| Subject | Date Asked |
| hit runner | 2/6/2012 |
| Q: Runners are on 1st and 2nd, batter hit ball that hits the runner on 1st going to second, umpire ... A: When a runner is hit with an untouched fair batted ball before it has passes an infielder (exc F1) ... | |
| Runner interference | 2/5/2012 |
| Q: A common occurrence, particularly in senior ball where sliding is less commonplace, is that a runner ... A: First of all per your q there must be an opportunity for the defense to make a play (get an out). ... | |
| Uniforms | 1/31/2012 |
| Q: I know that an ASA player can"t display names and/or logos of other softball associations on his or ... A: I've never had this come up at a tournie, so i called a few friends of mine who also UIC tournies. ... | |
| Rules Question on a force play | 1/23/2012 |
| Q: In an ASA league, the bases were loaded with two outs. Ground ball to short. The runner on second ... A: NO! NO! NO! and NO!!!!! This is umpiring 101 and it beats me where people come up with these ... | |
| co-ed slow pitch softball | 1/3/2012 |
| Q: A batter hits the ball to the right field, the right fielder throws the ball to first base for the ... A: I've seen this much more at lower levels of women's play but it could also pertain to co-ed which ... | |
| Dec. 2 question on infield fly | 12/5/2011 |
| Q: Dr. Mark, I have learned much from your replies over the years, and I have a question, the guy ... A: I read the question carefully and I think the OP was careful to not use the word "fly" but "pop" ... | |
| judgement call infield pop | 12/2/2011 |
| Q: i had a situation on a popup to the infield.... no out... runner on first... first baseman lets ... A: In ASA you must actually catch the ball and then intentionally drop it for a dead ball, batter out, ... | |
| slow pitch softball | 11/6/2011 |
| Q: I play in a coed slow pitch softball league. Here is the situation: runner at 1st, left handed ... A: This is a good question because it may be the wrong call in 1 or 2 orgs but the right call in ... | |
| ASA Slowpitch | 11/4/2011 |
| Q: What is the allowable height limits for ASA Slowpitch softball. I heard last year that ASA went from ... A: A couple of years ago ASA changed the height from 12' to 10'. This is now the rule for everyone ... | |
| minor A softball foul ball rules caught by catcher | 11/4/2011 |
| Q: I was coaching in my game tonight and my team was on the field their batters up and fouls a ball ... A: If you play by ASA rules the following applies.... A "foul tip" is a ball that goes from the bat ... | |
| run down's | 10/19/2011 |
| Q: Can you describe some of the rules regarding what would be obstruction regarding a rundown? For ... A: A rundown improperly run is a very good way for a runner to get out of a pickle. In my experience ... | |
| Interfrence | 10/19/2011 |
| Q: The batter gets a base hit to left field as the throw is coming to 2nd the 1st baseman moves 1/4 of ... A: No it would not interference but it is probably obstruction. The defense obstructs and the offense ... | |
| Slow Pitch Shortfielder | 10/18/2011 |
| Q: In slow pitch softball can the extra "shortfielder" line up in the dirt of the infield making 7 ... A: Yes, it's called "5 man" and as long as it's not co-ed you can position your defense anywhere you ... | |
| Batters box | 10/2/2011 |
| Q: We have a disagreement over the batters box between two very experienced ASA umpires. Both agree the ... A: I think 1 umpire is making way too much out of this. "prior to the pitch " the batter must have ... | |
| out at first | 10/1/2011 |
| Q: Batter on opposing team hits ball, runs through first base, immediatly gets hurt , is sitting IN ... A: By rule the b-r is allowed to over-run 1st base, they then may turn either right or left and ... | |
| force plays... | 9/29/2011 |
| Q: .. had runners on 1st & 2nd... ball hit to 3b who throws to 1st ... runner safe at first and over ... A: Both R1 (on 2nd) and R2 are forced to advance when the batter became a b-r. The fact that the b-r ... | |
| a couple of questions | 9/27/2011 |
| Q: 1st question Slow pitch softball, pitcher pitches ball, and without swinging the ball tips off the ... A: It would be a "foul ball" not a foul tip unless it went sharply and directly from the bat to the ... | |
| Flagrant Contact | 9/26/2011 |
| Q: Could you please help me understand what qualifies as flagrant contact? We had a play yesterday ... A: When a defensive player has the ball, the runner is out if they remain upright and crash into the ... | |
| jewlery | 9/25/2011 |
| Q: Can you please tell me what if any jewelry can be worn by girls 12u asa softball? A: here's the rule ASA 3-6-f. I think it's pretty straightforward and simple. If you have any other ... | |
| run rule (knockout rule) | 9/19/2011 |
| Q: If the visiting team is leading 7-0 after the 5 innings. In the top of the 6 inning, the visiting ... A: you can't have the visiting team bat 6 times and the home team only 5 times (or any other ... | |
| Girls ASA 16u fastpitch softball | 9/4/2011 |
| Q: If a batter hits a ground ball to the first base person who is playing in about ten feet as ... A: When a runner is attempting to advance or retreat AND a defensive player has the ball and is ... | |
| softball base runners | 8/30/2011 |
| Q: I was watching a 16" softball game yesterday. Tie score, bases loaded, one out. Batter hits a long ... A: this is umpiring 101 and you are absolutely correct....if the run scores before the "live ball ... | |
| Slow Pitch Softball | 8/26/2011 |
| Q: Can you point me to the rule about hitting the ball while out of the batters box? In a recent game a ... A: I don't know without seeing it if the batter was out of the box or not, remember the bb extends 4' ... | |
| Softball Call | 8/25/2011 |
| Q: We had a game last night in our area county tournament, which we lost 25-22. In the top of the 7th ... A: I'm assuming the PU called the b-r out at 1st because he didn't run and headed back to the dugout, ... | |
| Use of Non-Approved Bat by Multiple Players | 8/24/2011 |
| Q: I play in a church slowpitch league that is sanctioned by ASA. We use ASA rules to apply to any ... A: admission or not, in ASA you have to catch them. If they step into the box w/ it, it is an out and ... | |
| The "P" word | 8/22/2011 |
| Q: I am an ASA umpire who just found your site. Entertaining and informative. I usually can figure out ... A: ................a few others have asked over the years, it is the word that umpires hate the most, ... | |
| coed slow pitch rules | 8/21/2011 |
| Q: My question is about official ASA rules pertaining to when a man is walked? For instance pitch ... A: In coed if a male walks they are awarded 2nd base (by way of 1st) If there are less than 2 outs the ... | |
| ASA softball/discarded bats/ondeck circle/ general mechanics. | 8/18/2011 |
| Q: Two part question. First overthrown ball hits a discarded bat in the batting teams ondeck circle. ... A: If it's not the batter's bat used at the plate, yes that would be a blocked ball. In order for an ... | |
| Batter Slings Bat (Adult ASA Softball) | 8/16/2011 |
| Q: During a previous plate appearance the batter was warned for slinging his bat. On his next at-bat he ... A: here's the answer to the same q I had a while ago. Unfortunately (IMO) unless local rules dictate ... | |
| Foul, dead or out? | 8/13/2011 |
| Q: A player was on third base and a ball hit the runner. However, the runner didn't move and stayed on ... A: It depends on what org you play in. If you play ASA it also depends on where the closest fielder ... | |
| obstruction | 8/7/2011 |
| Q: 10u softball question hitter drives a hit to rcf, runner on 1st takes off for second, [then third], ... A: You do have obstruction but in ASA that doesn't mean an automatic award of a base. It is the ... | |
| Bat hits fair ball - Ball hits fair ball | 8/2/2011 |
| Q: Is there a difference in ruling on a bat that is dropped or rolls into a fair batted ball versus a ... A: If "the bat" dropped or thrown hits a batted ball in fair territory we have a dead ball and the ... | |
| interference | 8/2/2011 |
| Q: R1 on third and R2 on first, no outs, Batter hits ground to 2nd baseman who while attempting to move ... A: a defensive player must be given the opportunity to field a batted ball anywhere on the playing ... | |
| Disabilities Act-Slow pitch softball | 7/21/2011 |
| Q: Rule 4.2.D says, "When a physically challenged player plays defense only, they will be listed as the ... A: Most umpires never see the ADA on the field. It does look like that's the way it is written but ... | |
| batters box | 7/18/2011 |
| Q: I am in an A S A mens league. i was wondering if you can step one foot out of the batters box, say ... A: First let's look at the 3 things you can't do 1)Have a foot on the ground completely outside the ... | |
| infield fly rule | 7/13/2011 |
| Q: infield fly rule is called and the infielder drops the ball,do the runners on first and second or ... A: people make too much out of the IFR, the only thing that's different than any other fly ball is that ... | |
| runner intereference | 7/12/2011 |
| Q: Had a play tonite in which bases are loaded with 2 outs. Batter hits a ground ball to the shortstop ... A: Well...they have to do an "act", not just "anything". Simply trying to advance is in and of itself ... | |
| Look-back rule | 7/12/2011 |
| Q: First, thanks for all of the great info you add to this site! OK, I like to think I understand ... A: I think the LBR is pretty clear and except for what some minor discussion of what the word ... | |
| overthrows | 7/11/2011 |
| Q: What is the definition of an overthrow? I was wondering if it was simply a ball that goes out of ... A: An "overthrow" is a ball that goes out of play, otherwise (such as missing a cut off) it is live ... | |
| overthrows | 7/11/2011 |
| Q: What is the definition of an overthrow? I was wondering if it was simply a ball that goes out of ... A: Ok here's the def...............OVERTHROW: Occurs when a thrown ball from a fielder goes A. beyond ... | |
| Defensive play rule | 7/10/2011 |
| Q: I have a question regarding use of feet to stop a ground ball. I was recently playing left field and ... A: Tell them to pay up, there is no "thou shall not stop the batted ball with your foot" rule anywhere. ... | |
| dead ball | 7/6/2011 |
| Q: Runners on 2nd and 3rd. Ball hit in front of plate,catcher jumps out and throws to first. The ball ... A: If the runner was called out for interference and it sounds like they were, it is a dead ball, and ... | |
| ASA slow pitch strike zone | 7/5/2011 |
| Q: What is the rule book definition of the strike zone? is it called a ball/strike based on where the ... A: STRIKE ZONE: That space over any part of home plate, when a batter assumes a natural batting stance ... | |
| Batters Box | 7/3/2011 |
| Q: I have played in a Senior ASA league for the past several years with the same umpiring crew. I ... A: Well here's the rule..............ASA Section 3. BATTING POSITION. A. Prior to the pitch, the batter ... | |
| Batter's box | 6/30/2011 |
| Q: I had an umpire call out my batter because she crossed the plate without calling time out. Here's ... A: ASA rules that a batter can switch boxes anytime they want provided that in FP the pitcher is not ... | |
| rule | 6/30/2011 |
| Q: second baseman tags runner with glove but the ball is in opposite hand? out or safe ANSWER: Hi ... A: This play is NOT a force out. A "force out" occurs when a runner is forced from their base and no ... | |
| foul ball | 6/29/2011 |
| Q: If a ball is hit past the base and then falls, is it foul or fair only after passing the base (1st ... A: OK I think I've got what you need, if not write me back. A batted ball that hits the base OR bounds ... | |
| softball throwing bat | 6/29/2011 |
| Q: Dr. Mark, what is rule number on batter throwing their bat after they have been warned? Batter ... A: Unfortunately IMO unless local rules dictate otherwise, there is no rule on a batter accidentally ... | |
| ASA Girls 14U warming up | 6/28/2011 |
| Q: I was at a tournament two weeks ago where the umpires would not allow us to throw the ball around in ... A: If this is FP the pitcher is allowed not more than 1 minute nor more than 5 warm-up pitches ASA 6-9. ... | |
| Ruling | 6/28/2011 |
| Q: Had a situation this past weekend. Batter gets a base hit. Coach requests a courtesy runner and ... A: If this is FP and being played by ASA rules (so no local crappola involved) you can't have a CR for ... | |
| dropped third strike interference | 6/23/2011 |
| Q: One out two strikes, R1 on 1B. B1 advances from the batters box towards 1B after a strike is called ... A: "And since she advances toward an occupied 1B on one out, is also called for interference." We have ... | |
| rain out ruling | 6/23/2011 |
| Q: I play in a ASA men's softball league, we were in the top of the 3rd inning and it began to storm ... A: Unless your local league has other rules, in ASA your restart at the EXACT point, down to the count, ... | |
| Sliding | 6/23/2011 |
| Q: Is there a rule that says you have to slide a base.. Especially home.. And whether there is a play ... A: No national org has a "must slide" rule, however I understand some local leagues have unnecessary ... | |
| runner inteference | 6/22/2011 |
| Q: This situation is from an ASA adult slow pitch softball game. The bases are loaded and the batter ... A: A runner who continues to run after being put out and draws a throw could be considered ... | |
| ASA - DP/FLEX girl's Fastpitch | 6/22/2011 |
| Q: At a tournament this past weekend I asked the UIC if I could put my DP in to pitch. And she said ... A: The DP can play defense for anyone in the batting order. If it's for the Flex, they come out of the ... | |
| Baseline in Babe Ruth | 6/20/2011 |
| Q: I know you're not an expert in Babe Ruth rules, but I found this extremely interesting and wondered ... A: I think it's a very badly written rule and somebody should look at revising it. It does seem that ... | |
| Foul-Out vs. Strike-Out | 6/16/2011 |
| Q: On my slow pitch rec league we have a rule that if you "Strike-Out" you have to buy the team a ... A: Ok here's my "expert opinion" A strike out in SP w/out stealing is sometimes called a "super ... | |
| Fast pitch circle | 6/16/2011 |
| Q: When the pitcher enters the circle with the ball.. And the runner is off the bag, no matter the ... A: the rule states that if stationary off base when the pitcher has control of the ball in the circle ... | |
| force removed or runner out? | 6/15/2011 |
| Q: here's the situation (from a slow-pitch softball game): runner on first base, nobody out. ... A: Well R1 was "forced" from 1st base and had no legal right to occupy it....until the b-r was put out. ... | |
| Hit by pitch | 6/13/2011 |
| Q: Had a 10u ASA girls tourny this pat weekend. The pitcher pitches the ball and it hits the ground ... A: If playing ASA rules 1 of 2 things can happen. If the batter does not try to avoid being hit by the ... | |
| 12u fastpitch ruling | 6/11/2011 |
| Q: What is the correct ruling when a bunt is in fair territory but rolls back and hits the bat? A: If THE BALL rolls against the bat (dropped or thrown on the ground) in fair territory it is a live ... | |
| fast pitch softball (dropped third strike) | 6/9/2011 |
| Q: If first base is occupied one or no outs and the runner steals on the same pitch of a dropped third ... A: by rule a base is occupied until the runner is put out or they safely advance to the next base. So ... | |
| Out of play ruling | 6/7/2011 |
| Q: Our league is modified fast pitch (no windmilling. Here is the situation - 1 out, runner on 1st ... A: W/out seeing exactly what happened I can only give you the RS and you have to apply it to what you ... | |
| 12U Fastpitch rule | 6/7/2011 |
| Q: We had an odd ruling in a game we had last night, which many of us believe was a wrong call on the ... A: First of all this would be a D3K regardless if the catcher caught the ball off the hop or not. ASA ... | |
| Obstruction? | 6/7/2011 |
| Q: 10u ASA tournament game... Here's the situation: 1 out, R1 on 2nd. Batter hits fly ball to center ... A: I certainly would have obstruction here, the fact that the ball was caught or the runner needed to ... | |
| rounding 1st on walks | 6/6/2011 |
| Q: I have now had the same situation happen 3 times in the past 2 seasons, with 2 different calls being ... A: yes I can, if I understand your q correctly, neither is correct although it appears yesterday the ... | |
| Mercy rule | 6/5/2011 |
| Q: Is there a page or section that qualifies completing innings after the away team scores the over ... A: The home team if behind always gets the bottom of the inning, you can't have a leading visitor bat 6 ... | |
| legal bat called illegal | 6/5/2011 |
| Q: My question regards a legal bat that was mistaken for an illegal bat. It might help if I set the ... A: Unless you protested at the time, the answer is no, sorry but that's just the way it is. If you ... | |
| Another interference question | 6/5/2011 |
| Q: Runners on 1st and 2nd, ball hit over 2nd base into very short center. Runner on 2nd heads to 3rd ... A: I certainly don't have interference here, if F6 had no reasonable opportunity to make a play, it ... | |
| Fastpitch (12U) Softball | 6/3/2011 |
| Q: Runners on 1st & 3rd, less than 2 outs. Dropped 3rd strike. Fans mistakenly yell for batter to ... A: Some local league rules do address this at lower levels just as the umpires handled it. Check to ... | |
| Player removal (Bat Throwing) | 6/2/2011 |
| Q: B1 hits long fly ball for an out on his first at bat and on his follow through he releases the bat ... A: There are not any rules for calling a batter out for throwing their bat and your umpire didn't do ... | |
| DP/ FLEX - | 5/31/2011 |
| Q: My question pertains to ASA 16u fastpitch softball.I am starting the game with the DP and Flex in ... A: You understand the ASA substitution rule just fine. Any player can be in the game, subbed for and ... | |
| Question Orange 1b Bag | 5/31/2011 |
| Q: Runner on 1b , 2 outs, pop up directly over the 1b bag runner on 1b tries to get cute and leads off ... A: If this is ASA play, that would be incorrect. After the base is occupied it becomes 1 big base for ... | |
| Base Runner Obstruction | 5/29/2011 |
| Q: 12-U ASA tournament; Runners at 1st & 2nd with 2 outs. My hitter hits a grounder to the shortstop ... A: I would not have any interference on a runner who is simply advancing to another base and the ball ... | |
| ball cought off batters bat by catcher | 5/27/2011 |
| Q: I hit the ball and it didn't even go over my waist behind me. The catcher caught the ball at his ... A: This was not a "foul tip" which must go sharply and directly from the bat to the catcher's hand or ... | |
| Leap in pivot foot | 5/25/2011 |
| Q: My daughter has been pitching in the gym during the winter months and has been taught to push off ... A: Let's start with the defs of crow hop and a leap.............this is from our rules supplement Much ... | |
| Obstruction - Defence standing near the inside corner of a bag | 5/25/2011 |
| Q: Ambrose, I am coaching a 12U girls fastpitch team and I am not sure how to handle when the other ... A: For some reason esp F3s seem to want to occupy the base anytime a ball is hit. This could be many ... | |
| Runner Interference on Double Play | 5/24/2011 |
| Q: Context: Church League Slow Pitch Softball Scenario: Runner at first, ball hit to short stop. ... A: I think this is very easy BUT for some reason there's always an argument usually by the defense on ... | |
| batting order | 5/24/2011 |
| Q: In fast pitch softball shouldn't ever one have equal playing time? There is 14 girls on the team but ... A: I totally agree w/ you, especially under HS. Girls should learn the game and winning or losing ... | |
| illegal pitch | 5/22/2011 |
| Q: what does an umpire call the pitch after it is called an illegal pitch. Is it neither a ball or ... A: an IP in both SP and FP is a delayed dead ball (DDB) In SP it is a ball unless the batter swings at ... | |
| Interference | 5/22/2011 |
| Q: R1 on second. Batter hits a hard ground ball slightly to the shortstop side of second. The ... A: You would be correct, interference is the act of an offensive player that impedes, hinders or ... | |
| Interference | 5/21/2011 |
| Q: R1 on second. Batter hits a hard ground ball slightly to the shortstop side of second. The ... A: I'm not sure I understand your question. If F6 had no play on a batted ball, why would we kill the ... | |
| Runner in wrong base direction | 5/20/2011 |
| Q: Runners are on 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Batter hits a pop up to left field that is caught. Runner at ... A: There is no force play on anyone on the this play because the batted ball was caught for an out. A ... | |
| base running | 5/19/2011 |
| Q: If a batter hits a pop fly over the base line someone goes catch it while standing right on the base ... A: NO>>>>>NO>>>NO>>>NO>>>NO unless you want to be called out for interference and possibly ejected for ... | |
| ball hits bat | 5/16/2011 |
| Q: 1)Bat it fair territory, ball hits bat and stays fair, fair ball? 2) Bat it fair territory, ball ... A: I was hoping "by rule"would be enough for you but OK I'll type it out..................Foul ball, a ... | |
| ball hits bat | 5/16/2011 |
| Q: 1)Bat it fair territory, ball hits bat and stays fair, fair ball? 2) Bat it fair territory, ball ... A: Rather than answer just yes and no tour your questions let's just go over the rule. If the ball ... | |
| ASA Umpire interference | 5/16/2011 |
| Q: "ASA Interference rule:Interference: The act of any offensive player or team member, UMPIRE or ... A: I did cut and paste the address and saw what probably was some type of clinic ppp. I don't know how ... | |
| Runner hit by batted ball | 5/16/2011 |
| Q: Mark, I coach a girls softball team ages 8-9. The other day we had a girl on the other team hit a ... A: If a runner is hit by a fair batted ball before it passes an infielder exc. F1 it is a dead ball, ... | |
| Ball passing hips twice | 5/15/2011 |
| Q: I noticed a lot of pitchers at the begining of their wind-up will drop their ball hand pass there ... A: the pitch begins when the hands separate after coming together. A pitcher is allowed to drop their ... | |
| Interference or Incidental Contact? | 5/15/2011 |
| Q: F4 playing deep, R1 on first. BR hits a slow ground ball. F4 charges in and collides with R1 with ... A: If F4 was hindered from attempting to execute a play as it seems they were just from your brief ... | |
| running out of baseline | 5/15/2011 |
| Q: Last weekend we got a runner called out for running out of the baseline. Our baserunner was on ... A: You are 95% correct. A "baseline" is an imaginary line directly between the bases and you are ... | |
| Lightning/thunder | 5/14/2011 |
| Q: I am a mom of a 12 year old girl playing community fastpitch softball. Recently there was a game ... A: thunder and lightning.....oh yea....thunder and lighting.....sorry reminds me of a sound from long ... | |
| Obstruction or Interference | 5/13/2011 |
| Q: My daughter for two straignt games in a row is playing shortstop fielding a batted ball where a ... A: well you were batting 1000 but now you're down to .500. There are only a very few umpire ... | |
| Obstruction or Interference | 5/13/2011 |
| Q: My daughter for two straignt games in a row is playing shortstop fielding a batted ball where a ... A: Interference is the act of an offense player that impedes, hinders or confuses a defensive player ... | |
| hands in fastpitch pitching motion | 5/1/2011 |
| Q: I grew up playing ASA and heard many times over those years (as I was a catcher) about the pitchers ... A: There never has been a rule about presenting the ball Perfectly legal pitch, the pitch doesn't ... | |
| a pitch that hits the ground then is hit by the batter | 4/30/2011 |
| Q: we use Babe Ruth Softball rules and regulations for our local 10U softball organization. This ... A: Rather than rejecting this question and it's doesn't go in the library and no one else could help ... | |
| Slappers | 4/28/2011 |
| Q: When watching NCAA college softball I have wondered why girls they call slappers are allowed out of ... A: Most NCAA players that slap are very well schooled in their footwork. You must remember a couple of ... | |
| 3rd out | 4/26/2011 |
| Q: In my daughters game tonight there was bases loaded with 2 outs. The batter hit a ball just right ... A: You are............ TA DA...................Correct................By rule,ASA 5-5-b ANYTIME the 3rd ... | |
| Banned Bat | 4/23/2011 |
| Q: Trying to get a rule clarification with a "banned" bat. A bat that has been marked with a 2000 or ... A: A bat w/ a cert mark that is on the non-approved list is non-approved or banned if you will, the ... | |
| Foul ball call by base umpire | 4/19/2011 |
| Q: We had a situation in a game this last weekend. R1 on 3rd, R2 on 1st. Batter hit foul tip directly ... A: Yes there is a rule (Chap 10) that gives the PU the power to rectify any situation in which the ... | |
| Tagging up on a dead ball | 4/18/2011 |
| Q: Slow pitch softball. Runner on first. Batter hits a shot that looks like its going to sail over ... A: A runner in this situation must be given the opportunity to complete their base running obligations. ... | |
| judgement calls | 4/17/2011 |
| Q: ASA 2 umpire system which judgement calls can be overturned when the plate umpire calls ... A: There is a rule...under no circumstances will any umpire seek to reverse a decision made by another ... | |
| softball | 4/17/2011 |
| Q: high school softball we use two balls for a game one ball felt slippery to our pitcher can she ask ... A: there is a ball rotation procedure we use 1) the pitcher has the choice of which ball to use at the ... | |
| DROPPED SECOND STRIKE IS IT A LIVE BALL IN ASA RULES | 4/16/2011 |
| Q: Here is the situation. There is a runner on third with two outs. the count on the batter is 1-1. The ... A: "Does the run count or is the batter out " The run DOES count and the batter is NOT out. We simply ... | |
| Batting out of order | 4/12/2011 |
| Q: No outs. R1 at 3B. R2 on 1B. Batter is batting out of order. After the first pitch R2 steals to ... A: Ok lets start w/ both R1 and R2, their advance to home and both 2nd and 3rd is legal because they ... | |
| Catcher interference | 4/12/2011 |
| Q: No outs. R1 at second base. B1 hits ground ball to second base. Shortstop moves instinctively left ... A: This would be "catcher's obstruction" not interference. The defense "obstructs" , the offense ... | |
| deliberately dropped ball | 4/12/2011 |
| Q: :) Scenario (not positive if jurisdiction would have different rules but curious nonetheless) ... A: yes different orgs have some different rules. In ASA you must actually catch the ball (it can be a ... | |
| Does a batter HAVE to take the walk | 4/10/2011 |
| Q: In ASA Slow Pitch (open division) softball (Specifically NAGAAA), starting with a 1-1 count, if the ... A: I can't give you a written rule because it's not a rule and the umpire is incorrect, sounds to me ... | |
| hit by pitch | 4/9/2011 |
| Q: if the ball hits the ground first why does the batter get to take a base A: because in FP a pitched ball hitting the ground remains live, the batter has the option to swing at ... | |
| catcher obstructing your view | 4/6/2011 |
| Q: Mark, I just had a meeting with a league i am about to umpire in. One of the complaints that came ... A: This is a lot more common in SP and I assume that's what you're umpiring. As long as the catcher ... | |
| ball Hit Base Runner - Live not Out? | 4/5/2011 |
| Q: Topic: Batted ball hits runner. Situation: No out, Runner on First, Batter hit sharp bouncing ... A: a runner is NOT out if hit with a fair batted ball while not in contact w/ the base after it passes ... | |
| ASA illegal vs. non approved bat | 4/4/2011 |
| Q: Dr. I want to get clarification on the rules. A Batter who comes up to the plate with a bat that ... A: Nope, your (or someone you talked to)premise is wrong, ANY softball bat w/out a ASA cert mark is a ... | |
| Interference rule application | 4/3/2011 |
| Q: Ambrose; I have question regarding an interference call made during a co-ed slow pitch softball game ... A: Ah....the age old problem of what to do with the runner on an attempted DP. I'm going to go with ... | |
| fastpitch softball | 3/31/2011 |
| Q: when a batter hits a ball that would be far enough to be a home run and while rounding third the ... A: for some reason this myth still exists (probably because some inexperienced umpire occasionally ... | |
| Dirt as a "Foreign Substance" | 3/30/2011 |
| Q: I've read your previous reply to the question of the pitcher rubbing the ball in the dirt before ... A: I don't know who you sent this to and while I almost never check the "pool" I did today and this one ... | |
| Game end | 3/27/2011 |
| Q: Two outs, bases empty, grounder to pitcher,throw to first. First baseman scoops ball up and shows to ... A: Well there's maybe a couple as I think you had an inkling. 1) an appeal cannot be made when all ... | |
| ASA Slowpitch Base Running Issue | 3/24/2011 |
| Q: Good Morning, We had a situation in a senior league that I need clarification on. The other team ... A: R2 is allowed to attempt to legally advance and if they obtained 3rd base would not be in jeopardy ... | |
| softball unreported sub | 3/24/2011 |
