About Richard J. Eddings Expertise I can answer your slow pitch and fast pitch softball umpiring questions regarding rules & rule interpretations, umpire positioning, proper umpire mechanics, angles, umpire education, and moving to the "next level" in softball umpiring. Please include sanctioning body information (ASA, NFHS, etc.) when asking rule questions as rules may differ between organizations.
Experience ASA Deputy UIC. Umpired for 4 years, attended three schools and have instructed in one ASA Umpire School. I have umpired over 2,200 softball games.
Organizations ASA, ISA, NSA, TCS, SSUSA, Southwest Umpires Association
Education/Credentials 2004 Metro ASA Slow Pitch School. 2004 Metro ASA Fast Pitch School. 2005 ASA National Umpire School. Southwest Umpires Association Certified Trainers Program.
Awards and Honors 2005 Metro ASA Slow/Fast Pitch School Instructor. Southwest Umpires Association Staff Certified Trainer. ASA Medals Program. 2005 Umpired Championship game of my first ASA National Tournament where 3 umpires (including me) out of 30 were selected for the final game.
If the player makes absolutely zero movement, none, I don't even think she took a breath, ball strikes her on top of her back foot, at about 1 mph, I didn't give the base. This is correct, yes?
Also, which is getting truly out of hand... Ball is pitched, hits the dirt way out in front of the batter, then strikes her, but her movement to clear the ball is in response to being hit by the ball. Again, I awarded no base...
Are these correct? I have no 2006 ASA book to check on these things, can you help me out - it's rather urgent, Seems all the umpires throughout the league are giving HBP for everything, shirts, shoelaces...:-))))
Answer Thanks for the question!
Ok. Here we go right out of the book.
Rule 8 Section 1 "The batter becomes a Batter-Runner..." Part F
F. (Fast Pitch only) When 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 part of the bat.
EFFECT
1. The ball is dead. The batter is entitled to one base without liability to be put out.
EXCEPTION: If no attempt is made to avoid being hit, the batter will not be awarded first base unless it is ball four.
2. If the batter is hit anywhere on the body, including the hands, while swinging at a pitch, the ball is dead and a strike called. If it is strike three, the batter is out.
So there you have it, clear as mud.
Hope this helps everyone out! Any more questions please ask!
