a fair batted ball strikes the person, attached
equipment, or clothing of an umpire or a runner.
86Down East Umpire Association Softball
SECTION 1 THE BATTER BECOMES A BATTER-RUNNER
- EFFECTS
- 1. If, after touching a fielder (including the
pitcher), the ball is in play. - 2. If, after passing a fielder other than the
pitcher, and no other fielder had a chance to
make an out, the ball is in play. - 3. If before passing a fielder without being
touched, the ball is dead. If the runner is hit
by the ball while off base and before it has
passed an infielder, - excluding the pitcher, or if it passes an
infielder and another fielder has an opportunity
to make an out, the runner is out and the
batter-runner is - entitled to first base without liability to be
put out. Any runner not forced by the
batter-runner must return to the base reached
prior to the interference. - When a fair ball touches a runner who is in
contact with a base, the ball is dead or live
depending on whether the closest fielder is in
front of - the base (live) or behind the base (dead). The
runner is not out unless she intentionally
interferes. - 4. If the fair batted ball hits an umpire before
passing a fielder other than the pitcher, the
ball is dead and the batter-runner is entitled to
first base without - liability to be put out.
- (F.P.) a pitched ball not swung at nor called a
strike touches any part of the batter's person or
clothing. It does not matter if the ball strikes
the ground - before hitting the batter. The batter's hands are
not to be considered a part of the bat. - PENALTIES (Art. 2).
- The ball is dead. The batter is entitled to one
base without liability to be put out. If no
attempt is made to avoid being hit or there is an
obvious attempt to get hit by the pitch, the
batter will not be awarded first base unless it
is ball four. - If the batter is hit anywhere on the body,
including on the hands, while swinging at a pitch
and hits the ball fair or foul, the ball is dead
and a - strike called. If it is strike three, the batter
is out. - SECTION 2 BATTER-RUNNER IS OUT
- The batter-runner shall be called out when
- ART. 1 . . . (F.P.) The catcher drops the third
strike and is legally put out prior to reaching
first base with two outs or less than two outs
and first base is not occupied at the time of the
pitch.
87Down East Umpire Association Softball
SECTION 2 BATTER-RUNNER IS OUT
- EXCEPTION (S.P.) The ball is dead on a base on
balls, or on a hit batter (F.P.) the ball is
dead, the batter-runner is not out and runners
cannot advance unless forced. - PENALTY (Art. 4) The ball is dead and the
runner(s) must return to the last base touched at
the time of the infraction. - ART. 5 . . . She runs outside the three-foot
(0.91m) lane and, in the judgment of the umpire,
interferes with the fielder taking the throw at
first base (there must be a throw) however, the
batter-runner may run outside the three-foot
(0.91m) lane to avoid a fielder attempting to
field a batted ball. A runner is considered
outside the running lane if either foot is
completely outside the lane and in contact with
the ground. - ART. 6 . . . The batter-runner interferes with a
fielder attempting to make an initial play,
interferes with a fielder attempting to throw the
ball, intentionall