| Q: So if defense appeals that we have an unreported sub we have (him) called out? When does the appeal ... A: the way you ask the question implies to me that you play ASA and I will give you the answer for ... | |
| ASA Slowpitch Base Running Issue | 3/23/2011 |
| Q: Good Morning, We had a situation in a senior league that I need clarification on. The other team ... A: Since this is seniors if R1 at any time crossed the 20' commitment line they cannot return to 3rd ... | |
| batting out of order | 3/20/2011 |
| Q: This is a High School game (texas). 5th inning, we replace our starting catcher with our backup ... A: This would not be a BOO but an unreported sub. No one batted out of order, you had #2 in for #1 in ... | |
| foul ball | 3/18/2011 |
| Q: When a foul ball is returned to play and is missed or bobbled, can the runners advance? A: A foul ball (and we're not talking about a batted ball that is legally caught over foul territory) ... | |
| Runner hit by batted ball, | 3/17/2011 |
| Q: In men's slow pitch softball we had a runner on third base with two out. He was standing on the bag ... A: you don't tell me what org you play under and they all have different rules for this but in no major ... | |
| rainout | 3/17/2011 |
| Q: hey i enjoy your answers!we were the visiting team bottom of the 4th 1 out game gets called because ... A: LDs have a lot of power and can make major decisions but these decisions should be based on rules ... | |
| can I be thrown out? | 3/12/2011 |
| Q: I have coached high school softball and volleyball for over 20 years. Now that my daughter is on a ... A: sure it's possible, anything is possible. I have a number of concerns here, first and foremost ... | |
| Non-Dropped 3rd Strike | 3/6/2011 |
| Q: We've had this situation happen in each of our last 10u ASA games. Runner on 3rd with one out. ... A: especially at this level many local orgs have rules to regulate this so it's important to know if ... | |
| Fast Pitch Softball | 3/3/2011 |
| Q: We are playing 16U fast pitch softball under ASA rules. I supply my pitcher with a powdered rosin ... A: In ASA a "powered resin bag" must go on the ground, there is no rule it must be outside the circle. ... | |
| question | 2/19/2011 |
| Q: i have a solid defensive 2nd baseman & a power hitter who cant play defense. perfect flex/DP ... A: you can legally sub for your starting DP and they can reenter once. So yes your DP gets on base, ... | |
| Dead Ball Foul or Out | 2/15/2011 |
| Q: At what point does a ball become foul when it hits home plate directly off the bat? Is there a ... A: If THE BALL hits the bat (dropped or thrown) in fair territory the batter would not be out nor would ... | |
| Live ball appeal. ASA senior slow pitch | 2/14/2011 |
| Q: I have a specific situation to address, but would like to preface the situation with a general query ... A: In ASA we do not allow or call "unintentional" appeals either live or dead. Your 1st 2 examples are ... | |
| BOO | 2/2/2011 |
| Q: Me again! Still learning a ton by reading these Q&As! This question is regarding BOO. According ... A: Always nice to talk with you. IN ASA.....BOO Ok B1 gets a single, B3 (instead of B2) hits into a ... | |
| ASA senior slow pitch | 1/29/2011 |
| Q: R1 on 3rd. R2 on 1st. No outs. Batter hits a sharp grounder to F6, who checks R1, and throws to ... A: These type of qs are most easily answered by seeing the play however... Interference can be verbal ... | |
| Appeals on 3rd out | 1/28/2011 |
| Q: Great column--I'm really learning a lot by reading through all of the past questions and answers. I ... A: Not all appeal plays at bases are timing plays and yes, you would be incorrect if the appeal was for ... | |
| 8u/10u/12u fastpitch | 1/25/2011 |
| Q: Where can I get a printed version of ASA rules for these ages? A: there aren't many separate rules from JO for these ages anymore, most changes you might see are ... | |
| base runner hit by softball | 1/22/2011 |
| Q: Base runner at second base. Batter hits the ball the pitcher makes an attempt to catch the ball, the ... A: nice to talk w/ you again. A runner would not be out if they are hit by a batted ball that is ... | |
| base runner hit by softball | 1/19/2011 |
| Q: During a senior slowpitch softball game a runner was standing on 1st base when a hitter hit a line ... A: it gets real slow during the winter. It doesn't matter if it's senior or any other class, in ASA ... | |
| 4 outs? | 12/6/2010 |
| Q: We were playing in an tourney following ASA rules. We were the visiting team down 2-0. There are 2 ... A: I don't know how much I can help with this without being there. I am at a total loss to understand ... | |
| men's slowpitch softball | 11/30/2010 |
| Q: A runner comes home and doesn't touch the plate and the umpire calls him safe out loud and with the ... A: By rule a runner is assumed to have touched a base if they pass it UNLESS an appeal by the defense ... | |
| CO ED Rule On Wrong Ball Pitched | 11/10/2010 |
| Q: If you are using the 11" ball for women & 12" ball for the men in a co ed league, and the pitcher ... A: if a pitch was thrown, the manager of the OFFENSIVE team has the option of taking the result of the ... | |
| obstruction | 11/2/2010 |
| Q: A third baseman without the ball is standing on third base and impedes a runner who is trying to ... A: When a runner is obstructed we protect them to the base they would have made in our judgment had ... | |
| ASA girls 14U fastpitch rules - Pitching | 11/2/2010 |
| Q: This past summer I watched my daughter's team and the pitcher on her team did a couple things that ... A: BTW the rule for #1 is 6-3-m and that is an IP. I can understand why you might think that based ... | |
| safe / out | 10/27/2010 |
| Q: 6u girls softball, but should apply to all. fielder chasing a runner, tags her ponytail flying ... A: OUT! applies to any level, the ponytail is no different than any other body part ASA The runner is ... | |
| ASA Slow Pitch COED Softball | 10/25/2010 |
| Q: Once an inning starts can defensive players move postions based on male or female batting? Ex. ... A: this is fairly common in co-ed, as long as it continues to be 2 and 2. The rule only says 2 and 2 it ... | |
| Infield Fly | 10/22/2010 |
| Q: If an IFF is called, but it is close to the foul line and the umpire does not caveat the call by ... A: An umpire does not have to add the "if fair" to the call but good umpires usually do if it's close ... | |
| first base double bag | 10/17/2010 |
| Q: In slow-pitch softball, if the runner gets to first base and touches the white part of the double ... A: the rules only state the b-r must use the orange (or whatever color it is) It doesn't state all of ... | |
| first base double bag | 10/16/2010 |
| Q: In slow-pitch softball, if the runner gets to first base and touches the white part of the double ... A: it depends, if it's a hit to the outfield and no play it's ok or if the throw is coming from 1st ... | |
| ASA | 10/11/2010 |
| Q: Dr. Mark, what is ASA rule on softball bat warmers? Were in rule book does it address this? Thank ... A: it's ASA 3-7 It says "warming sleeves" I don't think a box w a heater would be approved. Rule 3, ... | |
| slow-pitch softball runner off the base | 10/7/2010 |
| Q: Real-life question from game the other night. Runner left third base too early, may have been off ... A: When a runner is given sufficient time and is off base or leaves the base early on a pitch it is an ... | |
| D3K | 10/7/2010 |
| Q: Situation:14U girls FP. D3K no one on no outs, ball gets past catcher in foul territory towards the ... A: If this is not a joke and I assume it's not, when I stopped sarcastically chuckling with a mixture ... | |
| ASA slow pitch courtesy catcher question | 10/7/2010 |
| Q: Our opposing team only had 8 players available for the game and they used a courtesy catcher from ... A: I answered this before but maybe you didn't get it I'm sorry but I can't help you w/ this as this ... | |
| Two runners occupy same base | 10/7/2010 |
| Q: Runners on first and second. Base hit to right center and outfielder throws wildly to home. The ball ... A: Tagging R1 is nothing as they are legally entitled to the base. If R2 was tagged on 3rd base they ... | |
| Ump called runner safe - then OUT! | 9/29/2010 |
| Q: This is a question in regards to slow pitch softball regulated by the USSSA. With two outs and a ... A: I assume the mechanic in utrip is the same as ASA What the umpire did was absolutely correct, when ... | |
| asa girls fastpitch | 9/25/2010 |
| Q: When a batter walks and goes past first base can they be tagged out. A: on a walk a batter becomes a b-r the same as if they hit the ball. A b-r may "over-run" 1st turn ... | |
| Uncaught 3rd Strike, BR interference? | 9/24/2010 |
| Q: This has happened many times, and I've seen it dealt with several ways... (Girls fastpitch, 14u) ... A: This is much more common at the lower levels than later on. If the batter starts to run a good ... | |
| Decision on Play | 9/23/2010 |
| Q: We play slow-pitch 12 softball. We play ASA rules. Runner on first base. Batter hits ball to ... A: the runners would get 2 bases from their position (last base touched) at the time of the throw. ... | |
| Senior softball | 9/22/2010 |
| Q: Man on first, less than two outs. Batter hits fly ball that is caught by outfielder. Runner is ... A: In ASA it is 2 bases from the last base touched at the time of the throw. So even though they must ... | |
| Retired Runner Interference | 9/21/2010 |
| Q: Runner on First ground ball to the pitcher. Pitcher throws to the shortstop. Shortstop tags second ... A: The problem is the runner cannot just disappear after being put out. There is no rule to make them ... | |
| Double 1st Base | 9/20/2010 |
| Q: Mark - You have helped me out in the past and you are my "go to" as soon as I am not satisfied with ... A: There is no ASA RS that discusses the double base. However as you know there is a rule that covers ... | |
| force out with runner on the bag | 9/15/2010 |
| Q: This situation happened in a coed slow pitch softball game. There was one out with runners on 1st ... A: this is a very common play in softball. R1 (on 2nd) is "forced" from the base. They no longer can ... | |
| strike zone | 9/15/2010 |
| Q: Can you clarify the strike zone for me in ASA slow pitch? Also, should a pitch be determined by ... A: here's the def, pretty easy to understand imo, so by def crossing both the plate and batter's body ... | |
| off interference on 3rd base coach | 9/14/2010 |
| Q: slow pitch asa----runners on 2nd and 3rd--single to the outfield runner on 3rd scores,r2 runs into ... A: I didn't see what happened but I can't see this being coach's interference, just running into a ... | |
| ASA Batting Box | 9/14/2010 |
| Q: Is a batter allowed to start out of the box before the pitch is thrown, then as the pitch is thrown ... A: No...a batter must be totally w/in the bb at the start of the pitch, a foot may touch the line but ... | |
| D3K | 9/12/2010 |
| Q: Runner on 3rd, two outs, 2 strikes on Batter. Next pitch, called 3rd strike and D3K, catcher picks ... A: This sounds like it could be a a "mess". Did the coach ask the PU for "help" such as the PU being ... | |
| Defensive Positioning | 9/11/2010 |
| Q: I have searched ASA Umpire Manual Rule 6 Section 4 Defensive Positioning. A. & B. and also Rule 1 ... A: co-ed has IMO more local rules than all other softball games combined. In strict ASA infielders ... | |
| Offensive Interferance | 9/11/2010 |
| Q: ASA slow pitch softball. I was playing Catcher when a throw came in from the outfield for potential ... A: 1 of 2 things can happen here, neither of which did 1) If you had an opportunity to make an out, ... | |
| ASA Slow-Pitch Softball Fly Ball Infield Let Drop | 9/9/2010 |
| Q: Situation: Runner at 1st...1 Out....Pop up to 2nd Base...Batter Does Not Run...Catcher Yells Let it ... A: In ASA there is no rule about letting a ball drop (unless you actually catch it and then ... | |
| Substitution | 9/7/2010 |
| Q: How many times is the same woman allowed to pinch run for the same player? First time she pinch ran ... A: Every starter and sub can "re-enter" once. So #1 starts and gets a base hit. #2 now subs in to run ... | |
| 3rd out of inning runner leaving too early appealed | 9/6/2010 |
| Q: Runner on first and second, one out, fly to deep outfield for second out, both runners take and the ... A: yes the run would count if R1 scored before the appeal of R2 at 1st (as what happened here) This ... | |
| baseline rules for softball | 9/1/2010 |
| Q: if a runner jumps over a tag at second base is the player considered out due to the baseline rule or ... A: A "basepath" is a direct line between the runner's position and the base. A "baseline" is an ... | |
| tag up/appeal | 8/31/2010 |
| Q: Runner on 2nd, no outs, fly to outfield, R2 leaves before caught, now heads back to second. The ball ... A: 1) no this is not a force out. You can only have a FO if the runner looses the right to occupy the ... | |
| Intentional delay of a game | 8/31/2010 |
| Q: I would like to know what the rule is on an intentional game delay by the other team?(mens asa) ... A: there is a rule.....Section 4. FORFEITED GAMES. A forfeited game shall be declared by the umpire in ... | |
| BUSH LEAGUE STUFF | 8/31/2010 |
| Q: Can a batter stand outside/or inside batters box and practice swings while pitchers throw a real ... A: In SP the pitcher has 10 secs to deliver the ball after receiving it or "play" by the umpire and the ... | |
| ASA Softball | 8/30/2010 |
| Q: My question is about the batter's boxes. I understand that the batter's box runs 4' from the middle ... A: the bb is 3x7 so it extends back 3' from the middle of the plate. both feet need to be inside the ... | |
| Intentionally dropped ball | 8/27/2010 |
| Q: What is the difference between an intentionally dropped ball and a ball that is "Guided to the ... A: I understand your argument and perhaps even agree the rule needs some modification. The b-r is ... | |
| Ruling Request | 8/26/2010 |
| Q: Slow pitch men's league. Bottom of 6th Team B at bat. One out; Runners (Team B's 4th and 6th ... A: Ok had to read this a # of times to try to figure out. If F6 could have caught the ball w/ ordinary ... | |
| Intentionally dropped ball | 8/25/2010 |
| Q: What is the difference between an intentionally dropped ball and a ball that is "Guided to the ... A: In some orgs there is no difference, but in ASA which is very strict on an IDB you must actually ... | |
| Foul ball caught but called out of play | 8/24/2010 |
| Q: If a long foul ball to right field is caught by the fielder and it's caught about 20 feet past the ... A: depends on the field and where the dead ball area is, on unenclosed fields it is usually marked. ... | |
| Fly ball on infield dropped and double play turned | 8/22/2010 |
| Q: Recently, we were playing in an ASA Slowpitch men's league game. There was one out with a runner on ... A: In ASA if a fair ball and if the closest defensive player is behind the base it is a dead ball, b-r ... | |
| Slow Pitch - Distracting the batter? | 8/20/2010 |
| Q: In slow pitch we have our middle infielders play a "NYC defense" where by we never really set in a ... A: Here's the 2 rules that apply to defense positioning.. The pitcher shall not deliver a pitch unless ... | |
| Fly ball on infield dropped and double play turned | 8/20/2010 |
| Q: Recently, we were playing in an ASA Slowpitch men's league game. There was one out with a runner on ... A: I've never heard of a rule or penalty is ASA for "baiting" the offense. I guess if the defense ... | |
| Softball | 8/18/2010 |
| Q: what is an illegal pitch (crow hop) A: , CROW HOP: (Fast Pitch) Defined as the act of a pitcher who steps, hops or drags off the front of ... | |
| defensive movement | 8/17/2010 |
| Q: In a game watched last night , The middle infield was moving around SS %26 2b (not setting) The ... A: you might, but 6-4-b says "deliberate unsportsmanlike intent". That's a very tough standard. Unless ... | |
| Game suspended because of darkness | 8/17/2010 |
| Q: Our slow-pitch playoff game was suspended last night due to darkness during the top of the 7th. My ... A: very nice argument, well done. BUT in ASA championship play if it's at all humanly possible we play ... | |
| catchers interference | 8/17/2010 |
| Q: International fast pitch softball catcher interfered the batter while batting, instead of awarding ... A: it's actually catcher's obstruction and a few different options are given depending on what happened ... | |
| interfering with the DP turn | 8/15/2010 |
| Q: I play in a senior circuit(50+) where you are allowed to overrun all bases. It is not a no slide ... A: this is always a difficult q. The runner cannot simply disappear, and unless they do something to ... | |
| passing a runner | 8/15/2010 |
| Q: Play: R2 passes R1 in between 2nd and third base, umpire calls RE out for passing R1 (lead runner); ... A: R1 would be out, R2 in no longer a runner after being called out. RS39. PASSING A RUNNER. Passing a ... | |
| girls fastpitch 12-15yrs asa | 8/13/2010 |
| Q: girl on second 2 outs ball is popped upto shortstop area runner advancing on contact to third ... A: correct call, a defensive player must be given the opportunity to field the ball anywhere on the ... | |
| infield fly | 8/12/2010 |
| Q: 1) Can a infield fly be in shallow outfield and therefore on grass(outfield)? 2) If 1 yes, would ... A: The 1st thing we need to do is look at the def. INFIELD FLY: A fair fly ball, not including a line ... | |
| infield fly | 8/11/2010 |
| Q: 1) Can a infield fly be in shallow outfield and therefore on grass(outfield)? 2) If 1 yes, would ... A: sure an IF can be called on a bb that is going to cause an infielder to be on the grass. The grass ... | |
| errant throw to first baseman | 8/9/2010 |
| Q: What is the ruling on a ball hit to shortstop that takes the first baseball up the line towards home ... A: The defense must have control of the ball in order not to hinder the runner legally running the ... | |
| ineligible player | 8/7/2010 |
| Q: Mark, Women's Slow Pitch In our local league tournament a player for the visiting team forgot her ... A: umpires don't deal w/ eligibilty qs. The TD with or w/out consults w/ higher ups do. That being ... | |
| Force out | 8/3/2010 |
| Q: I know the answer to this but I cannot convince a fellow umpire that I am correct. The question is ... A: correct, as you say...as long as tag the runner, step on the base in that order. this is a basic ... | |
| dropped second strike. | 8/2/2010 |
| Q: Girl's 10U fastpitch softball. Two outs. R1 on 3B and R2 on 2B. The coach on 1B is yelling at his ... A: I'm surprised the PU is not yelling "STRIKE 2", "STRIKE 2" etc. and this proceeded as far as it did. ... | |
| base running | 7/31/2010 |
| Q: my team had a situation were there was a runner on 2nd and 3rd the batter hit the ball the runner on ... A: A runner occupies a base unless forced from it, not the case here, or they advance to the next base. ... | |
| mens modified softball question | 7/28/2010 |
| Q: can a ground ball that the ump initially rules safe, can it be overturned or appealled??? the ump ... A: sure an umpire can reverse their call, in a case like this if an umpire was blocked out for example, ... | |
| dropped ball on purpose | 7/28/2010 |
| Q: Runners on 1st and 2nd no outs co Ed there is no infield fly rule.Batter hits a line drive to the ... A: In ASA you must actually catch and the intentionally drop the ball. Other orgs are not as strict. ... | |
| catcher verbal interference | 7/26/2010 |
| Q: What constitutes verbal interference by a catcher when a pitch is in the air? I believe that the ... A: the defense can only "obstruct" not interfere. I do not let a catcher use the batter's name, ... | |
| Bat interference call | 7/24/2010 |
| Q: Dr. Mark 14U asa tournament With runners on 1st and 2nd, a batter lays down a bunt and drops the ... A: The batter would be out if they discard the bat in such a way it prevents the defense from making a ... | |
| quick pitch? | 7/22/2010 |
| Q: I'm a pitcher in a men's slow-pitch softball league. Okay, it's a plus-45 league so I've been ... A: A quick pitch by def is a pitch made w/ the obvious attempt of catching a batter off guard. You ... | |
| Softball - Foul Ball Ruling | 7/22/2010 |
| Q: Ambrose My question is when a line drive is hit and the ball goes over third base or first base and ... A: A batted fly ball past 1st or 3rd is fair or foul depending on where the ball is when 1st touched or ... | |
| advancement of runners after runner hit by ball behind infielders | 7/19/2010 |
| Q: Bases are loaded with no outs, ball is hit to the first baseman who commits an error by allowing the ... A: If R3 were to be called out it removes the force on R1 and R2 and w/ interference all runners return ... | |
| advancement of runners after runner hit by ball behind infielders | 7/18/2010 |
| Q: Bases are loaded with no outs, ball is hit to the first baseman who commits an error by allowing the ... A: Once a batted ball has passed an infielder (exc the F1) the runner is not out unless another player ... | |
| Banned Bat | 7/15/2010 |
| Q: what happens when a team unknowingly uses a banned bat? My softball team played a doubleheader the ... A: It doesn't matter if it was intentional or not. It is the player's responsibility to know what bats ... | |
| Ball out of play after a walk | 7/13/2010 |
| Q: Batter is in the box count is full, ball four is delivered and as the catcher receives the pitch it ... A: very simple..by rule 8-5C. (Fast Pitch and Slow Pitch with stealing) When a pitched ball that ... | |
| batters box rulling | 7/13/2010 |
| Q: Dr. Could you please explain some of the batters box rulings 1. When Contact is made with the ... A: The foot may be in the air or on the ground w/ any part of the foot touching any part of the line ... | |
| Missing a base / force out ? | 7/12/2010 |
| Q: Mark, ASA slow pitch question. We have a runner on 3B...with 2 outs. The next batter hits a hard ... A: see you're going to make me talk about this. Don't get confused about the out at 1st. We treat it ... | |
| Missing a base / force out ? | 7/11/2010 |
| Q: Mark, ASA slow pitch question. We have a runner on 3B...with 2 outs. The next batter hits a hard ... A: ANYTIME a b-r does not safely achieve 1st no run can score. In umpire talk and rules it's not ... | |
| First Touch Rule and Tagging Up | 7/11/2010 |
| Q: We had a situation where the runner on second base tagged up on a bobbled ball. Then the runner ... A: Ok!!! that's better, more info. Yes a runner can legally leave the base as soon as any defensive ... | |
| reentering the game | 7/10/2010 |
| Q: Mark, When a starter is taken out of the game and reenters do they renter into the same line up ... A: a starter can only re-enter in their ORIGINAL batting position. A sub for that starter can only ... | |
| Look back rule as it pertains to runner at third as batter runner continues past first on base on balls | 7/10/2010 |
| Q: When the runner at third is stopped on the base as the batter runner rounds first and continues to ... A: You understand the LBR just fine. It doesn't matter what any other runner or b-r is doing when the ... | |
| "First touch" rule | 7/8/2010 |
| Q: This happened in our slow pitch league last night: Runner on first and one out. Line drive ripped ... A: 40yrs, really and never had this before? On a caught fly ball the runner may leave the base as soon ... | |
| ASA Slow pitch | 7/7/2010 |
| Q: In a situation where a tag is required at homeplate for the out, can the catcher block the base ... A: No the catcher (or any other defensive player) cannot block the base w/out having control of the ... | |
| bat in the way | 7/7/2010 |
| Q: Girl coming home. Her bat is in the baseline to slide. Is the homeplate umpire responsible for ... A: An umpire should never touch a bat no matter where it is, it's not their job and it requires them to ... | |
| infield fly | 7/5/2010 |
| Q: Bases loaded no outs - Ball is hit and popped up to the 2nd baseman - immediately the infield fly ... A: I understand what your saying, she was running and some defensive players might have been confused ... | |
| infield fly | 7/4/2010 |
| Q: Bases loaded no outs - Ball is hit and popped up to the 2nd baseman - immediately the infield fly ... A: depends....a runner continuing to run after being declared out CAN (or MAY) be a form of ... | |
| force plays | 7/3/2010 |
| Q: Dr. Ambrose, Runner on first, one out, sharp ground ball to first base man. Runner does not move, ... A: very simple.... as soon as F3 touched 1st it removed the force from R1, R1 cannot now be tagged on ... | |
| batting out of order | 7/3/2010 |
| Q: Batting out of order was discovered after an incorrect batter reached first base safely on a walk. ... A: In ASA play after a batter has completed their turn at bat and we have a BOO... the batter who ... | |
| question | 7/2/2010 |
| Q: Can you answer this question? At a rescent game, runners on 1st & 3rd bases 1 out fly ball hit to ... A: This should answer it for you, the run would count. ASA RS1K. Tag-Ups. When a runner leaves a base ... | |
| Runner push the first base guy | 6/30/2010 |
| Q: I will try to explain my question the best i can cause im not very good in english. There was a ... A: If F3 was blocking the base and did not yet have possession of the ball it is obstruction and the ... | |
| Infield Fly Rule | 6/30/2010 |
| Q: Alright, this is the situation, We have a guy on 1st and 2nd, 1 out. Batter hits a ball just out of ... A: the requirement for an infield fly is that an infielder can catch it w/ ordinary effort. The effort ... | |
| U12 Softball Catcher | 6/27/2010 |
| Q: My daughter is the catcher for her u12 softball team and in our tournament game she got about 10 ... A: never heard of a safe call because of a too rough rule. If she had the ball she can block the base ... | |
| Dead Balls and Courtesy Steps | 6/26/2010 |
| Q: This situation occured during a Men's Slow Pitch game between the 2 top teams in the league who were ... A: I can only give you ASA rules that state a runner may leave the base in SP as soon as the pitch ... | |
| Softball | 6/26/2010 |
| Q: A batted ball hits a runner standing on 2nd base whats the call. A: If the closest defensive player is behind the base, it is a dead ball, b-r is awarded 1st, other ... | |
| Infield Fly Rule | 6/24/2010 |
| Q: Mark, Playing ASA coed slow pitch softball. Runners on 1B and 2B; One out. Batter hits the ball ... A: Don't have to see this one, you can only have an IF on a fair ball and this wasn't fair. A ball ... | |
| 10U Fastpitch Softball | 6/22/2010 |
| Q: On a bunt attempt, do both feet have to remain in the batters box or can the front foot be outside ... A: a foot cannot be on the ground completely outside the lines when contact with the ball is made. Any ... | |
| 14u girls fastpitch | 6/19/2010 |
| Q: My girls were on defense (shortstop & second baseman) there is a runner on second and third, no one ... A: sounds like you had an obstruction call and also an interference call. Just based on your facts ... | |
| overrunning first base and going to second | 6/18/2010 |
| Q: My daughter was playing in a game tonight when the opposing team had a girl run through first base ... A: it's a little extreme but the runner can do that if they wish w/out liability to be called out. ... | |
| DP/courtsey runner | 6/17/2010 |
| Q: We use the dp/flex. My dp player can really smack the ball, but is not one the the fastest girls on ... A: The DP is just like any other player in the line up. The can re-enter once, which means you sub a ... | |
| Obstruction question | 6/17/2010 |
| Q: Dr. Mark, Last night I was behind the plate and I had a hit to the outfield that was not fielded ... A: w/ obstruction we award the base they would have made had there been no obstruction, sometimes that ... | |
| Clarification of previous question | 6/16/2010 |
| Q: Mark, The answer on 6/14 about the runner on 3rd leaving at the point of contact with the bat. Why ... A: ok... somebody started something about this being an IF, I just said why it wasn't. Now R1 left ... | |
| Dropped third strike | 6/16/2010 |
| Q: My daughter's team lost the championship on a dropped third strike. Bases loaded, one out, 3rd ... A: I agree the runner stole home, the b-r is protected from an interference call for simply running to ... | |
| Protesting a ruling | 6/15/2010 |
| Q: Who needs to make a protest? Must the head coach of the team make it or can a player/parent make it? ... A: Here's ASA 9-2 look it over and write back w/ any questions Section 2. PROTESTS. There are three ... | |
| Infield Fly Rule, the most debated rule in sports!! | 6/14/2010 |
| Q: Greetings, I had an instance come up yesterday that I wanted to get clarification on (I was the ... A: An IF is just like any other fly ball except the batter is out. If the ball is caught the runners ... | |
| in field fly or not | 6/14/2010 |
| Q: recently had a runner on 3rd and a line drive was hit to 3rd base as well ; the runner left the bag ... A: this would not be an IF because 1st and 2nd weren't occupied. Also the height of the backstop has ... | |
| softball pitching and batting rule | 6/11/2010 |
| Q: I have 2 questions. Both are based on situations I have seen called different ways by different ... A: 1) no such rule exists for a pause, just bring the hands together for 1 sec. 2) depending on the ... | |
| asa softball | 6/10/2010 |
| Q: can you have one foot out of the batters box? A: you're question isn't too specific. While batting both feet must be in the bb. A foot may touch ... | |
| 9-10 little league stealing | 6/10/2010 |
| Q: In the williamsport tourney we will have unlimited stealin. When can you delay steal or better ... A: these are the basics when the pitcher has control of the ball in the circle 1)if a runner is on ... | |
| softball | 6/10/2010 |
| Q: batted ball hits home plate then comes to rest in fair territory. fair or faul? A: since hp is in fair territory it could stop and lay on hp for a fair ball as for your q, fair ball, ... | |
| Batters box | 6/9/2010 |
| Q: If there are no lines for a batters box does the batter still have top be in the area of where the ... A: Sure the bb exists even if there are no lines it is 3x7 4' in front of the middle of hp. If there ... | |
| Infield Fly | 6/8/2010 |
| Q: Situation: In the bottom of the 3rd inning the Raptors team had players on 2nd and 3rd with one out. ... A: yes it is BUT you have to protest right then, before another pitch, it's too late now. Remember ... | |
| softball foul tip | 6/7/2010 |
| Q: 1)In slow pitch does foul ball have to go over batter's head for him to be called out if caught by ... A: I think the best thing to do here is to give you our Rules Suppl. 22, let you read it over and write ... | |
| Softball Question | 6/7/2010 |
| Q: We had a runner on 2nd base hit by a batted ball while going to 3rd. The ruling on the field was ... A: sounds like the runner should not have been called out but rather live ball, play on. The runner is ... | |
| Batting Box | 6/7/2010 |
| Q: i was recently at a game, and the umpire was not very good. now we were looking at the ASA rules ... A: It is either a warning or a strike for stepping out of the bb unless there is an exception, not an ... | |
| 12 u fastpitch | 6/5/2010 |
| Q: When is a runner out after leaving a base and stops and stands with no attempted play on them after ... A: When the pitcher has control of the ball in the circle and the runner is stationary off base, the ... | |
| out of the baseline | 6/4/2010 |
| Q: if a player hits a homerun over the fence and is running the bases can he be called out for being ... A: there is no "base path" unless a defensive player is trying to tag a runner. A "baseline" is an ... | |
| Infield Fly Rule | 6/2/2010 |
| Q: 10u Fastpitch (ASA)... Is the umpire REQUIRED to verbalize that he is invoking the infield fly rule? ... A: An umpire should always give the IF signal and verbalize "Infield fly, batter is out" Our umpire ... | |
| illegal pitch | 6/1/2010 |
| Q: --if an illegal pitch is called, is it a ball, and if runners were stealing do they have to go back? ... A: an IP in FP is a delayed dead ball, a ball on the batter and all runners advance 1 base unless the ... | |
| Runner leaving early | 6/1/2010 |
| Q: --Ok, so if there are runners on 1st and 3rd, and the runner on first attempting to steal leaves ... A: a runner leaving early is a dead ball, out, no pitch, so runners have to return to their base. With ... | |
| Softball Question | 6/1/2010 |
| Q: As an umpire you get a lot of "bang, bang" plays. My question is on a force out at any base and the ... A: Ok let's look at the rule.... Section 7. THE RUNNER IS OUT. C. When, on a force play, a fielder ... | |
| 18U Softball Lineup | 6/1/2010 |
| Q: At a recent tournament the lineup for the opposing team had 11 players with 2 EH's, the second EH ... A: on any BOO you always want to wait until the batter completes their turn at bat until you appeal, ... | |
| fair/foul ball ? | 5/31/2010 |
| Q: 12U girls fastpitch, bunted fair ball hits the ground out in front of home plate batter drops bat ... A: this would be a foul ball. ASA RS 24 B. If the bat is out of the batter’s hands, dropped or thrown, ... | |
| baserunning | 5/30/2010 |
| Q: Girl on third base gets caught in a rundown between 3rd and home. She tries to score but the throw ... A: Actually this is new this year and we're changing the name to Dodge Softball. No really this is ... | |
| Tardy Batter's Name Already Inserted Into Lineup | 5/28/2010 |
| Q: Slow Pitch Softball: A manager puts "Bob" in the tenth (last) spot of the lineup and says that "Bob" ... A: sorry for the short delay, holiday weekend I would not allow anyone to be put in the lineup if they ... | |
| Sliding at home | 5/28/2010 |
| Q: Is there a rule that says baserunners must slide at home or be out? The concern is crashes at home. ... A: it's not just at home it's anywhere on the bases. ASA RS13. CRASHING INTO A FIELDER WITH THE BALL. ... | |
| Runner Crashes into a fielder | 5/28/2010 |
| Q: Mark, If R1 flagrantly crashes into F2, who is holding the ball... we have a dead ball, ... A: they do use the "I" word in 13, and the penalty is the same as the more common type of interference ... | |
| Foul ball?? | 5/28/2010 |
| Q: I hit a ball that went straight up in the air, landed 5 feet right of the 1st base line and rolled ... A: if the ball landed in foul territory BEFORE 1st base and then rolled into fair territory BEFORE 1st ... | |
| Rule for runner for asa slowpitch | 5/28/2010 |
| Q: My question is this: if a runner is at 3rd base & no outs, & a right handed batter is up, & the ... A: If R1 was hit in foul territory it is just a foul ball. If the runner was hit in fair territory and ... | |
| Runner Crashes into a fielder | 5/28/2010 |
| Q: Mark, If R1 flagrantly crashes into F2, who is holding the ball... we have a dead ball, ... A: ASA 8-7-Q. When a defensive player has the ball and the runner remains upright and crashes into the ... | |
| illegal pitch | 5/27/2010 |
| Q: Where in the ASA rulebook can I find the regulation concerning a pitcher stepping(sidestepping?) ... A: ASA 6-3 I.(Women’s and all JO play) In the act of delivering the ball, the pitcher must take one ... | |
| legal height for a "foul tick" | 5/26/2010 |
| Q: Mens slow pitch softball league, following ASA rules. The batter swings at the ball and "ticks" it; ... A: Height of the ball doesn't matter if the ball is a foul "tip" or a foul "ball" a foul "tip" goes ... | |
| slow-pitch(lob-ball) (over 55yrs) | 5/25/2010 |
| Q: Runners on first and second, ball is hit to the shortstop, runner on 2nd did not move off base, ... A: As long as F6 tag R1 1st and then touched the bag or tagged the runner, we have 2 outs, both R1 and ... | |
| Lineup changes - injured player | 5/25/2010 |
| Q: This is a question from an ASA tournament. Team A has only nine available players. While playing ... A: This is a case of umpiring by the book. I'm NOT criticizing just stating the fact. As soon as the ... | |
| baserunning during an infield fly | 5/24/2010 |
| Q: I am a new coach in an adult co-ed league. I THINK I have a pretty good handle on the Infield Fly ... A: An IF is exactly like any other fly ball except the batter is out regardless if the ball is caught ... | |
| Softball | 5/22/2010 |
| Q: Runner on 3rd base, 2 outs, the hitter hits a slow roller up the 1st base line. The 3rd base runner ... A: You would be correct, ANYTIME the b-r doesn't safely achieve 1st and it is the 3rd out of an inning, ... | |
| runner interferance | 5/21/2010 |
| Q: Dr. On runner interference how can it be if the runner doesn't make contact or prevent the fielder ... A: I'm not sure this is interference although I didn't see the play just based on your description it's ... | |
| Base path and three foot limit | 5/21/2010 |
| Q: Dr. Mark, I understand that base runners must stay within three feet of a direct line from where ... A: It's a judgment call on the 3' and based on the rule, "the runner runs" if the feet are outside the ... | |
| possible interference | 5/20/2010 |
| Q: Runner at third, 2 ball 1 strike count on batter. Pitch is called a strike, and dropped by catcher. ... A: Nope, there is nothing to prevent that. In fact some coaches teach that. Again the defense needs ... | |
| Dropped third strike/interference | 5/20/2010 |
| Q: League: Girls fast pitch softball. Situation: 1st base open. Zero outs. Dropped third strike. The ... A: Well it depends...intent is not necessary and the batter is out when they interfere w/ a D3K. ... | |
| Infield Fly | 5/20/2010 |
| Q: I was umpiring bases last night and had a question regarding an infield fly that wasn't called and ... A: We can call an IF after the fact, looks bad, but we can do that. Now the question is did we put ... | |
| possible interference | 5/20/2010 |
| Q: Runner at third, 2 ball 1 strike count on batter. Pitch is called a strike, and dropped by catcher. ... A: correct call by the umpire, no interference call, the batter is protected by the D3K rule (even ... | |
| Interference | 5/19/2010 |
| Q: I'm standing on second the ball is hit to the right side of the pitcher, I move to stand in front of ... A: IMO it was the correct call. No you can't stand in front....You hindered the defense attempting to ... | |
| First base | 5/19/2010 |
| Q: If I am running through first base after a hit, what base do I step on? Orange or white? And if I'm ... A: if there is a play at 1st you must use the colored portion and the defense the white portion, unless ... | |
| dropped 3rd strike | 5/18/2010 |
| Q: For Majors Softball. For a dropped 3rd strike with 2 outs if the batter walks back to the dugout, ... A: sure it qualifies as a D3K which is actually misnamed. The rule does not require the catcher to drop ... | |
| Base-running | 5/17/2010 |
| Q: The base runner takes a lead off after the pitcher releases the ball. The pitch is a called ball ... A: Ok makes much more sense now. It seems the umpire called her out on the Look back rule (LBR) When ... | |
| Batter's Box | 5/17/2010 |
| Q: In co-ed slow pitch, the batter switched from the right side to the left side of the plate after the ... A: No (s)he can't do that. ASA 7-3D. The batter shall not step directly in front of the catcher to the ... | |
| Baserunning | 5/16/2010 |
| Q: Is a runner out if on a 3-1 count and the pitcher throws a pitch that was called a strike and the ... A: In SP the runner is allowed to leave the base as soon as the pitch reaches the front edge of plate, ... | |
| Illegal Pitch Call | 5/14/2010 |
| Q: I am playing Adult Men's Slow Pitch softball. The new rule is the pitch arch from 6 to 10 feet. ... A: If this is ASA, yes the umpire mechanic is to both verbalize the IP loud enough for both the catcher ... | |
| Batting out of order | 5/14/2010 |
| Q: If a girl steps into the box and takes a pitch---and is out of order in the line up---is that batter ... A: In ASA play if the BOO is discovered while at bat, we simply put the correct batter at the plate w/ ... | |
| Tagging Up on a Bobble - with a Twist | 5/13/2010 |
| Q: I read the post entitled "tagging up on a bobble" ... A: a runner on base can legally leave the base as soon as a defensive player touches ball that is going ... | |
| time limit | 5/13/2010 |
| Q: In a game that is on a time limit. We were the visiting team. We were almost out of time 15 seconds. ... A: You know 99% of the complaints I hear is that the umpire screwed out of another inning....there was ... | |
| base runner | 5/12/2010 |
| Q: Is the base runner safe/out if he/she gets hit by a line drive that passes an infielder? A: actually it can be either but it's more common that the runner is not out and the ball remains live. ... | |
| Interference/Collision | 5/12/2010 |
| Q: Mark - I tried to find the answer buried in your archives, but cannot find it how it relates to ... A: Interference is always a judgment call. INTERFERENCE. Interference is the act of an offensive ... | |
| Look back Rule | 5/12/2010 |
| Q: I understand if a runner is between bases and stationary that she must go to one of the adjacent ... A: When the pitcher has control of the ball in the circle and the runner is stationary off base they ... | |
| Slowpitch softball men, women and coed | 5/11/2010 |
| Q: Dr Ambrose, I am a new umpire just starting out. I took the test and passed but realize I have a ... A: I think it's great you want to be an umpire, now the work begins....:)...not kidding! First of all ... | |
| Obstruction/Interference | 5/11/2010 |
| Q: While watching a game between 2 teams that our 10U girls travel softball team will be playing (ASA ... A: 1, no, the runner must be hindered 2, no, can't read their mind 3, yes 4, doesn't matter, ... | |
| engraved bat | 5/10/2010 |
| Q: Mark - You have helped me out in the past (by reading your older posts) and I appreciate your ... A: your bat is legal. You can use a safety grip 15" from the knob, so as you can see the manufacturer ... | |
| Fair/Foul | 5/10/2010 |
| Q: This question relates to girls' softball. The situation was: - a line drive is hit to the first ... A: Well gosh, that would be incorrect, really incorrect! Fair/foul is a fundamental rule of softball, ... | |
| pitching rule | 5/9/2010 |
| Q: I had an actual play occur in 18U slowpitch boys involving my shortstop and pitcher. During an ... A: you must make the protest at the time of the ruling, ASA 9-2. PROTESTS. A. Misinterpretation of a ... | |
| pitching rule | 5/9/2010 |
| Q: I had an actual play occur in 18U slowpitch boys involving my shortstop and pitcher. During an ... A: Please...NEVER ask the umpire to show you the rule in the rule book...that just pis--- us off and ... | |
| Strikezone | 5/8/2010 |
| Q: We had a 11 and under ASA fastpitch game tonight and some of the balls that were being called a ... A: ASA 7-5-a fp. A BALL IS CALLED BY THE UMPIRE. A. (Fast Pitch) For each legally pitched ball that ... | |
| Interference by fielder..From Soldier in Iraq | 5/7/2010 |
| Q: Question from my nephew in armed services serving in Iraq by email today.. Slow pitch, if runner on ... A: Gary, My son Ben is a Marine and just returned from the ME last Dec, then on to Haiti for 3 months ... | |
| Obstruction, or not, while trying to pick-up a ball | 5/7/2010 |
| Q: A throw is made to first base on a batted ball. The first baseman (uh, basewoman?) drops the ball ... A: OBSTRUCTION. Obstruction is the act of a fielder: A. Not in possession of the ball, or B. Not in the ... | |
| umpire mechanics | 5/5/2010 |
| Q: Runner on 2nd and the ball is hit to the SS. Where is the Plate Umpire supposed to go? I was told ... A: In this play the PU covers 3rd. The BU needs to move toward 1st as best they can, Every umpire ... | |
| infield fly | 5/5/2010 |
| Q: I copied the following from another question - Our umpires are calling dead ball immediately when ... A: Nope, no rule change. An IF is a live ball and runners can advance at their own risk. To call an ... | |
| Missed base appeal | 5/3/2010 |
| Q: Bases Loaded. Girl hits over fence. Runner on 2nd never touches home and the runner on first then ... A: A missed base is an appeal by the defense. The umpire should never make the call w/out an appeal. ... | |
| windmill windup 12u female select | 5/2/2010 |
| Q: My daughter plays 12u sunday select fastpitch. when she winds up she is dropping her arm back to a ... A: Based just on your description I don't see a problem. Hands separate, arm drops to the side and ... | |
| ball4runner advances to 2nd | 5/2/2010 |
| Q: 14U-There is a runner on third base and the batter receives 4 balls. The batter starts to round ... A: Both running situations are legal and they should not be called out. The look back rule is ... | |
| illegal pitch | 5/2/2010 |
| Q: Girls fastpitch question. A pitcher starts with both feet on the mound. Once that is achieved is it ... A: ASA 6-1-E. 2. (Female) Both feet must remain in contact with the pitcher’s plate at all times prior ... | |
| infield fly rule | 5/1/2010 |
| Q: If an infield fly rule is called after the runners have left the base (less than 2 outs and bases ... A: An IF is exactly like any other fly ball except the batter is out regardless if the ball is caught ... | |
| slo pitch bats vs fast pitch bat | 4/30/2010 |
| Q: i am running the women's slow pitch league in my area and there are a few girls who play college ... A: I disagree w/ "some". A bat that is approved for play is available for anyone to buy, borrow or ... | |
| slo pitch bats vs fast pitch bat | 4/30/2010 |
| Q: i am running the women's slow pitch league in my area and there are a few girls who play college ... A: There are no technical differences between FP and SP bats. FP bats tend to come in lighter weights. ... | |
| softball rules | 4/30/2010 |
| Q: bases are loaded, fly ball is hit to right field, the ball goes off the rightfielder's glove and the ... A: Runners may leave their base as soon as the ball is touched by the defense. In the past I've used ... | |
| Protest an umpire's call | 4/29/2010 |
| Q: Dr. Amrose, How should a coach protest or discuss a call made by the umpire? Do you call time? Do ... A: You can't call time but you might ask if the ball is live, "Blue, can I have time I would like to ... | |
| Making an appeal & Delayed Dead Ball | 4/28/2010 |
| Q: Dr. Ambrose, How does one make a proper appeal? I have read the rule book more than once and I have ... A: Ok let's go over the RS of a DDB. 14. DELAYED DEAD BALL. There are five situations in which a ... | |
| Look back rule | 4/28/2010 |
| Q: Could you explain the look back rule to me. My daughter got called out twice with it and does not ... A: OK what I'll do is give you our rules supplement on the LBR. You read it over a couple 3 times and ... | |
| Pitching Changes | 4/28/2010 |
| Q: While coaching a 10u local modified rules game I visited the circle once in the first, and once in ... A: You have 3 defensive conferences per 7 innings, use them all in 1 inning or spread them out. It is ... | |
| interference / obstruction | 4/27/2010 |
| Q: With a runner on 2nd a grounder is hit just to the left of the SS but not in the gap. The runner ... A: ASA RS 33. INTERFERENCE. Interference is the act of an offensive player or team member that impedes, ... | |
| dropped 3rd strike | 4/26/2010 |
| Q: For Majors Softball. For a dropped 3rd strike with 2 outs if the batter walks back to the dugout, ... A: She can attempt to advance to 1st unless she enters the team area. A baseline is a imaginary line ... | |
| force out | 4/22/2010 |
| Q: Playing a co-ed softball game, we had a runner at first and ball was hit to 2nd baseman. The ... A: While holding the ball securely in the hand or glove he can make contact w/ the base with any part ... | |
| baserunning | 4/22/2010 |
| Q: Women's slow-pitch ASA rules, woman hits a ground ball for a base hit, runs thru first. She turns ... A: Here's our ASA RS37. OVER-RUNNING FIRST BASE. After over-running first base, the batter-runner may ... | |
| Umpire over ruling partner | 4/21/2010 |
| Q: Can the home plate over rule the base umpire on a call at first base if the base umpire does not ask ... A: The short answer is NO, each umpire has their own responsibilities. Only if the umpire who made the ... | |
| suspending game for darkness | 4/21/2010 |
| Q: Dr. Mark, Here's the situation: ASA slow pitch softball; darkness descending; after 5 complete ... A: your league can have different rules such as resuming the game, etc but in strict ASA in this case ... | |
| ASA Slowpitch Softball Question | 4/21/2010 |
| Q: I have a question regarding hitting. We played a game last night in which the batter hit a dribbler ... A: You stated THE BALL hit the bat, so the call is nothing if the ball stayed fair. here's ASA RS 24 ... | |
| Illegal slow pitch bats | 4/20/2010 |
| Q: I was wondering if you knew the rulings on suspected altered bats? is there a way to have a bat ... A: Unless a bat breaks, or injures a player there's nothing I know of that you can do. Testing is ... | |
| high school softball | 4/19/2010 |
| Q: My daughter plays high school softball. I'm curious about the infield fly rule. Is it only in ... A: the purpose of the IFR is to protect the offense from cheap dps by the defense. We do that by ... | |
| Foul or Fair? | 4/18/2010 |
| Q: Batter pops up a ball between pitcher and catcher. Batter is now running to 1st. Bat is dropped in ... A: This is umpiring 101....It is a foul ball...read 2nd to last sentence. ASA RS 24 B. If the bat is ... | |
| Softball Fastpitch HS rule | 4/18/2010 |
| Q: What is the ruling when the batter after taking a swing and putting the ball in play throws the bat ... A: sorry Mitchell, part of my policies is that I do not review videos. However the rule is if THE ... | |
| standing in baseline | 4/17/2010 |
| Q: should or can a defensive player stand in the baseline when a runner is on the bag? we have an ... A: the defense can position themselves in the "baseline" if they would like but if the ball is hit to ... | |
| ruling | 4/16/2010 |
| Q: Dr. Ambrose I had a weird situation that came up in a slow pitch (1) umpire ASA game last night. ... A: sorry for the delay, was out of town for a few days 1st of all in my opinion if you want to have a ... | |
| ASA ejection rule | 4/15/2010 |
| Q: 1 out runner on first. Batter hits ground ball to short stop who throws ball to 2nd baseman to ... A: Yes an ejection is different from a disqualification that would allow you to play shorthanded and ... | |
| interference | 4/14/2010 |
| Q: Dr. Ambrose The situation: fast pitch softball....runner on 2nd no outs. The batter bunts fair with ... A: This is a HTBT situation (had to be there). An infield fly is a batted fly ball, not a line drive ... | |
| interference | 4/13/2010 |
| Q: Dr. Ambrose The situation: fast pitch softball....runner on 2nd no outs. The batter bunts fair with ... A: Nope, no way, a discarded bat is part of the field. The only way you can have interference is if ... | |
| DP/Flex situation | 4/12/2010 |
| Q: I am a high school varsity coach. This is the line-up I start with: 1. Player A (CF) 2. Player B ... A: B6 (DP) did go in for the Flex because the Flex plays defense and the DP is now playing defense and ... | |
| batter in or out of batter box | 4/12/2010 |
| Q: when a batter is batting, and they step in front of the plate to hit the ball, should the batter be ... A: If the foot is on the ground entirely outside the line of the batter's box or the foot touches any ... | |
| base running | 4/12/2010 |
| Q: bases are loaded, 2 outs. batter gets a hit into shallow right field, right fielder throws out ... A: No the run would not count, no run can score if the 3rd out of an inning is a force out. Section 5. ... | |
| Fast Pitch Softball | 4/9/2010 |
| Q: Dr. Ambrose this is a reply to your question you asked on my question concerning the girl who was ... A: Actually you play a hybrid of local and ASA rules. In ASA you can only bat 9 not 11 and cannot use ... | |
| running home | 4/7/2010 |
| Q: 8th grade fastpitch softball--was told by umpire that a girl running home "must" slide if there is ... A: FACT.....well maybe, the thing you need to know is if this is a "local" exception to ASA rules. ... | |
| scoring after a dropped third strike two outs | 4/6/2010 |
| Q: two outs runner on third batter strikes out but catcher drops ball and it gets away far enough for ... A: No, No No!!!! by rule NO run can score w/ 2 outs if the b-r doesn't safely attain 1st base. Doesn't ... | |
| 3/2 rule | 4/2/2010 |
| Q: I am a manager of a womans softball team as well as the secretary of the league that has been ... A: you must remember that ASA rules are only for championship play or tournies that lead to ... | |
| softball dead ball rule | 4/1/2010 |
| Q: On the softball field they have the foul line and an out of play line where this are no fences. ... A: That area would be called dead ball territory(dbt) No a player cannot have a foot completely on ... | |
| Rule Clarification on Game called a Forfeit | 3/31/2010 |
| Q: In our men’s slow pitch game last night we were the home team, bottom of the 5th, 2 outs, no runners ... A: I have to admit I've never penalized a team that made the game go quicker. I have warned teams on ... | |
| Umpire mechanics for runner not touching home plate | 3/31/2010 |
| Q: Runner 1 crosses home plates and the plate umpire signals safe. At the conclusion of the play, the ... A: A runner is assumed safe until put out, so on a play at the plate if the runner misses the plate and ... | |
| runner hit by a deflected ground ball | 3/30/2010 |
| Q: This has to be one of the worst rules in the book(if it is actually in the book): We were on defense ... A: Well I really haven't thought too much about it but I guess I would have to think why would you ... | |
| Rule Clarification on Game called a Forfeit | 3/30/2010 |
| Q: In our men’s slow pitch game last night we were the home team, bottom of the 5th, 2 outs, no runners ... A: Why not just have them step on the plate when they make contact w/ the ball, that's faster? that ... | |
| overthrow on runner returning to a base | 3/30/2010 |
| Q: ASA mens slow pitch Softball, Ball is batted to shallow right field, the runner on 1st leaves the ... A: yes it is not a "force out".....but that has nothing to do with how to get the out. Don't get hung ... | |
| overthrow on runner returning to a base | 3/30/2010 |
| Q: ASA mens slow pitch Softball, Ball is batted to shallow right field, the runner on 1st leaves the ... A: fairly common situation 1) no it is NOT considered a "force out" but rather it is considered a ... | |
| runner hit by a deflected ground ball | 3/29/2010 |
| Q: This has to be one of the worst rules in the book(if it is actually in the book): We were on defense ... A: Well I can tell you are upset but umpires don't get to decide what rules they want to enforce ASA ... | |
| Bat in baseline | 3/29/2010 |
| Q: After a player has hit the ball and runners are advancing whose responsibility is it to remove the ... A: A discarded bat is just part of the field. There is no specific responsibility for anyone to move ... | |
| Live Thrown Ball Hits Base Coach | 3/28/2010 |
| Q: A live overthrown ball from SS to 3rd hits basecoach in coach's box. Coach tried to avoid. Is ball ... A: Anywhere in LBT not necessarily only in the coaches box with a thrown or batted ball basically the ... | |
| Bat Rolling | 3/23/2010 |
| Q: Is there a way to tell if a bat has been rolled ? A: yes, MASA is now teaching it's umpires how to determine if a composite bat has been rolled. Sorry ... | |
| Rolled bats | 3/23/2010 |
| Q: I just bought 2 composite bats and want to buy a bat roller.is it legal in the ASA to play with ... A: Rolling is a relatively new cheating activity that artificially stretches the fibers of the bat. It ... | |
| Rolled bats | 3/22/2010 |
| Q: I just bought 2 composite bats and want to buy a bat roller.is it legal in the ASA to play with ... A: I almost think your kidding but maybe you're not.....Approved bats shall not be rolled, shaved or ... | |
| 10U Girls Fast Pitch ASA defensive player interference | 3/21/2010 |
| Q: In our last game, the umpire awards a base to a base runner stealing third. The runner ran into the ... A: this would actually be called "obstruction" not "interference". The defense obstructs, the offense ... | |
| DP/FLEX | 3/20/2010 |
| Q: Suppose a time has 3 pitchers, of equal talents %26 can hit. Could the use of all three be used at ... A: sure put P1 the better batter at DP, P2 at flex and pitching and leave P3 to come off the bench. ... | |
| FAST PITCH SOFTBALL SPEED | 3/20/2010 |
| Q: WHAT SPEEDS HAVE THE BEST MEN'S SOFTBALL PITCHERSS ACHIEVED? I HAVE HEARD IT TO BE WELL OVER 100 ... A: normally I don't answer non-rule type questions but this looked like a little fun..........also ... | |
| Banned Bat Application (Again) | 3/15/2010 |
| Q: I need some bat legality clarification. By ASA rules, when an umpire is checking bats before a game, ... A: here's the rule... the bat must bear either the ASA approved 2000 certification mark or the ASA 2004 ... | |
| In-field Fly call | 3/10/2010 |
| Q: At two separate ASA tournaments umpires made an infield fly rule call in the following manner - they ... A: Well our umpire manual tells us the procedure for an infield fly is rt arm above head w/ fist closed ... | |
| DP and Pitcher (Girls Fastpitch) | 3/9/2010 |
| Q: I recently coached against a team that had their line-up set up pretty typical with a DP (3-hole) ... A: If you want to play the DP/Flex you must do so at the start of the game, and that's what (s)he's ... | |
| To legal or illegal | 3/8/2010 |
| Q: If a batter inters the batter's box with a softball bat that has tape wrapped around the knob making ... A: It's really difficult to say just by your description, I would like to see it. We have a new rule ... | |
| Girls Softball | 3/6/2010 |
| Q: Mark, Runner on third comes off with pitch...catcher comes up and throws to third...hits runner ... A: Unfortunately for the catcher and the defense this nothing but a bad throw with a resultant dead ... | |
| ASA rule Number for dropped 3rd strike | 3/5/2010 |
| Q: Mark, I asked you the series of question re: double sided first base the last day and half. In ... A: nice to talk with you again, here's the rules but if someone is looking for the rule to exactly say ... | |
| softball umpire - thank you for your advice | 3/5/2010 |
| Q: Runner is on second. Tom hits a grouder to shortstop. Runner unintentionally hindes SS. SS i still ... A: detected BEFORE entering the bb, preventive umpiring as is proper......just tell them to get a ... | |
| Pitching distance | 3/5/2010 |
| Q: 1. In modified high school ball (7t & 8th grade) what is the pitching distance? 2.Does a fake tag by ... A: ASA 40' Here's our RS on fake tags ASA RS 19. FAKE TAG. A fake tag occurs when a fielder without ... | |
| softball umpire | 3/5/2010 |
| Q: Runner is on second. Tom hits a grouder to shortstop. Runner unintentionally hindes SS. SS i still ... A: I do know some local assocs do this but..... NO...NO....NEVER.....NEVER....NO....NO....NEVER, ... | |
| softball umpire | 3/5/2010 |
| Q: Runner is on second. Tom hits a grouder to shortstop. Runner unintentionally hindes SS. SS i still ... A: It doesn't matter if R1 intended to or unintentionally hindered F6, we have interference, dead ball, ... | |
| Use of orange side of first base | 3/4/2010 |
| Q: There's a debate in our league about when and who can use the orange side of first base. Our league ... A: I'm an animal lover, have 3 dogs, please don't beat a live horse...........and while beating a dead ... | |
| Use of orange side of first base | 3/4/2010 |
| Q: There's a debate in our league about when and who can use the orange side of first base. Our league ... A: It's pretty simple..when a play is being made on a batted ball the defense must use the white and ... | |
| crow hop | 3/2/2010 |
| Q: Ok let me ask you this. In a video we see a girl who #1 leaps a little. We all know that is illegal. ... A: Obviously you want me to get into some discussion going on that I know nothing about, please ... | |
| crow hop | 3/1/2010 |
| Q: Ok let me ask you this. In a video we see a girl who #1 leaps a little. We all know that is illegal. ... A: ASA definition...CROW HOP.(Fast Pitch)A crow hop is defined as the act of a pitcher who steps, hops, ... | |
| Base running/Scoring of run | 2/28/2010 |
| Q: I asked you question 2 days ago about runner at 1st being thrown out because he couldn't get back to ... A: I had to look up SSUSA, never heard of it but it looks like you guys play senior softball. Your ... | |
| Bat hits ball second time | 2/27/2010 |
| Q: Mark can you explain the ruling on bat hitting ball second time. Batter hit ball and drops bat in ... A: no most likely a foul ball RS 24. HITTING THE BALL A SECOND TIME. When considering the act of a ... | |
| Bat hits ball second time | 2/27/2010 |
| Q: Mark can you explain the ruling on bat hitting ball second time. Batter hit ball and drops bat in ... A: this is from our rules supplement If the bat is out of the batter’s hands, dropped or thrown, and ... | |
| out of batter box | 2/27/2010 |
| Q: Mark, Batter swings hit ball one foot on ground inside batter box second foot in air outside batter ... A: As long as the foot is in the air it doesn't matter where the foot is in relationship to the lines ... | |
| senior slowpitch softball | 2/26/2010 |
| Q: I am having difficulty with the senior slowpitch fair/foul ball rule "settles or is touched by" If ... A: Actually it's not a senior rule but a universal rule in soft ball. It has to do with the basic ... | |
| Base running | 2/26/2010 |
| Q: Runners on 1st & 3rd with 1 out. Batter hits long fly ball to left. Runner on 1st runs when ball is ... A: The run would count, some players think this is a force out on the runner and it is NOT! It is a ... | |
| Proper use of the colored first base bag | 2/22/2010 |
| Q: I coach a recreational girls softball team (ages 13-15). We had a situation where a batted ball to ... A: The LC can alter any ASA rule they want for local play, so it that's the way they want it, for ... | |
| Foul ball with two outs | 2/19/2010 |
| Q: The situation: There are two outs runners on first and third. The ball is hit foul to left field. ... A: If F7 caught the ball for the 3rd out, the 1/2 inning is over, no run can score. this is umpiring ... | |
| Check Swing | 2/19/2010 |
| Q: Bases loaded, 3-2 count on the batter with 2 outs. Batter appears to check swing but the plate ... A: It seems like the catcher's asking for help from the PU is really late although they can still ask, ... | |
| Taking third out | 2/18/2010 |
| Q: I coach in a girls slow pitch league in the 13 %26 under division. Our games are on a time limit. ... A: If I had such a situation as a tournie UIC I would deny the protest as there is no rule to call a ... | |
| just curious | 2/17/2010 |
| Q: From another answer you posted. See below for question. Answer HI Victor, When I'm asked a ... A: If R1 is hit by a fair batted ball before it passes an infielder exc the pitcher the ball is dead, ... | |
| just curious | 2/16/2010 |
| Q: From another answer you posted. See below for question. Answer HI Victor, When I'm asked a ... A: As long as the girl had the control of the ball in their hand or glove and her pony-tail now ... | |
| safe or out | 2/11/2010 |
| Q: The first baseban is lefty. Sharp ground ball hit right at him, he goes down and squares himeself ... A: When I'm asked a question AE sends me an email telling me, in your case I did not get 1 so I didn't ... | |
| girls softball batting helmuts | 2/10/2010 |
| Q: we have batting helmets which are about 10 yrs. old. these helmets are not made for a facemask. can ... A: Well here are the requirements you have to see if your helmets are NOCSAE approved and then put an ... | |
| manager to pitchers circle | 2/3/2010 |
| Q: In 12U How many times may a manager call time out go to the pitchers circle to talk to his pitcher ... A: a team is allowed 3 defensive conferences per 7 inning game. They may use them all in 1 inning or ... | |
| Batters Box | 1/29/2010 |
| Q: The rule states the the player must keep both feet in the batters box. When entering the batters ... A: Actually the rule is very clear ASA 7-Section 3. BATTING POSITION.A. Prior to the pitch, the ... | |
| Hit runner. | 1/27/2010 |
| Q: Batter hits ball in front of the plate, but runs inside the diamond on the way to first base (thus ... A: We don't have anything but a bad throw from the catcher until the b-r enters the 3' lane. If they ... | |
| Ist base orange bag. | 1/27/2010 |
| Q: On a recent play at first base, the first basemen fielded the ball and ran to first base to tag the ... A: In order for the defense to use the colored portion of the bag on an initial play on the b-r the ... | |
| Interference. | 1/27/2010 |
| Q: Runner is on third base. A high foul pop-up is hit near third base. The runner moves a couple of ... A: Interference is the act of an offensive player or team member that impedes, hinders or confuses a ... | |
| roster size for ncaa softball | 1/22/2010 |
| Q: Is there a cap on how large a softball roster has to be? If so, what is the number? A: I got this off a website that knows more about rosters than I do The NCAA allows Division I ... | |
| offensive team mates stopping a thrown ball | 1/18/2010 |
| Q: don't know if i got this to you. I had a situation with runner on 1st... ball hit to outfield, ... A: this would be a "blocked ball" so we would have a dead ball and runners return to the last base ... | |
| Epilepsy/Seizures ADA Softball | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: We have a 35 y/o male that plays softball on our team. He has had one grand mal seizure and another ... A: You've got to be kidding me, an otherwise healthy young man (I assume) has some type of seizure(s) ... | |
| infield fly | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: Infield fly near 2nd base is not caught by the fielder running forward. The ball continues towards ... A: To answer you're question is not as simple as it sounds without seeing the play. A number of things ... | |
| Women's Slow Pitch Softball | 12/20/2009 |
| Q: If a team is being accused of using "hot" or "loaded" bats but is still using them and the league is ... A: leagues make their own rules (some ban players for a year or more) but in ASA tournament play a ... | |
| a question bout softball | 12/18/2009 |
| Q: IF YOU HIT A POP-FLY RITE IN FRONT OF THE PICHER AND SHE GOES FOR IT AND MISSES IS IT REALY AN ... A: If there are less than 2 outs and 1st and 2nd or all bases are occupied and we have a fly ball that ... | |
| playoff rain out rules | 11/24/2009 |
| Q: I play in a co-ed slow pitch softball league. During a playoff game, we had really bad weather so ... A: Under ASA rules you restart at the exact spot (down to the count on the batter) the game was stopped ... | |
| 4 base errors | 11/20/2009 |
| Q: last night, during a playoff game, a four base error was called and i did not even know such a term ... A: This is the proper call by the umpire, it's actually called a "4 base award", if an error happens or ... | |
| strike zone | 11/13/2009 |
| Q: In ASA men's slow pitch, I notice many of the seasoned players stand way up in the batter's box ... A: I'm always amazed that someone who plays SP for any length of time doesn't know where the strike ... | |
| Coach interference? | 11/7/2009 |
| Q: The batter swings and misses at strike three. The ball skips into the catcher's glove. Neither the ... A: just based on your q I don't have the coach "assisting" the runner, so no I have nothing here. ASA ... | |
| Outs in softball | 11/6/2009 |
| Q: Man at first and second with no outs - ground ball to the shortstop. Shortstop fields the ball, ... A: Anxiously sending you my answer... 1) if they step on 2nd FIRST, R2 (coming from 1st) is out, R1 if ... | |
| softball | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: When a batter hits a ball and runs past 1st base and turns around to go back to 1st base does the ... A: 1st base is different than 2nd or 3rd. You can overrun 1st and turn right or left w/out liability ... | |
| Pitcher in the Basepath | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: Ambrose, I play in a coed slow pitch softball league. The team we played against last night had its ... A: this should answer it, you might want to print it out, that umpire doesn't understand obstruction in ... | |
| Pitching | 11/3/2009 |
| Q: We have a girl in ou 12U division with a very unusal style of pitching. It's hard to explain but I ... A: no pause or holding for any amount of time is required nor is in front of the body a requirement. ... | |
| Pitching Rules | 11/2/2009 |
| Q: Our league uses the 11" ball for girls and 12" ball for guys, and the other pitcher and i have some ... A: Well I must admit I've never seen this and I don't think I would like it too well as far as the ... | |
| is this interference | 10/29/2009 |
| Q: Pitched ball was supposedly misplayed by catcher and bounced off backstop onto field. Third strike ... A: This is interference, dead ball, b-r is out and all others return to the last base touched at the ... | |
| Obstruction | 10/28/2009 |
| Q: Just read a post in which you said going to receive the ball was taken out of ASA rules. My ... A: "I have had a stealing runner collide in the baseline between second and first with a defensive ... | |
| Rain Out | 10/28/2009 |
| Q: Good morning. I have a question regarding rain outs. I play in a slow pitch D+ mens league and ... A: If you play by ASA rules and don't have a local over-ride rule on this.....you re-start the game at ... | |
| Obstuction | 10/27/2009 |
| Q: Umpire calls obstuction on the ss and the runner is thrown out at home. Ump rules the runner was ... A: "I thought you advance at your own risk."....sometimes.... see below By rule an obstructed runner ... | |
| Obstruction? | 10/20/2009 |
| Q: A baserunner is stealing but because she is looking toward home plate she inadvertently strays well ... A: Obstruction is a judgment call, our umpire manual tells us that simply because there is a collision ... | |
| Infield Fly Rule | 10/16/2009 |
| Q: Had a player from a team really get mad last night on a call that I made. I am new to ASA umpiring, ... A: here's the def....INFIELD FLY: A fair fly ball, not including a line drive or an attempted bunt ... | |
| Signs to Pitchers | 10/15/2009 |
| Q: During an ASA youth softball game, an illegal pitch was called on a pitcher because the coach gave ... A: the only requirement is that the pitcher be on the pitcher's plate w/ hands separated and take or ... | |
| Runner struck by batted ground ball | 10/15/2009 |
| Q: I play in a softball league and had an interesting play tonight. There were no outs and runners on ... A: The way I understand it, in the game they play w/ that small ball you would be correct HOWEVER in ... | |
| Force Out Ruling | 10/12/2009 |
| Q: Here's the situation from a recent game. Runners on 1st base and 2nd base, no outs. Batter hits a ... A: before a play was made at 1st R2 was no longer legally entitled to it but there is no rule that they ... | |
| rule interpretation | 10/12/2009 |
| Q: Please clarify correct ruling for the following and please consider how the ruling changes with ... A: In the thousands and thousands of innings I've umpired I've never seen this happen...where F1 has a ... | |
| rule interpretation | 10/9/2009 |
| Q: Please clarify correct ruling for the following and please consider how the ruling changes with ... A: If the pitcher had no play w/ ordinary effort I would have obstruction. However if the ball is ... | |
| tipped ball | 10/6/2009 |
| Q: Situation: 14u ASA softball Batter has two strikes She swings at pitch and makes contact with the ... A: I had the Fed stuff handy, ASA is the same 1. If the ball moves DIRECTLY to the catcher's ... | |
| What constitutes "control"? | 10/2/2009 |
| Q: ASA Co-Rec game: Runners at 1st and 2nd, two outs. Ground ball to short, tosses to 3rd base for ... A: My opinion is based on ASA 8-7-c the runner is out... "When, on a force play, a fielder contacts ... | |
| Intentional Droped Fly Ball | 9/30/2009 |
| Q: Men's D league slow-pitch softball. 1 out, runner on first base. Batter hits a pop-up to 2nd ... A: Some orgs have different definitions of an intentionally dropped ball. In ASA the defense must ... | |
| inside fly ball | 9/30/2009 |
| Q: My grand-daughter played softball last night and the empire called the runner out on a fly ball that ... A: it's called the "infield fly rule" and it's meant to protect the offense from cheap double or triple ... | |
| runner on base hit by batted ball | 9/30/2009 |
| Q: Sir: In looking the the rules supplement for the asa umpires manual.I came across a strange (to me ... A: "It was my understanding that a runner on a base is out if hit by a batted ball except for when ... | |
| Dropped 2nd Strike | 9/30/2009 |
| Q: Dr. Ambrose, No I didn't mistakenly type the subject. What's the rule for this situation with a ... A: yes this happens every now and then. We put the batter back at bat w/ the previous count and ... | |
| Ejecting players | 9/30/2009 |
| Q: What guidance does the ASA rule book give on when and HOW TO eject player(s)? Recently, our league ... A: Obviously it's the individual umpires judgment as to how much they will let go on. As an umpire ... | |
| runner on base hit by batted ball | 9/29/2009 |
| Q: Sir: In looking the the rules supplement for the asa umpires manual.I came across a strange (to me ... A: A runner hit by a fair batted ball while off the base is 1 set of rules. A runner hit by a fair ... | |
| Slow pitch | 9/28/2009 |
| Q: Runner on third %26 first, batter hits the third base runner standing on the base, ball lands in ... A: F5 plays 3rd, correct. The ball can hit a runner standing on a base and be a foul ball. If the ... | |
| Tag play 3rd out | 9/28/2009 |
| Q: 1 down, runners on first and third. Fly ball to outfield caught for 2nd out, runner on first did ... A: you are correct, this is a "timing" play and NOT a "force out". By rule the run would count if it ... | |
| Slow pitch | 9/28/2009 |
| Q: Runner on third %26 first, batter hits the third base runner standing on the base, ball lands in ... A: This assumes the ball hit R1 in fair territory, otherwise it's just a foul ball. In SP the closest ... | |
| Batter advancing after a walk (BB) | 9/27/2009 |
| Q: After receiving a walk, can the batter keeping running to second base, even though the pitcher has ... A: The fact that the pitcher has the ball in the circle does not prevent a b-r from advancing on a ... | |
| Is it a dropped 3rd strike | 9/27/2009 |
| Q: In womens division of ASA FP softball we had a pitcher that released the ball to early or it slipped ... A: The umpire is absolutely correct, this is a D3K situation. The rule is NOT if the catcher "drops" ... | |
| out or safe? | 9/27/2009 |
| Q: "men on first and second.....one out...groundball to third...ball bobbled into foul ... A: sure...the runner would be out. The rule on a force out only requires that the defense have control ... | |
| Tagging Up | 9/26/2009 |
| Q: tried to find the answer in previous posts but couldn't so thank you in advance. Co-ed corporate ... A: Just for future questions the standards we use is R1 for the farthest advanced runner and number ... | |
| Thrown Ball Hits Runner | 9/24/2009 |
| Q: I have a simple question regarding Girls Softball ages 9 - 13 y/o. If a thrown ball hits a runner ... A: As long as the runner does not intentionally interfere w/ the throw and is simply attempting to ... | |
| Tagging up | 9/21/2009 |
| Q: ASA CO-ED Softball League - One out with runner on first - batter hit a fly ball to right field - ... A: That would not be the correct call, in fact it would be a very bad call, there is no rule that a ... | |
| Runner hit by thrown ball in a run down | 9/20/2009 |
| Q: Ambrose, I may have wrongly called a runner out today in a Little League Softball game at the Junior ... A: You are incorrect in this case by calling the runner out. This is not interference, simply a bad ... | |
| pitcher's circle | 9/18/2009 |
| Q: At last night's game during fall ball, there was a conflict of view point. third base runner stole ... A: this is from our rules supp RS34. LOOK-BACK RULE (Fast Pitch) (Rule 8 Section 7 T). When a runner ... | |
| Runner hit by fair ball | 9/18/2009 |
| Q: My player was running from 1st to 2nd and was hit by a hit ball. She was running and didn't see the ... A: Intent or trying to avoid the ball has nothing to do with being called out. The runner is out... ... | |
| pitcher's circle | 9/17/2009 |
| Q: At last night's game during fall ball, there was a conflict of view point. third base runner stole ... A: We don't have a "mound" if softball, we have a "pitcher's plate" (PP). Hopefully you're asking me a ... | |
| time out question | 9/17/2009 |
| Q: The ump we had last night was letting the other team raise the ball in the air and call timeout as ... A: A player can NEVER call "time", only an umpire. ASA 10-4-I (Slow Pitch) When, in the judgment of an ... | |
| ball | 9/15/2009 |
| Q: If a pitcher pitches a ball that hits the ground and then bounces up and hits the batter is the ... A: "If a pitcher pitches a ball that hits the ground and then bounces up and hits the batter is the ... | |
| asa co-ed slow pitch | 9/15/2009 |
| Q: The league we play in says we go by asa rules. They say when making the line up you must bat 10 ... A: In strict ASA play you can bat 5 and 5 or 6 and 6. You cannot play more than 12 at a time, what you ... | |
| fair or foul ball? | 9/14/2009 |
| Q: My brother plays softball on a 2a special olympic softball team. They lost a game yesterday on what ... A: If the "base" the umpire is talking about is 1st base, the batted ball would be fair. FAIR BALL: A ... | |
| illegal - non approved bat | 9/4/2009 |
| Q: Illegal bat is one to long or too heavy, yes? Altered (painted.shaved, etc.) and non-approved ... A: "So a team appeals that a batter used an illegal bat saying it is on ASA non-approved list. ... | |
| Can't sleep over it | 9/4/2009 |
| Q: We had a runner on the way to third with 2 outs. The 3rd baseman was off the bag to field the ball. ... A: Ok now we have more information, w starting a game batting 11 and any 10 playing defense (it's ... | |
| illegal - non approved bat | 9/3/2009 |
| Q: Illegal bat is one to long or too heavy, yes? Altered (painted.shaved, etc.) and non-approved ... A: An illegal bat, an altered bat and a non-approved bat are 3 different animals. An illegal bat is ... | |
| Can't sleep over it | 9/3/2009 |
| Q: We had a runner on the way to third with 2 outs. The 3rd baseman was off the bag to field the ball. ... A: I'm sorry you're upset. On the tag or lack of, that's not an "appeal" play w/ those restrictions ... | |
| Strike Zone | 9/1/2009 |
| Q: If a ball hits the plate is ASA slow pitch is it automatically a ball? We had a game the other ... A: Pretty simple ASA 7-5. A BALL IS CALLED BY THE UMPIRE. B. (Slow Pitch) For each legally pitched ... | |
| illegal bat | 8/31/2009 |
| Q: We had a game last night and the other team claimed our player hit a home run with an illegal bat. ... A: The penalty for an illegal bat is just an out (and all runners return to their previous base(s) if ... | |
| Pitching and Base Stealing | 8/31/2009 |
| Q: Dr. Ambrose, I am not new to the game of softball, but need some clarification on when a runner can ... A: It's pretty simple the pitcher can no longer have control of the ball by doing a few things This is ... | |
| batting out of order | 8/27/2009 |
| Q: co-ed soft ball game, play off. The team we played aganist played all game with girls as their 9 ... A: I'm not sure I can help you, many co-ed leagues have local rules that deviate so far from national ... | |
| Force plays and standing on base | 8/18/2009 |
| Q: Here's an interesting situation that came up the other day. No outs, runners on 1st and 2nd. Ball ... A: R1 no longer can legally occupy 2nd, on base or not, when tagged they are out, step on 2nd for the ... | |
| ASA Mens Softball substition rules | 8/18/2009 |
| Q: Greetings, We play in a modified pitch mens league in NH and this is my situation: ... A: In modified we don't have a DP (or a DH) so this is a local rule. So I can't tell you. Just for ... | |
| foul or fair | 8/18/2009 |
| Q: The batter hits a weak popup with a lot of backspin. The catcher gets up to catch it but is unable ... A: In umpiring 101 we learn that between home and 1st or 3rd the batted ball is fair or foul based on ... | |
| 4 base error home run call | 8/17/2009 |
| Q: At a game this weekend (ASA sanctioned) a 4 base error home run was called by the umpire (also ... A: If F9 had control of the ball before touching dead ball territory, it is a legal catch, this ... | |
| tagging up | 8/17/2009 |
| Q: in a recent asa softball game runners on first and third 1 out fly ball to left runner on third tags ... A: In this situation I have no idea why R2 would even leave the base by more than a few steps (they ... | |
| Throwing glove at a batted ball. | 8/13/2009 |
| Q: I know that in MLB, throwing a glove at a batted ball (if and only if it makes contact), all runners ... A: you mean THIS rule! ASA 8-5-F. When a fielder intentionally contacts or catches a fair batted, a ... | |
| batters box | 8/13/2009 |
| Q: Does the batters feet have to be all the way in the box at the time of the pitch? We generally do ... A: Yes, the foot may touch part of the line but no part of the foot may be outside the line at the time ... | |
| Batter's Box and other ASA rules | 8/12/2009 |
| Q: Question A: I understand that with out a lined batter's box there seems to be some leeway as to ... A: w/out lines the umpire manual says to give the benefit of the doubt to the batter. Now the BB ... | |
| interfearence | 8/11/2009 |
| Q: while running to second base the runner yell s and causes the second baseman to lose concentration ... A: RS33. INTERFERENCE. Interference is the act of an offensive player or team member that impedes, ... | |
| Questionable calls at first base | 8/11/2009 |
| Q: We just played a best-of-three series for our division playoff finals and had a field umpire in ... A: we'll always have differences of opinions on judgment calls. The only thing that may lead to a ... | |
| double first base | 8/10/2009 |
| Q: If a girl playing first base catches the ball while standing on the orange portion of first base is ... A: if there is a play being made at 1st on a batted ball on the b-r the defense must use the white ... | |
| orange bag at first | 8/10/2009 |
| Q: A batter hits a ball in the infield, on the play to first base they touch the white portion of the ... A: The runner would be called "safe" when touching only the white portion on this play HOWEVER if ... | |
| illegal batter contact with the ball? | 8/8/2009 |
| Q: Mark, Please advise on the following. Our ASA league does not create a lined batter's box. During ... A: W/out lines it doesn't make it impossible but it does make it more difficult. Our umpire manual ... | |
| Walk/Stealing bases | 8/8/2009 |
| Q: this is my daughter's first year of playing and I'm not too fond about the rules in softball. My ... A: In most cases in FP the ball continues to be live on a BB. Since the ball is live a runner or b-r ... | |
| infield fly rule | 8/7/2009 |
| Q: runners at 1st and second base, infield fly is called by the umpire on batter. The ball is in the ... A: The only difference between an IF and any other fly ball is that the batter is automatically out on ... | |
| ASA Softball game suspended | 8/5/2009 |
| Q: Playing in our mens tournament we completed 4 out of the 7 innings. In the 5th inning the game was ... A: depends where in the 5th and who was ahead, if you were the home team and had finished 1/2 of 5 the ... | |
| out of play catch | 8/4/2009 |
| Q: 1)Is it legal catch, if fielder jumps in air from foul territory over out of play area and catches ... A: 1) would be a legal catch as long as they had control of the ball before touching the ground. If it ... | |
| Walks | 8/4/2009 |
| Q: the ball on a walk. we had a runner on 1st and 2nd and i was up to bat, and i walked.. as i was ... A: In SP with NO stealing, the ball is dead on a walk and runners cannot advance unless forced. In SP ... | |
| Follow Up Question ASA ruling | 8/3/2009 |
| Q: I had my 2nd baseman (female) injured on a side play at second. We submitted the batting line up ... A: Well someone took a very simple problem and made it much more complex. The umpire should not have ... | |
| Injured Player Batting Line Up | 8/3/2009 |
| Q: I had my 2nd baseman (female) injured on a side play at second. We submitted the batting line up ... A: I don't know what they're protesting, by rule you take an out you don't ask the other team. If you ... | |
| Official Tag/Out | 8/2/2009 |
| Q: I am volunteering as an umpire in a coed softball league. I am not certified. I guess you could say ... A: empty glove, no tag, no out. Umpire signals "NO TAG" on the play. Once R1 leaves the field of play ... | |
| Injured Player Batting Line Up | 8/2/2009 |
| Q: I had my 2nd baseman (female) injured on a side play at second. We submitted the batting line up ... A: No, you only way you forfeit is if a player is ejected (not disqualified or injured) and you don't ... | |
| Injured Player Batting Line Up | 8/1/2009 |
| Q: I had my 2nd baseman (female) injured on a side play at second. We submitted the batting line up ... A: w/ 2 EPs (6 and 6)you're batting 12 and any 10 play defense. If you lose 1 and have no sub, you ... | |
| blocking the basepath | 7/31/2009 |
| Q: this pertains to the question previously answered july 30 ie Runner on 1st and 3rd with 1 out. ... A: I briefly considered that but I wasn't there and the OP made no mention that there may have been ... | |
| Batting Out of Order w/ Multiple Plays | 7/30/2009 |
| Q: ASA Fastpitch - R1 on 3B, R2 on 1B and B4 batting with no outs. First pitch: R2 steals 2B and R1 ... A: we don't have a CBP for this this, unfortunately. However we can read the intent of the rule ... | |
| ASA slow pitch strike zone | 7/30/2009 |
| Q: In slow pitch batterleft handed batter is standing with left foot middle to back of plate, the pitch ... A: Here's the def of a strike in SP STRIKE ZONE: That space over any part of home plate, when a batter ... | |
| ASA softball umpire rule | 7/30/2009 |
| Q: Runner on 1st and 3rd with 1 out. Batter hits a ground ball to the third baseman - runner on third ... A: Here's our RS1-I. Plate and Tag Missed. If a runner misses home plate and the catcher misses the ... | |
| Bunted ball hitting bat | 7/29/2009 |
| Q: What is the call in these 2 scenarios (scenario A happened last evening in the finals of a playoff ... A: 1) if the bat out of the batter's hands dropped or thrown hits the ball in fair territory, it is a ... | |
| Question form 7/21/2009 Horrible calling from blue | 7/29/2009 |
| Q: Mark, wouldn't/couldn't this also be unreported substitue. Like previous question I asked you about? ... A: nice to speak w/ you again. I'm not sure what he meant by roster so at the end I gave him the IP ... | |
| Batters box | 7/29/2009 |
| Q: I recently have started hitting to the opposite field and to allow greater opportunity for the ... A: The umpire is correct, Both feet must completely inside the box at the time of the pitch, they may ... | |
| Triple Play/Run Count? | 7/28/2009 |
| Q: I coach a squadron intramural team in the Air Force. We play by ASA rules. Here's the situation: ... A: My only son is Marine Sgt. Ben Ambrose, currently somewhere in the Middle East, I don't know where, ... | |
| Which umpire has the call? | 7/28/2009 |
| Q: There is a runner on 3rd with 1 out. The batter hits a fly ball to center field which is caught. ... A: I have no idea in the world why the BU would give a "safe" signal on this call. They have no ... | |
| ASA Mens Slow Pitch Softball | 7/28/2009 |
| Q: I was wondering if you could help me out with this explanation I got from an umpire on a call at ... A: "How would you call a play if you honestly thought the runner did hit the base at the same time as ... | |
| fair or foul ball? | 7/28/2009 |
| Q: Can a player who unsuccessfully attempts to catch a fly ball in the outfield, make the ball "fair" ... A: On a ball in flight it is always where the ball is when 1st touched by the defense. If the ball is ... | |
| Bunt or Slap? | 7/27/2009 |
| Q: What constitutes a slap vs a drag bunt? The situation was this...Left handed batter with 2 strikes. ... A: AH the great bunt or slap problem. First of all the position of the hands are irrelevant to bunt or ... | |
| slowpitch softball | 7/27/2009 |
| Q: Womens slowpitch tourny. ASA rules, a team has 12 gals down in book to bat, this is ok per their ... A: It would be an unreported sub and depending on who and when it was brought to the umpire's attention ... | |
| slowpitch softball | 7/27/2009 |
| Q: Womens slowpitch tourny. ASA rules, a team has 12 gals down in book to bat, this is ok per their ... A: even though this local rule deviates somewhat w/ ASA rules we can still use it the same as ASA EP ... | |
| base running | 7/26/2009 |
| Q: 1 in coed slowpitch must a pitcher start with both feet on the pitching rubber 2 if a person bats ... A: In ASA the runner always gets 2 bases from the last base touched at the time of the throw on an ... | |
| Runner hit while on base | 7/25/2009 |
| Q: In ASA slow pitch softball, what if the runner is hit in fair territory while standing on first or ... A: By rule in this case the ball is dead, b-r is awarded 1st and all other runners only move if forced. ... | |
| missing home plate | 7/24/2009 |
| Q: in a recent game we had a girl going to home, she missed the plate and upon entering the dugout was ... A: That would not be the correct call, leaving the playing field only means she cannot come back to ... | |
| Dropped Third Strike | 7/23/2009 |
| Q: I have been umpiring youth baseball and softball for 11 years, but I am not certified in either one. ... A: depends on how many out, w/2 out yes, with less than 2 and 1st occupied, no. I'm glad you're ... | |
| Protesting a game after it is complete | 7/23/2009 |
| Q: Mark, Our Church league team won in extra innings recently, only to find out that the other TEAM ... A: Sorry Patty, The LD can do pretty much anything they want. However in ASA you cannot protest if a ... | |
| Number of steps in batters box | 7/23/2009 |
| Q: I've been watching a local Bar Slow Pitch League which is supposed to be running under ASA rules. ... A: The BB extends 4' in front of a line drawn through the middle of the plate. 2or 3 steps probably ... | |
| Intentionally Dropped Ball | 7/22/2009 |
| Q: In our league game last night we had runners on 1st and 3rd, with no outs. Batter popped up to the ... A: In ASA play you must actually catch the ball and the then drop it to have an IDB, merely guiding it ... | |
| softball fastpitch asa | 7/22/2009 |
| Q: What is the circle around the rubber mean? Some people say it means dead ball some say runners can ... A: the 8' circle is for the Look Back Rule. If the pitcher is in possession of the ball in the circle ... | |
| obstruction/interference | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: I was at a men's slow pitch game last night when there was a close play at home base. The runner ... A: I didn't see the play but a defensive player cannot block the base or the base-path w/out possession ... | |
| Coach Interference | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: Mark - In a recent slow pitch game, we had runners on second (R1) and first (R2), bottom of the ... A: Yes as long as the coach did not assist the runner and it was just incidental contact. "The ... | |
| running on a caught fly ball | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: I play in a men's slow-pitch league. Recently, while on third base, the batter flied out to center ... A: leaving a base early on a legally caught fly ball is an appeal play by the defense. The umpire ... | |
| horrible calling from blue!!! | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: i just played in a game with three ASA officials on the field and 1 ASA official keeping the book. ... A: I'm going to be gentle on you, yet tell you how it is. I can see you are upset. You are absolutely ... | |
| asa slowpitch rules | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: recently, i was instructed by a homeplate umpire that if i did not stay inside the third base ... A: well we don't call the batter or anyone else out but you need to stay in the CB unless you are ... | |
| asa rules | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: i am a rec league coach who is taking my rec league team to play in an asa tournament for the first ... A: If this is SP you can play w/ 10 or 11. If you play w/ 11 all 11 bat and ANY 10 play defense. Now ... | |
| double base ruling | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: if a batter hits a ball in the gap and is going for extra bases,rounding first only hits the orange ... A: No, the spirit and the intent of the rule is safety, it is not a "gotcha" rule. Even so the rule is ... | |
| tagging up | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: I once read that if the ball is touch on a fly then it pops up on the player then he catches it the ... A: The runner may legally leave the base as soon as a fly ball that is going to be caught 1st touches a ... | |
| dropped third strike | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: Had a scenario I have never seen this evening. Bases loaded, two outs, dropped third strike. Catcher ... A: When the D3K rule applies the batter becomes a b-r. In doing so force plays can now happen. R1 is ... | |
| does the runner score? | 7/20/2009 |
| Q: Ambrose. Thank you in advance. Here is the situation. One out with runners on first and third. The ... A: You're welcome in advance....sure the run would score if R1 touched HP before the appeal of a base ... | |
| Coed Force out rule | 7/20/2009 |
| Q: ambrose, I umpire/run a coed league modified pitch league. My problem is with applying the 2 out ... A: You can't find anything because it's wrong, no offense. ANYTIME the 3rd out of an 1/2 inning is a ... | |
| batters box | 7/20/2009 |
| Q: hey in ASA rules can a batter start out of the batters box and then run into the box to hit the ... A: When the pitcher delivers the ball a batter must have both feet inside the bb. A foot may touch the ... | |
| Substitution re-entry | 7/19/2009 |
| Q: My question is regarding subs and re-entry during ITB. We went into International Tie Breaker. My ... A: sure, a starter and their sub can each "re-enter" once #1 starts, 2 subs for 1, 1 re-enters for 2, ... | |
| International Tie Breaker | 7/19/2009 |
| Q: My question is regarding subs and re-entry during ITB. We went into International Tie Breaker. My ... A: It's just called the Tie-Breaker Rule "I can't find a reference to that anywhere in the ASA rule ... | |
| Umprire Rule | 7/18/2009 |
| Q: Today in my softball game, after a batter hit the ball and was 3/4 of the way to first the umpire ... A: well I guess you could print this out and show it to them. 10-4-E. An umpire will not call time ... | |
| Umpire judgment | 7/18/2009 |
| Q: We had an umpire (working single person) get out from behind the plate to make a call at third. ... A: We don't normally call someone out w/out seeing the actual tag. If I don't see the tag for whatever ... | |
| Must Slide Rule | 7/18/2009 |
| Q: I've coached a fastpitch softball team for years (currently coaching U18 team) and have often heard ... A: there are no "must slide" rules from any major nat org that I know of and CERTAINLY ASA has NO must ... | |
| Sliding | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: I need clarification on a couple of rules concerning sliding and blocking a base or plate. (NFHS) ... A: you are correct that you cannot block a base or basepath w/out possession of the ball. Sec. 36 ... | |
| Runner interference | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: Runner on third, runner on second, no outs. batter hits grounder to shortstop and the runner on ... A: w/out seeing the play it's sounds like interference to me, Interference is the act of an offensive ... | |
| Mercy Rule | 7/16/2009 |
| Q: I just played a playoff game and at the end of 5 innings the score was 13 to 4. It was a 15u fast ... A: for JO play the run ahead rule is 15 after 3, 12 after 4 and 8 after 5. So 8+4=12. I have no idea ... | |
| Slow pitch rule question. | 7/16/2009 |
| Q: There was a runner on 3rd with 1 out, I was in right center field and a fly ball was hit to me the ... A: happy to help............the runner may leave the base as soon as a fly ball that is going to be ... | |
| Runner struck by Batted ball. | 7/16/2009 |
| Q: We are playing ASA softball. There is a runner on first with one out. The Batter hits a line drive ... A: When a runner is in contact with the base and struck with a fair batted ball, if the closest ... | |
| Question on Umpire Mistake | 7/16/2009 |
| Q: Runners on first and third with 1 out. Batter hits ground ball to short stop who fields ball and ... A: Based on part of CH 10 the umpire must do what they can to make a "mess" they made, fair. IMHO ... | |
| obstruction | 7/16/2009 |
| Q: I had a runner obstructed between 2nd & 3rd, I held out my arm for the obstruction but the runner ... A: Obstruction is always a DDB and we protect the runner either between the bases they were obstructed ... | |
| ASA Slow-Pitch Rule Interpretations | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: Dr Ambrose, I have a few questions that have come up during player discussions recently that I would ... A: In ASA you can carry the bat all the way around the bases if you choose. You cannot use it as a ... | |
| Obstruction | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: Is it obstruction if the fielder starts in the baseline prior to and during a pitch? This is girls ... A: Yes that would be obstruction...EVERYTIME! F6 must move out of the path of the runner if they are ... | |
| Obstruction | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: Is it obstruction if the fielder starts in the baseline prior to and during a pitch? This is girls ... A: Section 5. DEFENSIVE POSITIONING. 6-5-A. The pitcher shall not deliver a pitch unless all available ... | |
| Run scored? | 7/14/2009 |
| Q: Base runners on the corners ,with 2 out. The batter hits a triple but misses 2nd base. After a ... A: Since both R1 and R2 scored before the appeal of B3 at 2nd both runs would score. The only ways ... | |
| follow up question | 7/14/2009 |
| Q: I had asked Tom about an interference play and failed to mention something; so here it goes again. ... A: In order to have "interference" the defensive player must have a reasonable opportunity to make a ... | |
| double first base bag | 7/14/2009 |
| Q: I don't know if the league matters. But, in an adult slow pitch game, the batter hit a grounder just ... A: No change I know but based on 8-2-M-4. "On any force out attempt from the foul side of first base ... | |
| DP/Flex | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: Mark, a question for the DP/Flex. I understand the DP bats for the Flex and the Flex palys defense, ... A: well you don't have pg 50 in the current ASA rule book but...no big deal Sure the DP is still ... | |
| Slap hit - "double touch" | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: Situation: 10U ASA fastpitch game in which the batter attempted a slap hit. Ball lands in field of ... A: Neither of the 2 would be correct If THE BAT dropped or thrown hit the ball in fair territory we ... | |
| JO rule interpretation | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: A pitched ball hits the catchers shin guards and rolls over near the on-deck batter who picks up the ... A: in this case it is not necessarily (and probably not)interference. If it prevented the catcher from ... | |
| who is out on fair ball hit that hits a baserunner | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: Dr. Mark, Runner on 3rd, 1 out, batter hits line drive toward third base and hits runner after he ... A: If R1 was hit by a fair batted ball off base before it passed an infielder (exc F1) the ball is ... | |
| 3rd out | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: Here's the situation. Men's slow pitch softball. Runners on 1st and 3rd. 2 outs. Batter hits into ... A: This is basic umpiring, the umpire is very incorrect, (as are you) but they should know better. I ... | |
| Runner Interference and Infield Fly | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: In a recent ASA Women's tournament, a team had runners on 1st and 2nd base with 2 outs. The batter ... A: When F3 collided w/ R2 we have interference, dead ball R2 is out. Since there were 2 outs we need ... | |
| overtime | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: Could you please explain "sudden death" overtimes where they put a runner on second base to start ... A: it's not sudden death nor is it overtime, it's extra innings and it's called the tie breaker rule. ... | |
| Fastpitch pitching rule | 7/12/2009 |
| Q: What are the rules governing the pitcher "displaying" the ball. My daiughter's coach has always ... A: Here's the ASA rules.... 6-1-D. While on the pitcher’s plate, the pitcher shall take the signal or ... | |
| Catcher Obstruction | 7/12/2009 |
| Q: Pitcher is ready to pitch, batter is swinging at the plate, catcher is in his crouched position ... A: AHA this is what umpires going for help call "new information" The pitch starts when 1 hand is ... | |
| fast pitch pitching | 7/12/2009 |
| Q: u10 girls fast pitch using ASA rules--Is it a legal pitch to not use the "windmill"? If it's legal ... A: If all the other pitching regs are followed a "slingshot" type of pitch is legal. A pitcher using ... | |
| Coaches Interference | 7/11/2009 |
| Q: In a state championship tourney (16U), Batter hits fly foul ball towards the 1st base coach. The ... A: Based just on your description I would have interference here. The coach's box is not a sanctuary ... | |
| Runner interference | 7/11/2009 |
| Q: ASA rules: Situation - The bases are loaded with no outs. The batter hits a ground ball between ... A: Any time we have interference the ball is dead, and in this case R2 is out, b-r is awarded 1st and ... | |
| tagging up women's slow pitch | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: 1 out runners 1st and 2nd batter hits a pop up to 2nd.I call infield fly rule batters out.The2nd ... A: a runner may legally leave the base on a ball that is going to be caught when it is 1st touched by ... | |
| Hit by Pitch - Dead Ball | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: We are playing 18 @ under girls fast pitch ASA rules. If a ball is pitched and it hits the ground, ... A: it would not be a ball if it hit the hatter. a pitched ball hitting the ground remains "live" until ... | |
| Hit by Pitch - Dead Ball | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: We are playing 18 @ under girls fast pitch ASA rules. If a ball is pitched and it hits the ground, ... A: When we award bases the ball always "dead". A hit batter, an overthrow, a catch and carry, etc, ... | |
| Slow-pitch Softball question | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: Here is the situation: bases loaded, no outs, the batter hits the ball(line shot that was caught on ... A: this is what we call a mess!!!! once we have a "Time" everything stops. Now what do we do about ... | |
| 8U ASA overthrow | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: Real situation- 8U Coach pitch tournament Kansas ASA rules Runner on first, batter hits the ball ... A: An overthrow is a thrown ball that goes out of play or becomes blocked. In either case the ball is ... | |
| deflected line drive and tagging up | 7/9/2009 |
| Q: Runner on second base leaves to advance to third when the batter made contact. The hit is a line ... A: Actually Frank Ambrose is my long dead uncle. The answer is no, they cannot advance without being ... | |
| softball | 7/9/2009 |
| Q: With the bases loaded, and two outs. A slow ground ball is hit to the second baseman. He fields ... A: The run would NOT count. It doesn't matter that they touched hp before the out at 2nd. By rule, No ... | |
| foul ball | 7/9/2009 |
| Q: Has the rule changed for how high a foul tip must be to be an out if caught? A: A "Foul Tip" is a batted ball that goes sharply and directly from the bat to the catcher’s hand(s) ... | |
| foot placement in between pitches | 7/8/2009 |
| Q: When a batter steps out of the box to take a sign or practice swing does one foot need to remain in ... A: you're asking about 7-3-C. (Junior Olympic, Modified Pitch) After entering the batter’s box, the ... | |
| Pitched ball stuck in backstop | 7/8/2009 |
| Q: In an ASA game, pitcher pitches ball that gets past the catcher and gets stuck under the bottom of ... A: This is ASA 8-5-C. (Fast Pitch and Slow Pitch with stealing) runners are entitled to advance w/out ... | |
| Adult Slow Pitch-Pitching question | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: I know you must have one foot on the rubber before delivery. My question is can your body be in ... A: as long as he has 1 foot in contact w/ the pp and complies w/6-1-c C. The pitcher must come to a ... | |
| entering subs.. | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: scenario.... if I was to take out original player ( say # 25) from the lineup and put in a sub (say ... A: A starter and any sub may re-enter once. You can enter a sub for a sub etc. #1 starts, you sub #2 ... | |
| FPSB LBR | 7/6/2009 |
| Q: and catcher throws ball back to pitcher in circle before hitter reaches first. How far can ... A: The b-r is allowed to round 1st, stop once and then immediately advance or retreat. Some very, very ... | |
| Umpire Certification? | 7/6/2009 |
| Q: Do the umpires at a 14u C-League game have to be certified? At my game the other night the umpire ... A: that's my daughter's name only Beka. Umpires are usually but not always registered, that means ... | |
| softball re-entry rule | 7/5/2009 |
| Q: whats the asa rule for re-entry? we had a runner who wasnt in the game, ran for a guy and put the ... A: A starter and their sub can each re-enter once. #1 starts, #2 subs for 1, 1 now re-enters for 2. 2 ... | |
| running through first | 7/3/2009 |
| Q: i seen in a previous answer that a walk is treated as a hit. i disagree. on a live ball awarded ... A: here's 8-7-B. When the ball is live and while the runner is not in contact with a base, the runner ... | |
| Ball hits bat second time | 7/3/2009 |
| Q: Batter hits ball and ball hits bat second time over fair territory while one foot is still in the ... A: I'm not sure I read your initial q correctly, I guess I assumed the bat hit the ball but maybe I'm ... | |
| Interference | 7/2/2009 |
| Q: ASA slow pitch softball: Runner on first, No outs: Batter hits pop-up between first and home. ... A: "(if it landed in foul territory--you would award the b-r first base?"....I didn't say that, that ... | |
| foul ball rule | 7/2/2009 |
| Q: I am coaching my grand daughter this year in slow pitch. My ? is on a ball hit down the line, if the ... A: great for helping out your DGD (darling granddaughter). On a ball in flight or on the ground ... | |
| 16" softball | 7/2/2009 |
| Q: runner on first, pitcher attempts pick-off on same runner who is leading off first. The first ... A: I've never seen a 16" game. However if obstruction rules are the same and why wouldn't they be, we ... | |
| ASA rule regarding the double base at first base | 7/2/2009 |
| Q: Mark, Batter hits a ball to the SS. The throw is up the line and the batter is unable to run ... A: I would like to have seen what happened but If the errant throw draws the defense off the white ... | |
| Pitching motion | 7/2/2009 |
| Q: This is a girls league ages 10-13. There is an opposing pitcher who takes 2 full strides off the ... A: "(Women’s and all JO play) In the act of delivering the ball, the pitcher must take one step with ... | |
| slow pitch softball strike zone | 7/1/2009 |
| Q: As an umpire how would you call the strike zone on batters who get set in the back of the batter box ... A: I'd call the same as any other batter in SP STRIKE ZONE: That space over any part of home plate, ... | |
| Jewelery | 7/1/2009 |
| Q: I run a girls' league and some umpires tell the girls the small earplugs are illegal for asa ball A: here's the rule, what bothers 1 umpire might not bother another JEWELRY. Exposed jewelry, which is ... | |
| interference | 7/1/2009 |
| Q: ASA game. With a runner on first. BR hits a grounder to the short stop. Going for a double play, ... A: R1 does not have to slide but in most cases must allow F4 the opportunity to to throw the ball w/out ... | |
| Interference | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: ASA slow pitch softball: Runner on first, No outs: Batter hits pop-up between first and home. ... A: Interference need not be intentional in this case. The umpire felt R1 impeded or hindered F3 ... | |
| Is player an automatic out after ejection (ASA)? | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: One of our players was ejected last night. Is he then an automatic out when his turn comes to bat? ... A: The problem is you deviate from ASA rules w/ a bat all. In ASA you bat 10/11 and if you have an ... | |
| Batter's Box Slow Pitch Softball | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: for adult SP Softball, How big is the batters box, and where is it relative to the Plate? We ... A: OK the BB is 3' by 7', 4' in front of a line drawn thru the middle of the plate, the inner line 6" ... | |
| running through first | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: i seen in a previous answer that a walk is treated as a hit. i disagree. on a live ball awarded ... A: you mean 8-7-B. When the ball is live and while the runner is not in contact with a base, the runner ... | |
| intentional drop line drive | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: I had a guy tell me last night he thought about intentionally dropping a line drive in order to turn ... A: no it is not legal any time you have a potential force play, an IDB is a dead ball, batter out, ... | |
| Obstruction | 6/29/2009 |
| Q: With Runners on 1st and 2nd and two outs the batter hit a short fly ball just on to the outfield ... A: we have interference, runner out, if in the umpire's opinion it was an attempt to prevent a double ... | |
| Overthrow - Out of Play | 6/29/2009 |
| Q: With a runner on first the batter @ the plate hit a double. When rounding second the throw came in ... A: Sure, the award is always 2 bases from the last base touched AT THE TIME of the throw. it doesn't ... | |
| hitting bat in fair territory | 6/29/2009 |
| Q: The batter hits the ball his bat drops in fair territory and the ball hits it,he is out and if their ... A: Sorry no, If THE BAT hits the ball in fair territory, we have a dead ball, out, runners return to ... | |
| Batter Interference Rule | 6/29/2009 |
| Q: I have a question regarding the batter interference rule for 11 year old girls fastpitch governed by ... A: Yes she was interfering, it need not be intentional in this case. She needs to watch where the ball ... | |
| injury replacment | 6/28/2009 |
| Q: Last week i was involved in a game of mens slow pitch softball, i broke my wrist in the top of the ... A: sorry about your wrist. It's actually an "EP" extra player, not a DH. You bat 11 and any 10 play ... | |
| In Field Fly | 6/27/2009 |
| Q: With the runners on the correct bases and the outs less then two. A batter hits the ball straight ... A: "The home plate umpire stated no infield fly because the ball was not a routine play being able to ... | |
| ASA (slow pitch) pitching and "bunts" | 6/27/2009 |
| Q: Our league uses ASA rules (there are some local exceptions to cover the co-ed requirements, etc., ... A: sorry for the delay, occasionally AE doesn't notify me of a question initially, only after a few ... | |
| asa bat handle | 6/27/2009 |
| Q: I play asa softball and have a new bat from approved list. I added padding to the bottom of the ... A: I would think not. You can only have 2 layers of tape on the handle A “flare” or “cone” grip ... | |
| Dead ball Fast Pitch | 6/26/2009 |
| Q: Dr. The pitcher has the ball in the 8 foot circle, but hasn't put her feet on the rubber yet. When ... A: In most of the FP game the ball is live much more than it is dead. When the pitcher has control of ... | |
| 12ft illegal pitch | 6/26/2009 |
| Q: Do you have some way to determine wheter a pitch is above or below the 12 ft celing. I get a lot of ... A: I wish I could help you a lot but I'm afraid I can't. 12' is nothing we see in everyday life. Here ... | |
| Dropped 3rd strike | 6/26/2009 |
| Q: We had a play the other night where there was one out and runner on first (R1). Batter swung and ... A: The batter is out because they struck out, that doesn't change. Umpire should have been forceful ... | |
| 12 under softball | 6/25/2009 |
| Q: A baserunner is on second. The ball is hit, and the fielder does not field it cleanly and the ball ... A: The runner cannot intentionally interfere with the defensive player so they do have to avoid contact ... | |
| fastpitch softball - presenting the ball | 6/25/2009 |
| Q: My daughter plays 12U fastpitch softball. They follow ASA rules. In two separate games the coach ... A: There is no rule on "presenting" the ball. Here's part of the rule you need ASA 6-1-d-e While on ... | |
| ASA fastpitch softball | 6/25/2009 |
| Q: The opponents runner received ball four and ran to 1B. She rounded the bag toward 2B and then ... A: The umpire is 95% correct and did make the correct call or non call in this case, the b-r may round ... | |
| SENIOR SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL | 6/25/2009 |
| Q: ONE OUT. RUNNERS ON FIRST AND THIRD. BATTER FLYS OUT TO RIGHT. RUNNER FROM THIRD TAGS AND SCORES ... A: I'm sorry Ed your wrong on this one, This is considered a "timing play" and is not a force out. ... | |
| Coach touching runner... | 6/25/2009 |
| Q: What does the rule specify concerning a runner rounding third and being touched by a coach? A: Unless the coach aided the runner I have nothing. 8-7-E. When any offensive team member, other than ... | |
| Flex Substitution | 6/24/2009 |
| Q: The first baseman fielded a ball and on her way to beat the runner the 1B jumped on the base and hit ... A: I'm confused by your question but I'll see what I can do and write me back if I misunderstood. the ... | |
| 10-under ASA softball | 6/24/2009 |
| Q: There is 1 out in the inning and R1 is on third and R2 is on second, B1 hit a fly ball to the ... A: Sure the run counts if R1 scored before the "live ball appeal of a base left too early was made." ... | |
| ASA slow pitch strike zone | 6/24/2009 |
| Q: Can you provide me guidance on the ASA Slow pitch strike zone? We have trouble with complaining on ... A: well I'm not sure how much I can help. As you know the STRIKE ZONE: That space over any part of ... | |
| out of play | 6/24/2009 |
| Q: if a player dives for a foul ball that is out of play, but his feet leave the ground from in play, ... A: OMG..I'm sorry! thank you for following up with me. I was trying to get quickly through a backlog of ... | |
| Fastpitch softball | 6/24/2009 |
| Q: Runners are on 1st and 3rd. game is suspended because of rain. The game is rescheduled when both ... A: In ASA if you don't have at least 8 players what happens to R1 and R2 doesn't enter into the ... | |
| Interference or obstruction | 6/24/2009 |
| Q: A ball is hit between the 1st and 2nd basemen. A runner is on 1st heading to second. The 2nd ... A: I don't know, your question confuses me a little. If F4 had a legitimate opportunity to field the ... | |
| Out Of Play Rule | 6/24/2009 |
| Q: The field we were playing on only had a HR fence and the out of play area was chalked about twenty ... A: The umpire made the correct call, if everyone was confused it's a good thing you had an umpire that ... | |
| Interference | 6/23/2009 |
| Q: Girls U12 softball. Last night in my daughter's game a batter hits a triple to right field but ... A: Now it depends...if there was an opportunity for a play at the plate, dead ball, interference, ... | |
| Interference | 6/23/2009 |
| Q: Girls U12 softball. Last night in my daughter's game a batter hits a triple to right field but ... A: I know that, and I know exactly what you're saying re the play, she held up in your opinion because ... | |
| question - runner interference (situation based) | 6/23/2009 |
| Q: Here is what occured. Runner on third - two outs - (10U) pop fly (FOUL BALL) hit down third base ... A: You haven't seen it in Fed play because the rules are a little different. I'm not going to get into ... | |
| ASA Double First Base | 6/23/2009 |
| Q: The first baseman fielded a ball and on her way to beat the runner the 1B jumped on the base and hit ... A: As long as the fielder touches any part of the white when they are required to do so, it is an out ... | |
| Infield Fly Rule | 6/23/2009 |
| Q: Bases loaded, one out. Hitter pops easily caught ball to shortstop. Umpire runs onto the field ... A: I think they blew this one big time! but all would not have been lost had they remembered the "god" ... | |
| slowpitch softball | 6/23/2009 |
| Q: 2 questions really - #1- batter hits the ball, it is a bloop the goes to the foul line between the ... A: #1 They only need look up the def of foul ball under Rule 1 #2 I can't give you what doesn't ... | |
| Sticky towel? | 6/22/2009 |
| Q: Ambrose, My name is Derek Volk and I am the U10 Manager for a girl’s fastpitch team in Maine called ... A: "How can it be legal to reach under your shirt while on the rubber and putting a sticking substance ... | |
| ada rule | 6/22/2009 |
| Q: We recently played a team that had a player who played both offense and defense the whole game. In ... A: I've never had an ADA player so I had to spend some time w/ this one. The ADA defines a covered ... | |
| Controversial call in 10U softball play-off game | 6/22/2009 |
| Q: During a girl's 10U play-off game in extra-innings, the batter hits the ball, past the infield and ... A: I don't know what the call at the game was but this is not a controversial play at all. unless the ... | |
| bases loaded, hit runner at 3rd, ball goes out of play | 6/20/2009 |
| Q: So, I was playing 3rd base, the other team had the bases loaded with one out. Their batter hit a ... A: Yes the scenario would play out if the ball was in fair territory and hits a runner standing on ... | |
| slowpitch softball | 6/20/2009 |
| Q: 2 questions really - #1- batter hits the ball, it is a bloop the goes to the foul line between the ... A: #1 foul ball, it only matters where the ball is when 1st touched by the defense. #2 Crappola call, ... | |
| batting out of order | 6/19/2009 |
| Q: Batter 4 steps in hits foul ball 0-1. He should not be at bat yet.It is number 3 hitter.Scorekeeper ... A: 1st of all a BOO is an appeal by the defense, the scorekeeper has no business making the ... | |
| bases loaded, hit runner at 3rd, ball goes out of play | 6/19/2009 |
| Q: So, I was playing 3rd base, the other team had the bases loaded with one out. Their batter hit a ... A: If the ball is in foul territory and hits a runner on base, it is simply a foul ball. If the ball ... | |
| fast pitch softball | 6/19/2009 |
| Q: If you have obstruction at 1st base and the run goes to 3rd on her on and gets thrown out . She ... A: depends, we protect the runner to the base they would have made in our judgment had they not been ... | |
| ASA rule on "voluntary release" | 6/18/2009 |
| Q: During a 12U fastpitch tournament last weekend (ASA), our team was in the field, and the hitting ... A: I'm sorry your parent's didn't love you enough to spell your name right and so scar you for life, ... | |
| ASA Question on Obstruction | 6/18/2009 |
| Q: During a tournament game last weekend in an ASA 12U fastpitch game, we had an umpire properly call ... A: A runner is protected to the base they would have made had there be no obstruction. They need not ... | |
| runner interference | 6/18/2009 |
| Q: I had a batter/runner running to first after an infield hit. As she was approaching first base, a ... A: I don't know this is a htbt type of play. If it's a "wreck", that's all it is BUT you said she was ... | |
| obstruction or interference? | 6/18/2009 |
| Q: In a 15-U girls fastpitch softball game tonight we had a very controversial call made by the umpire ... A: I've had to read your question a # of times to try to figure it out. I don't understand some ... | |
| Look back rule | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: U10 game, runner on 3rd. Batter walks and proceeds to 2nd base. The pitcher gets the ball in the ... A: In our clinics we teach ANY type of motion toward any runner is considered "making a play". As you ... | |
| Look back rule | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: U10 game, runner on 3rd. Batter walks and proceeds to 2nd base. The pitcher gets the ball in the ... A: A "fake throw' is considered making a play and the LBR should not be in effect. The umpire was ... | |
| Force outs vs Double plays | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: Ambrose, thanks in advance for taking my question. Here is the situation. There are two outs with ... A: You're welcome! I assume you mean 1st and 3rd w/ 1 out, not 2. Well all 4 umpires and yourself are ... | |
| Protesting an umpire's call | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: This situation occurred during a slow pitch softball game. Obviously before the game both teams and ... A: You don't give me a whole lot of info on the field. If you're playing on non-enclosed fields and/or ... | |
| adult slow pitch 6-12 rule | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: if 99% of the umpires do not have correct judgement on 6ft to 12ft is there any thing that can be ... A: It takes a lot of training and experience to be a good PU. I don't agree w/ your 99% except that ... | |
| Courtesy runner | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: Dr Ambrose. I am currently at a head on debate about the courtesy runner in my league. I am in the ... A: My son is Sgt. Ben Ambrose USMC currently aboard the USS Bataan. I'm sorry I can't help you much, ... | |
| THIRD STRIKE | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: ASA RULES, start with one and one count, one foul to give. Player gets a strike called and then ... A: Well you deviate from ASA by allowing a CF. If all other things are equal with ASA if a foul ball ... | |
| obstruction vs. interference. | 6/16/2009 |
| Q: In a recent game I noticed a play in which the shortstop was playing inside the baseline. I soft ... A: Your 1st questions is HTBT. Because both interference and obstruction are judgments calls. A ... | |
| infield fly | 6/16/2009 |
| Q: I read the rule on the infield fly. What is the purpose? I was always taught it was so one doesn't ... A: the object of the IFR is to protect the runners from a cheap DP when the batter becomes a b-r. By ... | |
| Blocking the plate | 6/16/2009 |
| Q: What constitutes blocking the plate? My daughter catches for her travel team. She was taking the ... A: yes it is the correct call, you cannot block any base and that's what she was doing, WITHOUT ... | |
| Batting twice,...is that batting out of order? | 6/16/2009 |
| Q: Runner on first, no outs. Batter hits a foul ball in the air that is caught by the Left Fielder in ... A: strange situation I have never seen it in many thousands of batters. I would have a BOO, not sure ... | |
| base on balls stealing | 6/16/2009 |
| Q: upon getting a base on balls (a walk) and the runner rounds 1st base towards second base while the ... A: A b-r has the right to round 1st base, stop once, (some umpires use 1001,1002 although that's not in ... | |
| Reporting substitutions | 6/16/2009 |
| Q: What is the 2009 rule on reporting substitutions to the ump? The ump @ a recent game stated that ... A: True....Line-up cards should contain all starters and available substitutes. They shall contain ... | |
| Overthrows | 6/15/2009 |
| Q: pls. explain the "Exception" on overthrows in RS 38, I don't understand the distinction from ... A: During a dead ball a runner must be given the opportunity to complete their base running ... | |
| Overthrows | 6/14/2009 |
| Q: pls. explain the "Exception" on overthrows in RS 38, I don't understand the distinction from ... A: They're just making the distinction that even though the runner is returning to 1st ....."The ... | |
| Foul to catcher an out? | 6/11/2009 |
| Q: ASA Slowpitch softball. How high must a foul ball go in order to be an out when the catcher catches ... A: ASA a "foul tip" goes "sharply and directly" from the bat to the catcher's hand or glove. A "foul ... | |
| batter's box when there are no lines | 6/10/2009 |
| Q: We always play with not lines for the batter's box. We had a case where the batter was clearly out ... A: Gosh, I just hate it when they tell you to read the book and they haven't, makes them look bad. The ... | |
| co ed softball | 6/10/2009 |
| Q: When playing coed (5/5) if a woman is missing, when does the out get counted for her at bat? after ... A: Co-ed has more local exceptions IMO than any other game of softball. In strict ASA if you are ... | |
| bases loaded | 6/10/2009 |
| Q: Situation: the bases are loaded the ball gets hit to third on the ground, the runner on third ... A: This is NOT a force out but a live ball appeal of a base left too early, it is considered a "timing ... | |
| 13 yr old girls softball | 6/10/2009 |
| Q: 1. runner runs out of the baseline to avoid being tagged. safe or out? if the fielder is in the ... A: A runner has 3' on either side of the "basepath" to move when a tag is being attempted. The ... | |
| out of batter's box | 6/9/2009 |
| Q: In ASA slow pitch the batter is required to be in the batter's box when the pitch is delivered. What ... A: In ASA play both feet must be in the batter's box at the delivery of the pitch. You can touch the ... | |
| swearing | 6/9/2009 |
| Q: Can an ASA umpire give an out for swearing and if so can he forward an additional out for upcoming ... A: I umpired a league where we had a team warning, then an out and if it was a third out, they start ... | |
| Should game be suspended or cancel | 6/9/2009 |
| Q: We were playing softball tonight when the power went out. We were in the 3rd inning and winning 10 ... A: I'm answering this as quick as I can. The umpire is wrong we re-start the game at the EXACT spot it ... | |
| hesitation question | 6/8/2009 |
| Q: I just have a quick question on hesitation. I was umpiring a game and a girl rounded first on a ... A: On a BB the LBR starts as soon as the b-r touches 1st and the pitcher has control of the ball in the ... | |
| Catchers Obstruction - Mens Modified Softball | 6/8/2009 |
| Q: In the game, there was a play where a pitcher's pitch sailed over the head of the catcher and the ... A: This is not CO. CO occurs when the catcher obstructs the batter's attempt to hit a pitched ball. ... | |
| Dropped 3rd Strike | 6/8/2009 |
| Q: Intermediate 10-U fast-pitch travel. When a batter strikes out and thinks the catcher dropped the ... A: If the D3K rule doesn't apply. The umpire should call "strike 3"...batter out"....(if necessary) ... | |
| legal bat | 6/7/2009 |
| Q: Is it legal to use a fastpitch bat in a slowpitch game? ANSWER: Hi david, yes, a softball bat is a ... A: I see I missed putting bat after softball in my 1st answer sorry. There is no such thing as a fast ... | |
| SENIER SOFTBALL | 6/7/2009 |
| Q: RUNNERS ON FIRST AND SECOND. ONE OUT. BATTER HITS INFIELD POP UP. UMPIRE INVOKES INFIELD FLY RULE. ... A: No problem lazy Sunday. I am having trouble sorting out your question but..... If after the fact ... | |
| SENIER SOFTBALL | 6/7/2009 |
| Q: RUNNERS ON FIRST AND SECOND. ONE OUT. BATTER HITS INFIELD POP UP. UMPIRE INVOKES INFIELD FLY RULE. ... A: If the runner was struck by a fair untouched batted ball before it passes an infielder (exc the ... | |
| force out | 6/7/2009 |
| Q: 1 out in inning batter hits ball right fielder catches ball 2nd out man on first goes to 2nd does ... A: this is NOT a force out but a live ball appeal of a base left too early, it is considered a "timing ... | |
| foul ball | 6/6/2009 |
| Q: Last night at our co-ed softball game we had a call that I need clarification on. A woman was up and ... A: Everything depends on where the ball was when 1st touched by F1. If the ball was in fair territory ... | |
| Circle of control and runners lead off | 6/6/2009 |
| Q: The 2B runner had a large lead off after the pitch. The pitcher came back into the circle with the ... A: The LBR is not in effect when the pitcher has the ball in the circle and makes any act that in the ... | |
| Men's Slow pitch - Batter box | 6/4/2009 |
| Q: We have had an agruement in our league with 1 team about standing in the batters box... When they ... A: In ASA play both feet must be completely in the BB prior to the delivery of the pitch. They may ... | |
| Information on a raint out game. | 6/4/2009 |
| Q: my name is Amanda and i work for JPCenney. We have a coed softball teams at my job. I play 2nd base ... A: Under ASA rules and I don't know what rules you use, any player on the roster may play at the ... | |
| Safe or Out | 6/4/2009 |
| Q: I hit a ground ball to right field and the right fielder bobbled it so I rounded first and proceeded ... A: When you are "obstructed" (offensive players interfere) you are protected to the base you would have ... | |
| ASA slowpitch | 6/3/2009 |
| Q: Reading over other q&a's, you and Mr. Eddings disagree on the black being part of the plate. From ... A: Occasionally I read the forum but not very often and I haven't seen the one you mention. I can only ... | |
| Softball Infield fly rule | 6/2/2009 |
| Q: During a softball 14u tournament championship game, the team batting has bases loaded and one out. ... A: I don't think your going to like my answer. Obviously both the PU who did not call an IF and that's ... | |
| fastpitch dp/flex | 6/2/2009 |
| Q: assume a 10 player line-up utilizing a dp & flex. the pitcher bats in this line-up. pitcher throws ... A: Ok got it now, Legal and here's why We don't care what position they play defense, only where they ... | |
| ASA rules for interference | 6/2/2009 |
| Q: Ambrose...we play in a church league governed by ASA rules. Here's the sitation: runner on 1st, no ... A: first we must understand the runner cannot simply disappear, however they must vacate any space ... | |
| bobbled ball | 6/2/2009 |
| Q: I had a league game tonight. I was on 2nd base with 1 out. Batter hit the ball to RC and RC fielder ... A: you made a legal tag and will win your protest as a runner can leave the base as soon as a ball in ... | |
| fastpitch dp/flex | 6/2/2009 |
| Q: assume a 10 player line-up utilizing a dp & flex. the pitcher bats in this line-up. pitcher throws ... A: I'm trying to understand this....ie...starting F1 #2 bats at B1, "is replaced by another fielder" ... | |
| Softball Infield fly rule | 6/1/2009 |
| Q: During a softball 14u tournament championship game, the team batting has bases loaded and one out. ... A: the umpire manual (ASA) states the umpire should raise the right hand, fist closed and verbalize IF. ... | |
| ASA girls softbal rubber dimensions | 6/1/2009 |
| Q: I am looking to put in a pitching rubber in my back yard for 14 year old daughter to practice her ... A: The PP in JO HS and NCAA is 6"x24" since the PP sits flush w/ the ground your h doesn't matter and ... | |
| Ball that hit the palte is called a strike. (fastpitch) | 5/31/2009 |
| Q: Yesterday at our girls 12U fastpitch, the umpire called strikes that hit the plate. My ... A: here's the def of a strike in FP STRIKE ZONE: That space over any part of home plate, when a batter ... | |
| Foul Tip | 5/30/2009 |
| Q: When a batter foul tips a ball straight back at the catcher and the ball is caught is it an out? I ... A: Height relative to the batter doesn't matter but a "foul tip" goes sharply and directly from the bat ... | |
| Interference Clarification | 5/29/2009 |
| Q: This is ASA Rec Women's softball with stealing allowed. I was playing 3rd base, Runner on 2nd base. ... A: the question is did you have control of the ball before you blocked the base? It doesn't sound like ... | |
| Men's Sofball | 5/29/2009 |
| Q: Mark, my question is in reference to the rule pertaining to a runner getting hit by a batted ball. ... A: if a runner is hit by an untouched batted ball before it passes an infielder exc F1 they would be ... | |
| Force out/Double play | 5/29/2009 |
| Q: ASA Slow-Pitch Men's league. Runners on first and second with nobody out. Ball is hit sharply to the ... A: R1 is no longer entitled to legally occupy 2nd since the batter has now become a b-r. R1 is "forced ... | |
| base running and interferance | 5/29/2009 |
| Q: i have two questions first is pitcher is on the rubber and a runner on third, runner comes off third ... A: #1 If the pitcher is in the circle w/ control of the ball and R1 is stopped on 3rd and then comes ... | |
| Flex/DP | 5/28/2009 |
| Q: I might be over thinking this My starting pitcher is the flex my second pitcher is the DP can I ... A: If the DP plays defense for the Flex, the Flex leaves the game are you are playing with 9. The Flex ... | |
| Extra Player In Womens Slow Pitch Softball | 5/28/2009 |
| Q: Can I use a substitute for an extra player or does the EP have to play the whole game? A: Choosing to play with an EP you're batting 11 (the EP is listed in the BO) and playing defense w/ ... | |
| rule book on game field | 5/28/2009 |
| Q: My question is this ... Is there a rule that states if a coach or asst. brings a rule book on the ... A: There is no rule in the rule book about a coach having a rule book on the playing field. Should a ... | |
| ball and strikes | 5/26/2009 |
| Q: what is the ruling if a pitch comes across a batter from shoulders down and hits deep in the batters ... A: Here's the def for SP STRIKE ZONE: That space over any part of home plate, when a batter assumes a ... | |
| Pitching | 5/26/2009 |
| Q: My daughter plays in fastpitch asa tournaments and in high school (wisconsin) are the rules the ... A: In Fed play legal, she can step backwards before bringing her hands together, in ASA play illegal. ... | |
| Fair or foul | 5/24/2009 |
| Q: Settle an argument. If a batted ball initially hits in foul territory and rolls back and settles in ... A: here's the def of a fair ball, it doesn't matter that the ball first landed in foul territory. FAIR ... | |
| Overrule | 5/24/2009 |
| Q: I was the field umpire on a play that had a double play ball hit to the short stop. I called the ... A: ASA 10-3-b Under no circumstances will any umpire seek to reverse a decision made by an associate, ... | |
| Batter's box | 5/23/2009 |
| Q: I play men's slowpitch ASA softball. What is ruling on how much of a batter's foot needs to be in ... A: I don't mean to confuse you, the edge of the line is 6" from the side of the plate. If your entire ... | |
| Runner Interference | 5/23/2009 |
| Q: We had a 12U girls softball game this morning and a call was made that I thought shouldn't have ... A: I'm glad your coaching or supporting your DD, relative or friends so I going to help you understand ... | |
| Batter's box | 5/23/2009 |
| Q: I play men's slowpitch ASA softball. What is ruling on how much of a batter's foot needs to be in ... A: Any part of the foot touching any part of the line, front, back or side when contact with the ball ... | |
| play at home plate | 5/22/2009 |
| Q: there was a runner third and second ball hit to out field for a single guy on second try to score ... A: If the ball, the defense and the offense all arrive at the same place at the same time, it's ... | |
| EP, AP etc | 5/21/2009 |
| Q: For 2009 championship play is there any additional player or extra players used to get more players ... A: You bet it does!!!!! Now you can choose to play w/ the DP/Flex rule, much different from SP. Ok, ... | |
| EP, AP etc | 5/21/2009 |
| Q: For 2009 championship play is there any additional player or extra players used to get more players ... A: I'll assume this is SP It is an EP, bat any 11, play defense w/ any 10 It must be made known on ... | |
| designated player | 5/21/2009 |
| Q: what is the definition of a designated player. Not trying to be facetious, but aren't they all ... A: I really like the DP/Flex rule. It allows more girls to play, not just 1 but more if you want to ... | |
| Obstruction | 5/21/2009 |
| Q: I have a daughter in 8U. At a game last night, runners on 1st and 2nd. The ball was hit to RF9 and ... A: Obstruction is always a delayed dead ball not a dead ball. Plus the runner is awarded the base(s) ... | |
| Girls' Coach Pitch | 5/21/2009 |
| Q: I have a batting order question. If a girl bats out of order during the game, what is the rule for ... A: Ok here's the rules, take your time and read it over, should answer your question, which is not as ... | |
| Ball in the Circle | 5/21/2009 |
| Q: Bases empty. Ground ball hit to short stop who overthrows first base. As runner advances toward ... A: A pitcher cannot stop a runner legally advancing simply by having the ball in the circle. If she had ... | |
| Batter Runner (ASA Fast Pitch) | 5/21/2009 |
| Q: Situation happened at my 12U Accelerated tournament over the weekend. Three-Umpire-System, where the ... A: Since there was no play at the time of the contact, R1 on 3rd and b-r is awarded 1st, I would have ... | |
| Last out of a game | 5/20/2009 |
| Q: Real situation. Trailing by 1 top of the 7th. Runner on 2nd and 3rd. Groundball hit to short ... A: In this case the BU's call put the defense in jeopardy so I'm going to use the "god" rule which ... | |
| look back rule | 5/20/2009 |
| Q: in girls 13 an under, runner cant steal in this league til the ball crosses home plate, my question ... A: even though you modified the lead off rule the answer is yes. When the pitcher has control of the ... | |
| ruling | 5/20/2009 |
| Q: the team we were playing had the bases loaded and 2 outs the girl hit the ball between third and ... A: Unfortunately for you the umpire was very, very wrong in this instance. This is pretty basic rule ... | |
| pitching | 5/20/2009 |
| Q: My daughter was in a game and the pitcher started off her windup on the rubber but before she ... A: In FP the pitcher is never on the pp when they release the ball and there is no requirement that ... | |
| Re-entry rule and application | 5/20/2009 |
| Q: Dr. Ambrose, Please define as a coach when exactly am I required to announce a player as a re-entry ... A: Your question at least to me is a little confusing so let try it this way Am I required to declare ... | |
| switching pitchers | 5/19/2009 |
| Q: IN 10u fastpitch, is it legal to switch between pitchers on the same batter with every pitch? The ... A: I've never seen anything like this, yes you can do it in ASA, not in some other orgs, yes the coach ... | |
| ASA All Star Tournament DP/Flex Rule | 5/18/2009 |
| Q: My daughter is playing 10U; and their 1st tournament has a rule stating each team play with 9 ... A: Well lets go over the rules for DP/Flex In FP you can choose to have a "DP" designated player and a ... | |
| Interference | 5/18/2009 |
| Q: Could you please define interference call on a runner. I am under the impression that if a ground ... A: this is a HTBT type of play so I can't opine on it. Interference was called on R1, what the umpire ... | |
| Interference | 5/18/2009 |
| Q: Could you please define interference call on a runner. I am under the impression that if a ground ... A: You didn't tell me what happened but interference does not have to have contact, below is part of ... | |
| LBR | 5/18/2009 |
| Q: What is LBR? We are beginners, sorry. A: I'll print out the LBR and you can ask me if you have specific questions. This is long and I've ... | |
| Batting | 5/17/2009 |
| Q: In our last game there was a batter from the other team that had his right foot out of the back of ... A: in ASA a batter prior to the pitch must have both feet inside the bb. A foot can touch the line but ... | |
| Umpire Interference | 5/17/2009 |
| Q: Situation: 3-man umpiring system, runners on 1st and 2nd. Batter hits liner past left fielder, r1 ... A: This would not be umpire interference, simply bad positioning by the umpire. Unless the umpire went ... | |
| asa softball bat ratteling | 5/16/2009 |
| Q: i have a asa legal softball bat. the bat is under a year old. if i put my ear to the bat and turn it ... A: In ASA a bat can have no audible rattles when shaken. It is each umpire's judgment (or the UIC) on ... | |
| runner being hit | 5/16/2009 |
| Q: I played in a game tonight and we had a situation happen where bases were loaded and the runner at ... A: The runner is not out.... 8-8- M. When hit by a batted ball while in contact with a base, unless ... | |
| Safe or out? | 5/15/2009 |
| Q: This is the first time I've seen this playing ASA softball. My team was batting with a runner on ... A: The 3' lane is used only for interference on a thrown ball. The b-r must vacate the space necessary ... | |
| Foul Tip and time out | 5/15/2009 |
| Q: 2 questions. 1) On a foul tip strike 2 call directly into the catcher glove our batter was called ... A: A "foul tip" w/ less than 2 strikes is just another strike. However if it was a "foul ball" legally ... | |
| Obstruction call | 5/14/2009 |
| Q: Extra inning game, home team has potential winning run on 3rd with one out. Batter hits a ... A: You answered you own question...."The runner had slowed down in anticipation of a collision with the ... | |
| Foul tip | 5/13/2009 |
| Q: No matter the count, can a batter be called out if the catcher catches a ball that is tipped off the ... A: a foul tip is a ball that goes sharply and directly from the bat to the catcher's hand or glove and ... | |
| subs | 5/13/2009 |
| Q: This is our first season in under 10 softball and the rules have changed quite a bit. I dont ... A: There are many local leagues who modify the rules but in strict ASA you can only bat 9 in FP. You ... | |
| ADA question | 5/12/2009 |
| Q: we have a player in our league who has a prosthetic leg; what allowances do we need to be making for ... A: here's the rules for ADA, and you already have the 2009 change Section 2. AMERICAN DISABILITY ACT ... | |
| more info | 5/12/2009 |
| Q: Mark, Thanks again for the prompt response. I'm not familiar with the term "LBR". What is that? I ... A: OK I get it now...I think. The problem is you locally modified a FP game and then told me about the ... | |
| Girls Fast Pitch High School Delayed Ball Call | 5/12/2009 |
| Q: First inning first batter flies to left. Second batter steps up and on the first pitch the first ... A: No, no no! There is absolutely no rule to do what they did. An illegal pitch is a DDB and must be ... | |
| more info | 5/12/2009 |
| Q: Mark, Thanks again for the prompt response. I'm not familiar with the term "LBR". What is that? I ... A: LBR stands for look back rule, since you have a circle you probably play with the LBR. If the ... | |
| Can you appeal tag-up rule after a dead ball? | 5/12/2009 |
| Q: Runners on 1st & 3rd, one out. Batter hits a line drive, runner go on contact, shortstop makes a ... A: During a dead ball a runner must be given the opportunity to complete their base running ... | |
| Tape on pitchers wrist | 5/12/2009 |
| Q: My daughter sprained the back of the wrist of her pitching hand while batting. She is now able to ... A: You already know that a pitcher can't wear anything on the pitching hand, wrist, forearm or elbow ... | |
| interferance | 5/12/2009 |
| Q: a popup was hit between home and first base i ran from the pitchers mound and ran into the batter as ... A: If the ball was in foul territory and in the umpire's judgment could have been caught w/ ordinary ... | |
| Double Jeopardy? | 5/12/2009 |
| Q: Last night at the ballpark in between my boy's ball games, there was an interesting play during the ... A: you're telling me a fly ball was caught for an out, and no umpire or coach noticed we had a runner ... | |
| Substitution and re-entry | 5/11/2009 |
| Q: Can a bench player (non-starter) substitute for a starter, then be substituted for, then go back in ... A: Just to make it easy, a starter and their sub can each re-enter once 1 starts, 2 subs for 1. 1 then ... | |
| coed asa softball | 5/10/2009 |
| Q: Is it asa to start at a 1 and 1 count? Is it asa to bat male female alternatively? Is it asa to walk ... A: co-ed has more local exceptions to the rule than any other game of softball, if there are les they ... | |
| ASA approved bats | 5/10/2009 |
| Q: Sir: I run a Men's ASA Slow-Pitch League in the Buffalo NY area. Over the past few seasons illegal ... A: the umpire should rule on the bat, most check them before the game, appeals can go to you. If it ... | |
| score controversy after game has ended | 5/9/2009 |
| Q: We play in a slow pitch co-ed softball league using ASA rules. WE were home team and we were up 10-9 ... A: here you go a couple different rule interps on games should end. ASA R/S 1 Appeals e "on the last ... | |
| Missing home plate | 5/8/2009 |
| Q: A player missed home plate with the miss going undetected by the opposing team. No call was made by ... A: A runner who misses a base is presumed to have touched the base unless the defense appeals. There ... | |
| Please Help T-Ball Coach on Infield Fly Rule | 5/8/2009 |
| Q: Ok in our leage the Infield Fly Rule is not allowed. So if i have a runner on first and 2nd and as ... A: The IF rule is meant to protect the offense from cheap outs, I can't understand why a local league ... | |
| USSSA vs. ASA rules | 5/7/2009 |
| Q: I was informed last night that our league (12U girls fastpitch) is switching from USSSA affiliation ... A: In ASA play you can bat 9 but play 10 using a DP/Flex. The DP bats for the Flex, the Flex listed ... | |
| Caught foul tip 3rd strike | 5/7/2009 |
| Q: Can you site and quote the specific rule in the rule book that says a caught, foul tip 3rd strike is ... A: A "foul tip" is a batted ball that goes sharply and directly from the bat to the catcher's ... | |
| Infield Fly Rule | 5/7/2009 |
| Q: Ok, I have read the rulebook on infield fly rule but have a question about Ordinary effort. Does ... A: No the ball need not be caught in order to have a judgment of ordinary effort, if an fielder catches ... | |
| Catcher Interference | 5/7/2009 |
| Q: Dr. Ambrose -- We had a situation in our girls fastpitch softball league (11-14 year olds) where ... A: Just to keep the terms clear it's catcher's obstruction not interference. Offensive player's ... | |
| girls fastpitch 12U | 5/6/2009 |
| Q: last night at our game, the umpire called interference on HERSELF, and only after she heard the ... A: You don't tell me what happened but umpire interference is pretty rare. If a fair untouched batted ... | |
| Defensive Positioning | 5/6/2009 |
| Q: I am coaching in the intermediate level girls fastpitch softball. We use continuous batting and we ... A: You've already found the rule...all defensive players except for the catcher must be positioned in ... | |
| Without stealing, if a batter does not hit the ball can you make a play against a base runner? | 5/5/2009 |
| Q: I am coaching a 10u softball team. Some of the coaches are arguing over a particular scenario. We ... A: Yes, the fact that you do not allow stealing is a local rule, which is fine. If pick-offs were not ... | |
| player interference with runner | 5/5/2009 |
| Q: in coed softball.. hear is the story..im a guy im on second the hitter hits a flare to right field ... A: Defensive players obstruct and offensive players interfere in softball. Obstruction is the act of ... | |
| Illegal, Uncertified, Altered bats - penalties | 5/5/2009 |
| Q: What is the difference between: a banned bat, an altered bat, an illegal bat, an uncertified bat ... A: In ASA play a bat must now have a ASA cert mark and NOT be listed in the non-approved list OR must ... | |
| ASA rules mens slow pitch | 5/5/2009 |
| Q: OK here is goes , 1 out, runners and 2nd and 3rd.Batter hits fly ball, runner on 2nd goes on ... A: Correct call, what you have is a live ball appeal of a runner leaving the base too early, it is ... | |
| Without stealing, if a batter does not hit the ball can you make a play against a base runner? | 5/4/2009 |
| Q: I am coaching a 10u softball team. Some of the coaches are arguing over a particular scenario. We ... A: I'm sorry Robin since you've already deviated from the national rules I can't answer your question. ... | |
| Possession and Control? | 5/4/2009 |
| Q: What is the definition of having possession and control of the ball? In a game yesterday, I observed ... A: You will have good umpires that view this differently, we do talk about this play. While "trapped" ... | |
| Pivot Foot Airborne | 5/4/2009 |
| Q: My daughter is a pitcher. As part of her delivery at times her pivot foot becomes airborne by a ... A: What you are describing is a "leap" and that is an illegal pitch. A leap occurs when both of the ... | |
| softball "tagging up" rule | 5/3/2009 |
| Q: runner on second, short line drive hit to right center, runner on second leaves base under ... A: A runner can legally leave the base as soon as a defensive player 1st touches a ball that is going ... | |
| rule question | 5/1/2009 |
| Q: Had an incident last night and I'm just curious. about your thoughts. We were playing slow-pitch ... A: If the ball deflected off the fielder's glove and went over the fence in fair territory, it is a "4 ... | |
| NAIA college | 5/1/2009 |
| Q: runner is on 3rd base, fly ball is drifting towards 3rd and the defender is trying to move across ... A: This is a htbt type of play as it involves an umpire's judgment of a situation. Obviously by ... | |
| foul ball | 5/1/2009 |
| Q: At a local usssa tournament we had a disagreement with the away team. Away team hit ball about two ... A: you're question is a little difficult for me to understand where the ball is...regardless of the org ... | |
| dropped-3rd... does run count? | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: 12U ASA Softball. We have a runner on 3rd base. The batter swings at pitch which is the 3rd ... A: the answer is NO, the run dos not count. By rule anytime the b-r does not safely advance to 1st base ... | |
| Proper Appeals | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: This question is basically two-fold involving when and if a coach can make a live ball appeal and ... A: 1 correct 2 correct 3 correct , in ASA any infielder can make the appeal, in Fed play any infielder ... | |
| Proper Appeals | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: This question is basically two-fold involving when and if a coach can make a live ball appeal and ... A: a live ball appeal can only be made by a defensive player in possession of the ball contacting the ... | |
| 3rd strike rule | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: Mark, We just had our first game of the season (fast pitch girls u14)and there were quite a lot of ... A: If the b-r safely attains 1st there is no out. You would have a runner on 1st and zero outs. The ... | |
| question | 4/29/2009 |
| Q: Runner on second and ball is hit between third base and third baseman. third baseman makes an effort ... A: On a ball in flight it is where the ball is first touched by the defense (not applic. here) or where ... | |
| private question | 4/29/2009 |
| Q: after catcher missed the ball the pitcher came to home plate to help out, she is positioned with ... A: private answer at op's request | |
| Infield fly rule | 4/28/2009 |
| Q: Runners on 1st and 2nd; or bases loaded. Less than 2 outs. Fly ball just beyond the infield area ... A: tell the coach they owe you a adult beverage if you're over 21, plus also tall them to brush up on ... | |
| Fielder's choice | 4/28/2009 |
| Q: Bases are loaded with 1 out. Batter hits a ground ball to the shortstop who fields it and throws ... A: Sorry Don as I state in my instructions Instructions by Expert: Please tell me what game of ... | |
| Out or safe at home? | 4/27/2009 |
| Q: Can a catcher block the plate awaiting a throw from the outfield. The ball was in the air, coming ... A: A fielder cannot block a base or the basepath w/out possession of the ball or we have obstruction. ... | |
| Interference | 4/27/2009 |
| Q: This is softball for 12 and Under Girls. We had 2 outs, runner on 3rd and 1st. The batter hits a ... A: In ASA on a foul ball not caught, if the ball could have been caught with ordinary effort, both the ... | |
| umpire | 4/27/2009 |
| Q: What does inside out theory mean for an umpire? I am studying to become a certified Dixie Youth ... A: that would be false, the inside-out theory means that the BU stays outside the diamond if the ball ... | |
| slap hitting | 4/26/2009 |
| Q: My daughter is a slapper, and has been called out sporadically for stepping out(of the batters box). ... A: let's just do some basics so you have a better idea on how this is called. The bb extends 4' in ... | |
| female players coed | 4/26/2009 |
| Q: How many females players do you have to have to start a game in coed. A: Co-ed has more local exceptions I think that any other game Strict ASA is 5 and 5 but you can start ... | |
| fair or foul | 4/25/2009 |
| Q: pop-up on the first baseline. Fielder is straddling the line and reaches into foul territory where ... A: This is BASIC...basic, basic umpiring, what kind of training IF ANY does this umpire ... | |
| distance to pitchers mound | 4/24/2009 |
| Q: what is the distance from home plate to the pitchers mound in asa mens church league A: 50' mark shorty Just wondered why a 2 for timeliness, here's the log asked 4/24/09 05:05 PM ... | |
| Batter/Runner out or safe and is ball dead | 4/24/2009 |
| Q: HS Girls fast pitch softball Sutuation: Batter hits a ball to the third base player and runs in fair ... A: A b-r would be out if in the umpire's judgment they are outside the 3' lane and they interfere w/ ... | |
| Line up vs roster | 4/22/2009 |
| Q: I watched a high school varsity game the other night and one team seemed to have a limitless supply ... A: Player eligibility in not an umpire issue. We never rule on it, we would simply take the protest ... | |
| 10 team double elimination bracket | 4/22/2009 |
| Q: how many bye are in this bracket and who gets them A: Actually there are 2 play-in games w/ 4 teams playing to get 2 into the next round of the winners ... | |
| dp/flex players | 4/22/2009 |
| Q: I was reading one of the past questions from 4/16/09. He was asking about using the DP/flex player. ... A: The "Flex" is listed 10th and only plays defense, they do not bat at that position. The "DP" is 1-9 ... | |
| Pitching | 4/21/2009 |
| Q: What are the rules about pitching? As far as the foot on the rubber is concerned? I pitch with my ... A: I assume this is SP. In ASA you need only to have 1 foot in contact w/ the plate. You can step ... | |
| slap bunting | 4/20/2009 |
| Q: we wer in a tournament this past Saturday and the batter slab bunted, stepping as she hit and came ... A: the bb extends 4' in front of the a line drawn through the middle of the plate, maybe that's what ... | |
| Infield Fly | 4/19/2009 |
| Q: 14u girls fastpitch. Batter hits a pop up, umpire calls infiled fly. The ball lands fair up the ... A: Incorrect call, we simply have a foul ball. Doesn't matter if there are runners on or not. A foul ... | |
| dropped ball on ball 4 | 4/19/2009 |
| Q: There is a lot of talk about rounding first on ball 4 - what if the catcher drops the ball or it is ... A: A BB as far as the b-r is concerned is treated as a batted ball whether the catcher catches it or ... | |
| Girls Fast-pitch Softball | 4/19/2009 |
| Q: How do you train umpires to ensure a somewhat consistent calling of balls and strikes? I am ... A: Different orgs have different standards. I know ASA, NFHS, NCAA have many yearly schools and ... | |
| pitching | 4/18/2009 |
| Q: I have been playing for 25 plus years but just recently started umpiring. Just wandering about ... A: It's great that you're taking up umpiring, thank you. I just answered a similar question w/ some of ... | |
| Strike zone | 4/18/2009 |
| Q: I understand the rule stating "The strike zone is from front knee to back shoulder with a natural ... A: You're under the misunderstanding that where the ball lands in SP has anything to do w/ it being a ... | |
| define fly ball | 4/17/2009 |
| Q: bases loaded no outs. Batter hits catchable line drive to SS who drops ball, no IFR called by umps ... A: no actually a good question if you want to argue the point in the future. " I have been told that ... | |
| Rules for NFHS | 4/17/2009 |
| Q: In a case where a runner leaves early when an illegal pitch is also thrown, which rule takes ... A: I am not an expert on Fed rules however I believe they agree w/ ASA on this March 2008 ASA Rule ... | |
| define fly ball | 4/17/2009 |
| Q: bases loaded no outs. Batter hits catchable line drive to SS who drops ball, no IFR called by umps ... A: An umpire should always signal AND verbalize an IF. An IF "is a fair fly ball , not including a ... | |
| Plays made at first base. | 4/17/2009 |
| Q: I was wondering about the issue of the tie going to the runner for a play at first base. I was ... A: ASA 8-7-c the runner is out when on a force play the fielder contacts the base while holding the ... | |
| walkers going straight to second | 4/16/2009 |
| Q: theres a runner on third,and the batter just walked and has intentions on going straight to second ... A: No, the LBR does not go into effect until the pitcher has control of the ball in the circle AND the ... | |
| obstructing runner | 4/16/2009 |
| Q: 14U rec league. Short stop missed two earleir opoortunites to field and throw for an out. So now ... A: Offensive players "interfere", defensive players "obstruct" interference is the act of an offensive ... | |
| Fastpitch DP/Flex rule | 4/16/2009 |
| Q: Good Afternoon. I'm struggling with a lineup that will allow me to keep two of my best hitters in ... A: no, no no, no, NO! They both stay where they are in the batting order, it's just a tweak of the rule ... | |
| Stealing second after a walk U12 Softball | 4/16/2009 |
| Q: I am trying to interpret the stealing 2nd after a walk rule with a runner on third. If the ball is ... A: The LBR is not in effect if the pitcher makes a "play" on any runner. "If the ball is in the ... | |
| can a batter run | 4/15/2009 |
| Q: the batter has three balls and two strikes,the next pitch is a one bouncer to the catcher and is ... A: yes if the other DK3 requirements are met, she can run to 1st. The rule actually is "when the ... | |
| slap hitting. | 4/15/2009 |
| Q: when a batter is slap hitting dont they have to kinda break or roll there wrists so you can tell if ... A: The difference between a bunt and a slap, A bunt attempt is any non-swinging movement of the bat ... | |
| Slo-Pitch Softball - Orange Base | 4/15/2009 |
| Q: Batter hits ground ball to third baseman and runs to first. (1) The ball goes through the third ... A: On a ball hit to the outfield w/ no play on the b-r, the b-r may touch either the white or colored ... | |
| little league softball girls 7-8 | 4/15/2009 |
| Q: I'm hoping you can tell if this is correct or not, I have my doubts but not the knowledge of the ... A: We # runners on base starting with the most advanced runner. In this case R1 is on 3rd, R2 is on ... | |
| Flex rule | 4/15/2009 |
| Q: Please explaint to me how the flex rule works? I have a flex batter who bats the whole game and a ... A: I'll give you first the basics of the DP/Flex This rule is not complicated but people like to make ... | |
| infield fly rule | 4/14/2009 |
| Q: Playing USSSA rules 14u, runners on first and second with nobody out. Girl hits a pop fly behind ... A: I don't answer specific questions about u-trip rules as I'm not an expert on them, but I'm not going ... | |
| Outfielders in Softball | 4/14/2009 |
| Q: Is there a limit to how many outfielders can play in co-ed softball? I played last year and there ... A: Co-ed probably has more local rule exceptions than any other game of softball. In strict ASA play ... | |
| 2-man mechanics | 4/12/2009 |
| Q: Bases are loaded with no outs or one out. Base umpire is in position three where he should be. Fly ... A: "by the book" the PU has responsibility for R1 The PU should move from behind hp, line up R1 and ... | |
| illegal advance | 4/11/2009 |
| Q: My daughter plays 10u,during a timeout the opposing 3rd base coach called over the base runner from ... A: this is actually a very good question and different umpires might handle it differently. You might ... | |
| Fast Pitch Softball | 4/10/2009 |
| Q: Base loaded no outs, line drive to pitcher caught, runner leave bases, panic, runners try to get ... A: You have no force outs in this play because the batter never became a b-r as F1 caught the ball. ... | |
| Foul off of home plate | 4/9/2009 |
| Q: At what point does a ball become foul when it hits home plate directly off the bat? Is there a ... A: a batted ball that hits home plate (which is in fair territory) is a fair ball unless after hitting ... | |
| First Base/Orange Base | 4/8/2009 |
| Q: I coach a high school team. We had a situation where the 1st baseman's foot was touching only the ... A: If a play is being made at 1st...... if the throw is coming from fair territory (see exception ... | |
| Batting Order | 4/8/2009 |
| Q: What is relevance of batting order? Coach stopped a game because he claimed we were out of order. A: A BO is an essential and basic part of the game of softball. 1-9 (or how many can legally bat) must ... | |
| Umpire Timeout | 4/6/2009 |
| Q: FHCSSA (Florida Half Century Senior Softball Association)state tournament 65yr and older division. ... A: There are really 2 questions here, when can an umpire call time and when should an umpire call time ... | |
| batting (batters box) | 4/6/2009 |
| Q: do both feet have to be in the batters box when hitting the ball ?? If one foot is out of the box ... A: The batter's box is 3' by 7'. Both feet must be inside the lines, they may be touching the lines ... | |
| interference/obstruction | 4/5/2009 |
| Q: My niece plays little league softball in Florida. Upon hitting the ball, and running to first ... A: " Hence, blocking the runners".... that is obstruction "when she would resume the Straddle ... | |
| interference/obstruction | 4/5/2009 |
| Q: My niece plays little league softball in Florida. Upon hitting the ball, and running to first ... A: A defensive player must be allowed to initially field a BATTED ball anywhere on the playing field. ... | |
| interference/obstruction | 4/5/2009 |
| Q: My niece plays little league softball in Florida. Upon hitting the ball, and running to first ... A: sounds like that umpire needs to go to some clinics!!!! This is basic umpiring. Obstruction is the ... | |
| International Tie Breaker ERA | 4/1/2009 |
| Q: Is it true that the runner placed on 2nd base in an International Tie Breaker is NOT considered an ... A: Normally I don't answer scoring questions per the instructions on my site. "Instructions by Expert; ... | |
| Fastpitch rules | 4/1/2009 |
| Q: Can you pitch slow pitch in a fastpitch league ? Where the ball goes way high and falls down right ... A: Sorry Marc, I meant to say and I guess I could have been more clear pitch speed and arc are not ... | |
| Out on a walk. | 3/31/2009 |
| Q: My granddaughter was playing a school fast pitch game in North Carolina. She was walked and ... A: In ASA when the LBR is in force a base on balls is treated the same as a batted ball, once the b-r ... | |
| DP/Flex Situation | 3/31/2009 |
| Q: Doc - I have a specific question about the DP/Flex rule. I'll try to keep it short. ASA/NFHS rules ... A: you understand the DP/Flex rule just fine. I'll add some so others who read this get some more out ... | |
| Outfield positioning | 3/31/2009 |
| Q: Is there a rule that the oufielders in a 10u game must be a certain number of feet behind the ... A: you might have local rules that supercede ASA but in strict ASA (other than coed)the only ... | |
| OBSTRUCTION/INTERFERENCE | 3/30/2009 |
| Q: NO OUTS, BASES LOADED. BALL HIT TOWARDS 2ND BASEMAN. R2 IS OBSTRUCTED ON WAY TO 3RD THEN R1 RUNS ... A: sorry for the delay, I did not get email notice of it and just found it when checking my que. very ... | |
| fast pitch softball | 3/29/2009 |
| Q: FOr a pitcher to make a leagal appeal play, what must happen? ON the rubber, hands together, step ... A: There are 2 types of appeals, live ball and dead ball.Both must be made before the next pitch. In a ... | |
| FP softball | 3/29/2009 |
| Q: It's the first inning. R1 is on third base and R3 is on first base with 1 out. BR 4 hits a pop up ... A: You are correct in ASA a runner hit w/ a fair batted ball while on the base would not be out, unless ... | |
| illegal pitch | 3/26/2009 |
| Q: In the wind up of girls fast pitch 18u ASA Gold the umpire yells ilegal pitch and the batter hits a ... A: The rule for an IP is pretty simple.... In FP an IP is a DDB not a DB. If the batter hits an IP ... | |
| after dead ball when does ball become alive | 3/25/2009 |
| Q: In fastpitch softball, when does a dead ball become alive? What is the umpire mechanic? I've been ... A: Sure if it's in necessary situation such a foul ball etc that makes the count important, part of the ... | |
| after dead ball when does ball become alive | 3/25/2009 |
| Q: In fastpitch softball, when does a dead ball become alive? What is the umpire mechanic? I've been ... A: once we have a "dead ball" we can never have a "live ball" until the umpire says the magic ... | |
| Obstruction? | 3/25/2009 |
| Q: I play Mens ASA softball. The other night there was the following play: R1 is on 2B. B2 ... A: As you know obstruction is the act of a defensive player not in possession of the ball and not in ... | |
| 10U ASA girls fast pitch rules | 3/23/2009 |
| Q: Sorry to ask such basic questions but i have had a hard time finding it myself. I am simply looking ... A: the ball is 11" 35' yes stealing is allowed unless your local league changes or limits it D3K ... | |
| home plate, after home run | 3/22/2009 |
| Q: I have a situation that just happened in my slow pitch league governed by "ASA official rules". With ... A: When HRs must be run....this is a dead ball appeal of a missed base, R1 is out and B2 scores, that ... | |
| 2 outs dropped third strike | 3/22/2009 |
| Q: Fastpitch girls youth softball ASA rules apply Bases loaded, two outs, catcher drops third strike. ... A: The D3K rule applies with less than 2 out and 1st base NOT occupied or ANYTIME with 2 outs. In this ... | |
| Balk in Softball | 3/16/2009 |
| Q: In mid wind up the batter signals time out to the umpire and steps out of the box. The pitcher stops ... A: there is no such animal as "balk" in softball. After the ball is live the batter may not step out ... | |
| flex/dp fast pitch softball | 3/16/2009 |
| Q: Does a DP have to have a specific positon assigned in the lineup???: Can a DP play any defensive ... A: Does a DP have to have a specific positon assigned in the lineup???: yes they can be in any batting ... | |
| highschool fastpitch softball | 3/15/2009 |
| Q: The number three batter made the last out in one inning and then the first out in the next batting ... A: OK B3 made the 3rd out in the xst inning, then led off the next inning. Didn't she realize she ... | |
| DP and FLEX players/fast pitch softball | 3/14/2009 |
| Q: I don't understand the rule book re: DP and Flex players. Can you give me specifics--??What is legal ... A: I'll give you first the basics of the DP/Flex This rule is not complicated but people like to make ... | |
| Catcher contact with Batter-runner | 3/13/2009 |
| Q: Batter hit flyball to outfield for the first out of the inning. While leaving the plate area towards ... A: If the catcher caused the b-r to be obstructed, then we would have a signal by the PU of ... | |
| International Tiebreaker rules | 3/11/2009 |
| Q: In an ITB game,the last person at bat is supposed to be placed on 2nd base. Can a substitute runner ... A: under the tie breaker rule the player who bats ninth in that 1/2inning is placed on 2nd. This ... | |
| worth bamboo slow pitch bat | 3/10/2009 |
| Q: I just bought a worth bamboo slow pitch softball bat. I bought it for when we hit our homerun limit ... A: The way I understand the directive this year is if a bat does not contain the ASA certification mark ... | |
| Refree reversing decision. | 3/9/2009 |
| Q: In an ASA 10U game, there are two outs and a runner trying to steal home is called out by the home ... A: I'm really surprised that a PU would change his call on a play at the plate by talking with a BU. ... | |
| ASA Softball | 3/8/2009 |
| Q: Batter hits a ball up the inside first base line, first base person runs up to pick up grounder. ... A: " While doing so, ball is deflected into foul territory." if any force out attempt is coming from ... | |
| Softball Base Running | 3/7/2009 |
| Q: In a game of slow pitch softball,with a runner on 1st,the ball is hit deep to the out field and ... A: IF R1 rounded 2nd base and was advancing to 3rd, he would have to retouch 2nd on the way back to ... | |
| appealing a call | 3/6/2009 |
| Q: Can a coach appeal a call made by the home plate umpire made at home plate? A pitch was made it was ... A: w/out seeing the play it's impossible for me to determine what happened and what the proper call ... | |
| ASA softball | 3/5/2009 |
| Q: Our team had a girl called OUT last night because the umpire said she took longer than 20 seconds to ... A: Umpire calls "batter up" the batter now has 10 sec to take the batter's position or we call a ... | |
| 1 vs 2 man mecanics , pro and con | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: I have a boss who wants to cut costs and go to one man softball mechanics. I dont like it. So i am ... A: Well 2 umpires are more expensive than 1 there's no doubt about that and usually the team cost is ... | |
| Reasons for softball batting helmet faceguards | 2/27/2009 |
| Q: Ambrose, In your opinion, why did the National Federation of State High School Associations' mandate ... A: I certainly can't speak for the Fed or even ASA but I believe it boils down to 2 words..."player ... | |
| Batted ball hit runner on base. | 2/25/2009 |
| Q: Girls Fastpitch 14U. Runner on 1st (R1) and batter hits a ground ball to the second baseman who is ... A: your question title says "Batted ball hit runner on base." but your question has R1 advancing from ... | |
| Cast | 2/24/2009 |
| Q: Can a player wear an arm cast during a game? A: In ASA a cast must be padded for the player to be considered but in the judgment of the umpire if it ... | |
| Illigal Mitt | 2/23/2009 |
| Q: Here's a weird one, I know the rule, but not sure about the penalty. During a high School FP game ... A: Not a weird one at all. I don't know what org or assoc runs your program but is ASA or Fed play any ... | |
| force out or tag out | 2/21/2009 |
| Q: With a runner on first, batter hits ground ball to pitcher. Pitcher throws ball to 1st base for the ... A: I'm sorry I don't understand your question. What call are you talking about? I have no call on R1 ... | |
| force out or tag out | 2/20/2009 |
| Q: With a runner on first, batter hits ground ball to pitcher. Pitcher throws ball to 1st base for the ... A: "Is the force out removed because the first out was at first base?" Gary that would be correct. ... | |
| foul ball | 2/19/2009 |
| Q: a ball is popped up in foul territory and the defense attempts to catch it. they touch the ball but ... A: a ball in flight is fair or foul based on where the ball is when it is 1st touched by a defensive ... | |
| brace | 2/18/2009 |
| Q: My daughter is a fastpitch pitcher and was diagnosed with tendonitis a couple of weeks ago. She has ... A: A pitcher cannot wear anything on their pitching hand, forearm or elbow that is distracting to the ... | |
| catchers obstruction | 2/10/2009 |
| Q: bases loaded 1 out batter swings hits catchers mitt and hits the ball at the same time, the ball ... A: we have CO which is a ddb, and since R3 did not advance safely to the next base, the offense may ... | |
| illegal pitch? | 2/9/2009 |
| Q: just came home from a tournament and came out with doubts. here is my question. my daughter was ... A: without seeing it obviously I can't be 100% sure but it's probably ok. IN ASA Women's and all JO: ... | |
| ball thrown out of play | 2/4/2009 |
| Q: On a ball thrown out of play from the infield are the base runners awarded one or two bases? Also ... A: In ASA play anytime a ball is overthrown by ANY defensive player the award is always 2 bases from ... | |
| Force out ruling | 1/28/2009 |
| Q: Runner on 1st, 1 out. Hard line drive to 1st baseman which is dropped. 1st base runner, thinking ... A: The ruling on the field was correct, we have 2 outs on this play. R1 is not protected even while ... | |
| Foul ball | 1/26/2009 |
| Q: if a ball is hit into foul territory and picked in foul territory, but the player picking up the ... A: On a batted ball that touches the ground between 1st and home or 3rd and home and has not yet ... | |
| Runner leaving early | 1/21/2009 |
| Q: When is a runner from home or on base called out for leaving early. I have been told that ASA rule ... A: In ASA play we don't have crs for the batter but a in sp a runner is required to keep contact w/ the ... | |
| Guessing a runner safe or out | 1/20/2009 |
| Q: Mark, Once in awhile, in a one-umpire fastpitch ASA softball game, just as the tag occurs, the ... A: 1 man is the toughest game out there, you can't see everything. Just a suggestion as you see the ... | |
| runner hit by batted ball. | 1/19/2009 |
| Q: Does the decision to make an out or safe call in relation to a runner being hit by a batted ball ... A: the rule is a runner would be out if they are struck with a fair untouched batted ball while not in ... | |
| Interference, Obstruction or Nothing | 1/16/2009 |
| Q: Runners on 1B and 2B with one out. The ball slips from the pitchers had during her delivery and ... A: You hit it right on the head, "since the defender impeded the runner and was not "in possession of ... | |
| Umpires Disagree | 1/15/2009 |
| Q: Okay, this was a weird one and after asking several officials over the last couple months, have yet ... A: Well I don't know if you'll get the same answer from me, I can only tell you how I'd handle it as a ... | |
| dropped 3rd strike (pitch hit ground first) | 1/11/2009 |
| Q: ASA girl fastpitch. 12U Is it a dropped 3rd strike if a pitcher threw the ball and it hit the ... A: A pitched ball that hits the ground continues to be a live ball. If swung at and missed with 2 ... | |
| baserunning | 12/14/2008 |
| Q: Mens slow pitch softball. Runners on 2nd and 3rd. Ground ball is hit to 3rd baseman, runner on 3rd ... A: I don't see a reason based on the facts in your question to call R2 out. He is allowed to stop and ... | |
| Infield fly & tagging up | 12/5/2008 |
| Q: My question is, infield fly is in effect, batter hits fly ball in infield and umpire calls infield ... A: While a runner may legally leave a base as soon as a ball in flight is touched by the defense they ... | |
| base running | 11/30/2008 |
| Q: After hitting a base hit, the runner starts to first. The runner then turns well in front of first ... A: a "base line" is an imaginary line directly between the bases and really doesn't figure into any ... | |
| Steals | 11/19/2008 |
| Q: Sir, I have a question on stealing. I am an official in Okinawa using ASA rules for Adult Men's ... A: If you are a Marine, my son is Sgt. Ben Ambrose, 2nd Marine division The ball is dead on an ... | |
| Illegal Pitch/Appeals | 11/17/2008 |
| Q: Mark, I had an asa playoff game that I had where I called Illegal Pitches as soon as I saw they ... A: here you go, you can also check the ASA website, if they're not up yet they should be soon along w/ ... | |
| major softball walking while runners on base | 11/1/2008 |
| Q: major divison softball girls....we have 1 out,runner on third base,the batter walks and runs hard to ... A: Well you're both wrong. When the pitcher has control of the ball in the circle (she need not be ... | |
| Catcher hits batter throwing down to third | 10/28/2008 |
| Q: What is the proper ruling if a catcher in the act of trying to get the third base runner out hits ... A: it depends on a lot of factors, It can be interference or it can be nothing the batter cannot ... | |
| appeal plays | 10/26/2008 |
| Q: situation: 1 out, runners at second and third. Fly ball caught for out # 2. Runners advance safely ... A: Yes the run would count if R1 crossed the plate before the appeal was made. This is either a live ... | |
| asa strike zone | 10/16/2008 |
| Q: In an ASA game this past weekend, a batter did not swing at a pitch that landed an inch or two ... A: a strike in ASA sp is a pitched ball enters the space over any part of hp between the batter's front ... | |
| softball | 10/14/2008 |
| Q: If a ball is hit down 3rd or 1st base lins and curves behind the base to foul is that cosidered a ... A: a batted ball is fair or foul based upon where it is first touched or lands past 3rd or 1st. If the ... | |
| Runner Interference?? | 10/8/2008 |
| Q: I just had an extremely odd play and I don't know what the ruling should have been. Here's the ... A: this is a situation that an umpire would have to see to call it. A player may stay on a legally ... | |
| "Crow hopping" in the batter's box | 10/5/2008 |
| Q: I am a pitcher in a coed slowpitch league governed by ASA rules. We have a batter in the league who ... A: they cannot leave the batter's box and come back in and then hit the ball but they can move w/in the ... | |
| Conferences with the pitcher | 10/5/2008 |
| Q: I was umpiring a local league game and ran into a situation. The defensive team coach called time ... A: A team may have 3 defensive conferences per 7 innings. They may use them all in 1 inning or spread ... | |
| Catcher's box? | 10/4/2008 |
| Q: Is there such a thing as the catcher's box, and if so where is it? In a recent game I was involved ... A: Yes there is a catcher's box, it is 10' long beginning at the end lines of the bb and 8.5' wide. ... | |
| runner hit by throw | 10/1/2008 |
| Q: Last night a call was made that I'm not certain was correct. Here's what happened. There was a ... A: If the b-r is outside the 3' lane (it can be a body part that's hit in ASA but a foot completely ... | |
| base running | 9/30/2008 |
| Q: There is a runner on first, line drive hit and caught. The runner heads back to first and the ... A: You would be incorrect in ASA play. The award in simple terms is 2 bases from the last base touched ... | |
| base running | 9/30/2008 |
| Q: There is a runner on first, line drive hit and caught. The runner heads back to first and the ... A: In ASA play the award is always 2 bases from the runner's position at the time of the throw, the ... | |
| Out or safe? | 9/29/2008 |
| Q: Scenario bottom of last inning with one out and bases are loaded. batter hits a ground ball to the ... A: Ok if i got this right, bases loaded...ground ball to F5 who now steps on 3rd base, R1 was off 3rd ... | |
| strike mat and batters box | 9/28/2008 |
| Q: I am a vice-president of an adult slow pitch softball league and my question pertains to the ... A: the only mat we use in ASA is in Senior play and it is 17" wide (as hp is 17" not 14")and 25.5" long ... | |
| Pitching | 9/28/2008 |
| Q: My daughter just recently turned 11 and she has been pitching for about 2 1/2 years and on June 10. ... A: She has to regain her confidence, obviously. You can help with that by her feeling protected and ... | |
| Base running on a walk | 9/26/2008 |
| Q: We had 2 outs and one runner on 2nd base. After the pitch, our base runner started to run, but the ... A: it depends on which game of softball you're playing and you didn't tell me which. in fp ball is ... | |
| softball | 9/25/2008 |
| Q: If a batter hits a line drive to the 2nd basemen and the runner on first leaves early but dives back ... A: the award on an overthrow is always 2 bases from the runner's position at the time of the throw, not ... | |
| Batter's box | 9/24/2008 |
| Q: In reading your response to a previous question... "In ASA no, both feet must be completely inside ... A: The previous question referred to where the feet could be prior to (at the start of) the pitch, and ... | |
| Softball (safe or out ruling call) | 9/22/2008 |
| Q: Hey Mark, Runners on 2nd & 3rd, 2 outs bottom of 7th down by 3 runs, batter hits a single, both runs ... A: I can only tell you of my impressions of this play because I didn't see it. If B1 was attempting to ... | |
| Batters box | 9/22/2008 |
| Q: Are batters allowed to start with one foot in the batters box and one out of the box? Are runners ... A: In ASA no, both feet must be completely inside the bb, they may touch the lines but no part of the ... | |
| stealing 2nd on a walk | 9/20/2008 |
| Q: During a Little League 12U game, a player was walked and ran to first base. Without stopping, she ... A: A bb is treated the same as a batted ball. If the pitcher has the ball in the circle the b-r may ... | |
| Tagging Out | 9/18/2008 |
| Q: What does tagging out mean? A: There are 2 types of tag outs. A legal tag is the act of a defensive player... 1 touching a base ... | |
| HOMERUN OR NOT | 9/18/2008 |
| Q: In a Georgia high school game. A girl hits the ball to centerfield. The centerfielder catches the ... A: It's not a hr but rather it is a "4 base award" which is why the PU held up 4 fingers. In games ... | |
| asa rule book | 9/14/2008 |
| Q: where can i get an asa 2008-2009 rule book ANSWER: Hi Scott, you can get a 2008 for about 10 bucks ... A: Gosh, I'm really surprised, and also have no idea if that is some kind of qualification for rule ... | |
| Throwing the Bat | 9/12/2008 |
| Q: What is the rule in regards to the consequence of a thrown bat from a b or b-r? Also, is there a ... A: you're talking to an umpire whose left kneecap was fractured by a thrown bat in a rec coed game ... | |
| ASA Coaching box | 9/11/2008 |
| Q: I was coaching this base this past weekend for a 10U fastpitch game. There was a runner of third ... A: especially at this young age group. in ASA play a coach may leave the box to signal a runner to ... | |
| force out | 9/11/2008 |
| Q: Durng a game with runners on first and second with 1 out. The ball is hit to 3rd, bobbled and the ... A: the rule for an out only requires possession of the ball and contact with the base. fp umpires ... | |
| slo pitch high arch mens softball | 9/7/2008 |
| Q: We play for fun with experienced players from other teams as umps. Please tell me how this play ... A: Zero runs would score. Anytime the b-r doesn't safely advance to 1st w/ 2 outs, no run can score. ... | |
| CLARIFY LEAVE EARLY AND OUT | 9/6/2008 |
| Q: Previous answer: "I assume F4 caught a fly ball or line drive. If F3 gains possession of the ball ... A: It's sometimes difficult to determine the exact meaning of a question. I read the question as R1 ... | |
| Courtesy runners | 9/3/2008 |
| Q: I have worked this past year in a spring softball league and now in a shortened fall league. Both ... A: This is a local league rule, not an ASA rule. In ASA we only allow crs in JO and Senior play and ... | |
| Run score on 3rd out | 9/3/2008 |
| Q: This is an ongoing debate between myself (scorer) and an ASAA umpire. Here's the situation: Runners ... A: You can't find such a rule because it doesn't exist. I don't care if the ball deflects off the ... | |
| softball | 9/2/2008 |
| Q: If a batter hits a line drive to the 2nd basemen and the runner on first leaves early but dives back ... A: I answered this on 08/27 but I'll answer it again for you.... I assume F4 caught a fly ball or line ... | |
| stealing 2nd after walk | 8/30/2008 |
| Q: my daughter plays 12u fastpitch, and last week we had a call that was questionable. we know that a ... A: I READ THIS QUESTION WRONG!!!!! ON 2 I READ IT AS THE B-R WASN'T ALLOWED TO STEAL 2ND BECAUSE THE ... | |
| Softball Legitimate Catch | 8/27/2008 |
| Q: Scenario: There are men on bases. There was a fly ball to left field. The ball went into the left ... A: A runner can legally leave the base as soon as a defensive player touches the ball. In the past ... | |
| softball | 8/27/2008 |
| Q: When a batter hits a ball and steps on home plate is the batter called out,also if the ball is hit ... A: I assume F4 caught a fly ball or line drive. If F3 gains possession of the ball and touches the bag ... | |
| Dead ball ruling in an ASA type league | 8/22/2008 |
| Q: My team (visitor) was winning by one run in the bottom of the seventh inning. The other team had ... A: well you tell me 2 things that can change what happens "My third base ended up in dead ball ... | |
| Rule Interpretation | 8/21/2008 |
| Q: I have been an umpire for 7 years and still get the play that only can happen on your field. ... A: Interesting question and since I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night I'll give you the ... | |
| CO-ED | 8/21/2008 |
| Q: I am a umpire for Co Ed sofbal, I was umpring a game where a team had 6 men and 5 women the question ... A: if you are playing by ASA rules and not a local rule the answer is no. In coed you can bat either ... | |
| rule | 8/21/2008 |
| Q: Situation: Runners on first and second...no outs. Line drive hit up the middle (two-three strides ... A: In ASA in order to have an intentionally dropped ball the fielder must 1st catch it and then ... | |
| softball | 8/20/2008 |
| Q: When a batter hits a ball and steps on home plate is the batter called out,also if the ball is hit ... A: if the batter makes contact with the ball while any part of their foot is in contact w/any part of ... | |
| Strike zone... | 8/19/2008 |
| Q: Mark, another question regarding strike zone for you! I pitch in ASA Men's Slow Pitch league, I ... A: the strike zone is not only the front knee to the back shoulder but also that area with the batter ... | |
| Interference | 8/19/2008 |
| Q: Mark! I really enjoy reading your questions and answers, you are thorough and entertaining! My ... A: I hope you continue to read my answers but we're going to disagree here. Unless R1 did something ... | |
| Foul or Fair | 8/17/2008 |
| Q: My husband and I play co-ed slow-pitch ASA in Kansas City. My husband hit a foul ball (or what we ... A: if the ball was in foul territory when 1st touched by F3 it would be a foul ball regardless of what ... | |
| illegal player/illegal re-entry | 8/16/2008 |
| Q: The opposite team at the beginning of a game entered a line-up sheet with a DP on the tenth ... A: it would be the flex who who be listed in the 10th position not the dp who must be listed 1-9 so ... | |
| Leadoff from firstbase | 8/15/2008 |
| Q: I paused to ask for explanation and she claims I left from the orange bag (post ball leaving ... A: In ASA fp you can leave the base as soon as the ball leaves the pitcher's hand so I don't why you ... | |
| Substitution/re-entry | 8/14/2008 |
| Q: Mark, I am the commissioner of a Recreational coed league. We play under ASA rules. Scenario is ... A: R1 can be substituted for by any legal sub, they do not need the permission of T2 to have S1 run for ... | |
| Illegal Pitch/Appeals | 8/14/2008 |
| Q: Mark, I had an asa playoff game that I had where I called Illegal Pitches as soon as I saw they ... A: The coach doesn't know what he's talking about in ASA!!!!!!!! He might play in some other org that ... | |
| pitching | 8/13/2008 |
| Q: 1 in coed slowpitch must a pitcher start with both feet on the pitching rubber 2 if a person bats ... A: If a ball is caught by the defense in "out of play" territory which means dead ball area, it is not ... | |
| Foul tips | 8/13/2008 |
| Q: Does the rule about the foul tips not going over the head of the batter apply for slowpitch as well. A: In ASA play in all games of softball a "foul tip" is a batted ball that goes sharply and directly ... | |
| Rosin bags | 8/10/2008 |
| Q: I was recently coaching in an ASA National Tourney and had an interesting thing happen. The first ... A: no there is no rule on colors....yet, and I have no info if they're even considering it. Sec 10 ... | |
| Dead Ball | 8/8/2008 |
| Q: Here was the situation: Bases Loaded Batter hits an infield fly to 3rd baseman Umpire calls infield ... A: First of all there is no need for any runner to tag on an uncaught IF. Just like any uncaught fly ... | |
| force out | 8/8/2008 |
| Q: Runners at 1st and 2nd, batter hits a ground ball to the shortstop. The shortstop tags the runner ... A: your teammate is correct, in this case R2 and R1 are no longer legally entitled to occupy their ... | |
| softball rules | 8/7/2008 |
| Q: what happens when you use an illegal bat? And what happens when you are already on the base? A: If they are discovered in the bb w/ an "illegal" bat (such as a baseball bat) they are called out. ... | |
| strike or ball | 8/6/2008 |
| Q: slow pitch, legal pitched ball(delivery and height) hits the back black frame of the plate. Does not ... A: ball, the plate is the plate is the plate..... as stated by one of the big ASA guys that I came up ... | |
| UIC & Tourney Director | 8/6/2008 |
| Q: Dr. Mark, When it comes to the halting and re-starting of play due to lightning/thunder what are ... A: This is from my last umpire's pre-tournament meeting.... Weather---STRICKLY, EXCLUSIVELY, TOTALLY, ... | |
| 2 intentional walks in a row... | 8/5/2008 |
| Q: I'm an ASA certified ump, and LOVE just browsing your answers as a refresher for a lot of ... A: Boy your state is much different than mine in ASA championship play, you did say this was an ASA ... | |
| 2 intentional walks in a row... | 8/4/2008 |
| Q: I'm an ASA certified ump, and LOVE just browsing your answers as a refresher for a lot of ... A: My first reaction is WOW, this happened in an ASA state tournie. Both the offense AND the umpire(s) ... | |
| Applying ASA Mercy Rule | 8/4/2008 |
| Q: My question has to do with applying the ASA mercy rule. We were involved with a game utilizing the ... A: The other coach doesn't know crap about this rule and it annoys me when they "insist" w/out ever ... | |
| called third strike | 8/3/2008 |
| Q: Last night, I had a full count and stepped out of the box and the pitcher pitched the ball and the ... A: Only an umpire can call time, a player or coach can "request" time but it's up to the umpire if they ... | |
| pinch hitting | 8/3/2008 |
| Q: in a local asa league, teams can elect to "bat everyone present" and have free substitutions in the ... A: In ASA sp play you can bat 10 or 11. If you start w/ 10 you cannot later add an 11th. Either way ... | |
| Obstruction vs interference | 8/2/2008 |
| Q: During a 10U game we had a player attempt to steal third base. The throw from the catcher was ... A: The short answer is yes but you have to understand obs vs int obstruction is the act of a defensive ... | |
| Lights Shut off during a play | 8/1/2008 |
| Q: I play in an over 50 slow pitch softball league in Northern New Jersey and we follow the ASA rules. ... A: Congrats!!! you've asked ma a question I can't answer. I would be on the phone to my state and ... | |
| Obstruction vs interference | 8/1/2008 |
| Q: During a 10U game we had a player attempt to steal third base. The throw from the catcher was ... A: Unless the runner intentionally interfered with the throw or F5 had control of the ball and the ... | |
| Base running | 7/31/2008 |
| Q: I'm in a men's league slow pitch league and we had an incident last week in which a runner was ... A: When a "basepath" (a direct line between a runners position and the base) is established by a ... | |
| First Baseman Obstruction | 7/31/2008 |
| Q: Runners on 1st & 2nd with no outs. Batter hits a base hit to RF. Ball gets slightly by F9 (no play ... A: that is correct plus they need not attempt to advance any further, let's see...collision as rounding ... | |
| subs | 7/30/2008 |
| Q: does your DP/flex have to hit 10th on the line up or can they be the fifth batter? A: The "DP" who bats for the flex can bat anywhere 1 thru 9 The "flex" does not bat, plays defense ... | |
| Base awarded on throw under fence | 7/30/2008 |
| Q: Ambrose, Playing in D level ASA Modified league, batter hit ball for single to Left Center. Rounded ... A: In ASA play the b-r would get 3rd. On overthrows (balls that go out of play) we always award 2 ... | |
| Injury rule | 7/29/2008 |
| Q: My question is this: What is the rule when you have eleven players batting 1 is the EH. One of the ... A: The player listed 11 is actually an EP or extra player. as you know all 11 bat and any 10 can play ... | |
| rain | 7/29/2008 |
| Q: In a nine inning softball game if it rains in the third inning and play cannot continue. When the ... A: 9 innings wow, never heard of that in softball In ASA you would start at the EXACT spot, batter, ... | |
| Double First Base | 7/29/2008 |
| Q: Batter hits to outfield and no play is made at 1st. 1st basemen is standing on the corner of the ... A: ASA 8-2-m-6 when a ball is hit to the outfield and no play is being made at 1st the b-r may use ... | |
| ASA SOFTBALL | 7/28/2008 |
| Q: Just last week I was playing in a softball tournament, and we were coming in from the backdoor ... A: IF after the bat check for some reason I strolled by the dugout and saw a non-approved bat I simply ... | |
| Foul Ball Ruling | 7/28/2008 |
| Q: Last evening one of our players hit a weak ball that essentially died a few feet in front of home ... A: you are correct, it never matters where the player is when they contact the ball it only matters ... | |
| ASA SOFTBALL | 7/28/2008 |
| Q: Just last week I was playing in a softball tournament, and we were coming in from the backdoor ... A: If this was an ASA tournie, it was the wrong way to handle this. #1 is it ALWAYS the SOLE ... | |
| Defensive Obstruction | 7/28/2008 |
| Q: I play 2nd base in a men's ASA recreational league. We have a player on our team who played college ... A: I don't know about that "other game" but in softball at ANY level I've got obstruction every time. ... | |
| aggression rule | 7/26/2008 |
| Q: situation, double play been made, runner slides to second, second baseman behind bag and is not ... A: 10-1-j gives the umpire the power to eject a player for flagrant misconduct. we would obviously ... | |
| Intentionally dropping line drives, for sure double play | 7/26/2008 |
| Q: I recently played in an adult slow pitch coed game where twice the opposing team allowed a line ... A: We do have a rule for an intentionally dropped fly ball but the player must actually catch it and ... | |
| Baserunner interference | 7/26/2008 |
| Q: In a 16U game today we had a call that confused everyone. We had runners on 2nd and third. A ground ... A: part of what is not right is interference is called as soon as it occurs and is a dead ball, that ... | |
| BASERUNNER FORCED FROM BASE | 7/23/2008 |
| Q: Situation: Runner on first, one out. Batter hits hard ground ball directly to first baseman. Runner ... A: wrong, R1 is forced from the base and if tagged (even on the base) is out as they can no longer ... | |
| ASA on calling time | 7/23/2008 |
| Q: Bottom of 7th, home team starts inning 3 runs behind. Home team scores a run and has no outs with ... A: I agree with the umpires. 1) only an umpire can "call" time, just because a coach or player asks ... | |
| base running | 7/23/2008 |
| Q: There are no outs and a runner at first. Batter hits a groundball to the second baseman who fields ... A: You're asking me to prove a negative and that's tough to do as we don't have a rule that says ... | |
| Umpire question | 7/23/2008 |
| Q: Two umpire system slowpitch, ASA ruleset, top 7, 0 out, runner on first. Girl sqaures up to bunt. ... A: As you know bunting or chopping the ball in SP is illegal, dead ball, batter out. Rule 1 bunt a ... | |
| Who won? | 7/23/2008 |
| Q: This is for a co-ed slow pitch softball game in a recreational league. Team A and Team B are allowed ... A: By ASA rules the game is official after 41/2 or 5 complete innings depending on who was ahead. When ... | |
| legal play | 7/23/2008 |
| Q: R1 is on first base , B1 pops up to first base, but does not run to first. The First baseman lets ... A: Unless F3 caught the ball and then intentionally dropped it (at which time we would have a dead ... | |
| ASA ruling on overthow and missing a base | 7/23/2008 |
| Q: Mark, The question I have comes from an answer you gave a while back with an additional ... A: R1 must re-touch the bases in reverse order and he would be out on appeal for missing 2nd on the way ... | |
| 1st base coach leaving the coaches' box | 7/22/2008 |
| Q: How far out of the coaches' box can a first base coach go? This involved a 14U girls' softball ... A: a coach may leave the coaches box to signal the runner to slide, advance or return to a base or move ... | |
| 8U Softball | 7/21/2008 |
| Q: This is the type of play that seems only to happen at the younger age groups. Bases loaded 1 out. ... A: this would be the correct call as R2 is forced from the base and is no longer legally entitled to ... | |
| asa softball | 7/21/2008 |
| Q: During a game a call was made and I am looking for clarification. 2 outs, runner on second base, a ... A: It doesn't sound weird and certainly could be the correct call. Offensive players interfere and ... | |
| Incorrect Count | 7/21/2008 |
| Q: Here's the situation: Our pitcher requested the count from the umpire, who then put up his fingers ... A: Actually I had this exact situation happen a few years ago in a state tournie. One of my best ... | |
| Double First Base | 7/21/2008 |
| Q: What are the ASA rules in regard to the double first base? The batter-runner was called out at ... A: usually yes, white for defense, orange for runner unless the throw is coming from foul territory or ... | |
| interference | 7/21/2008 |
| Q: Runner going from 2nd to 3rd ground ball hit fielded by pitcher. My runner runs into the shortstop. ... A: this would not be interference but obstruction. Offensive players interfere, defensive players ... | |
| Nationals Pick up Player rules | 7/21/2008 |
| Q: I see a lot of softball discussion sites seeking pick up players for national ASA tournaments. My ... A: This is not a question for an umpire as we never, ever rule on eligibility. You need to contact ... | |
| force outs | 7/21/2008 |
| Q: I was wondering if a runner on first has to leave the base if the hitter hits a grounder to first. ... A: this would no longer be a force on R1 as the b-r was put out. R1 is once again legally entitled to ... | |
| Obscure Home Plate | 7/21/2008 |
| Q: I been involved in softball for many years and have never seen this happen. I can not find any rule ... A: I'm just wondering why R1 was laying there so long and didn't get out of the way? That could be a ... | |
| look back rule with runner on third | 7/20/2008 |
| Q: I recently had a scenario where I had a runner on third and the batter walked. Before the batter ... A: You understand the rule pretty well. In ASA play the LBR goes into effect for all runners when the ... | |
| Walks | 7/19/2008 |
| Q: Our 12u club team is typically playing full ASA rules. I had an knowledgeable umpire tell me that ... A: In ASA softball that would not be the case. A walk makes the batter a b-r (8-1-c)and a b-r can ... | |
| Substitution | 7/19/2008 |
| Q: Here is what happened at our softball game. The starting line up had #5 as the starter. In the third ... A: sure you can do that as long as you have legal subs. #1 starts, #2 in for 1, #3 in for 2, #4 in for ... | |
| Slow pitch softball | 7/17/2008 |
| Q: Is the foul line or any part of it considered fair territory? How does the rule read? Example ball ... A: fair ball, any part of the ball touching any part of the line is fair if it is 1st touched or ... | |
| Senior Slow Pitch | 7/17/2008 |
| Q: Can the catcher on an errant throw, reach back an touch home plate with his glove hand without the ... A: that would be correct, umpires always want to see a voluntary release part of the def of no catch ... | |
| infield fly rule | 7/17/2008 |
| Q: In adult men's slowpitch softball using ASA guidelines. If a batter hits a low popup between home ... A: this would be just a foul ball. The IFR would not apply. A ball between home and 1st or 3rd is ... | |
| Senior Slow Pitch | 7/17/2008 |
| Q: Can the catcher on an errant throw, reach back an touch home plate with his glove hand without the ... A: All that is necessary for a force out in any game of softball at any base is the ball must be ... | |
| girls u12 softball | 7/16/2008 |
| Q: Team A has only 9 players (ie no subs). 1 player gets hurt leaving Team A with only 8 players. The ... A: mostly correct or could be fully correct,depends.... when you play shorthanded an out is taken where ... | |
| Umpire calling an illegal pitch | 7/16/2008 |
| Q: My question pertains to an illegal pitch being called in an ASA slow pitch sanctioned league. If a ... A: Yes I can.... the umpire is mistaken and should read the umpire manual In ASA the umpire manual ... | |
| interference | 7/16/2008 |
| Q: Runners on second and third with ONE out. Ball is hit up the middle and the runner on second base, ... A: I would like to call both of them out but unfortunately I've only got R2 out. In ASA as soon as r2 ... | |
| asa softball rules | 7/16/2008 |
| Q: how many automatic outs do you have to take if you are only playing with 8 players? A: In ASA fp beginning the game shorthanded you would take an out in the 9th position. If you're ... | |
| men's slow pitch | 7/16/2008 |
| Q: Mark, 2 questions if you don't mind. (1) Regarding substitutions, we bat 12 and have 10 in the ... A: These would not be substitutions. You bat 12 and any 10 can play defense and you can move them in ... | |
| Rain Out Ruling | 7/16/2008 |
| Q: ASA League play after 6 1/2 innings games is called due to rain is it official after 5 innings or do ... A: Unless this is ASA championship play where we want to finish every game if possible, the game would ... | |
| runner obstruction | 7/15/2008 |
| Q: Runner at first. Ball hit to right field. Runner rounds second watching right fielder (approx. 20 ... A: sure, I gave you the answers to this problem but maybe need to add more 1)what did the odb ... | |
| illegal pitching motions (senior slow pitch softball) | 7/15/2008 |
| Q: A pitcher raises his left arm straight up in the air as if to call a time out and at the same time ... A: No, not an illegal pitch as there is no rule against this. Only an umpire can call time, not a ... | |
| collision between runner and fielder | 7/15/2008 |
| Q: H1 drops a hit over 3B head, LF comes in to field the ball and does so. H1 stops at 2nd, but sees ... A: I wish to help you ask any softball umpire questions, so call the batter if they reach base either ... | |
| ASA slow pitch rule | 7/15/2008 |
| Q: Sir, we have a pitcher in our league that continuously quick pitches the ball. What in the rule ... A: 6-1-7 ASA " the pitcher shall not attempt a quick return of the ball before the batter has taken a ... | |
| When has a pitcher officially entered the game? | 7/15/2008 |
| Q: In ASA softball, is it true that between innings if a defensive player enters the pitcher's circle ... A: My point was there is no rule that says this, and that his logic was faulty on calling it an IS ... | |
| runner obstruction | 7/15/2008 |
| Q: Runner at first. Ball hit to right field. Runner rounds second watching right fielder (approx. 20 ... A: We have obstruction, delayed dead ball, and after play has ceased, we award the runner(s) the ... | |
| third tip or foul ball an out! | 7/15/2008 |
| Q: In slow pitch, I know in NSA the third tip or foul ball is still a strike and the batter would be ... A: the same..out, forever as far as I know mark Hi Kristi, did you really mean to give me a "1" on ... | |
| Positioning of infielders | 7/15/2008 |
| Q: We play in a Men's Open league, under ASA rules. Tonight the umpire told our shortstop that he ... A: In ASA play other than coed the only requirement is that all defensive players (other than F2) be in ... | |
| Baserunner Interfering with Fielder | 7/14/2008 |
| Q: Mark, Friday night in my Men's Slow-Pitch game the following situation occurred. Runners on 1B and ... A: If as you say...if R1 was running in a direct line to 3rd and simply passed in front of F6 and the ... | |
| Odd out of base path situation | 7/14/2008 |
| Q: Odd situation in a 12U championship game and I'm not sure the correct call. Batter hits a slow ... A: Confusing situation but in ASA as long as the b-r did not enter the team area or dead ball territory ... | |
| When has a pitcher officially entered the game? | 7/14/2008 |
| Q: In ASA softball, is it true that between innings if a defensive player enters the pitcher's circle ... A: Never heard of this ASA rule, I wonder where he got it? A sub is someone who takes the place of ... | |
| Forced Out? | 7/11/2008 |
| Q: This situation is more common in younger players, since they are still unsure of a lot of rules. ... A: The run would not count if there were 2 outs, there is no difference between tagging a runner before ... | |
| baserunner interference | 7/10/2008 |
| Q: I play in a men's 18 and over league. To avoid first base collisions, we play with two bases at ... A: With double bases at 1st the b-r may touch either color on batted balls to the outfield when there ... | |
| obstruction | 7/9/2008 |
| Q: the batter(runner) hits a fly ball to center, the ball drops in for a hit, the first baseman is ... A: what is considered a reasonable basepath for the runner. for obstruction a running path of common ... | |
| obstruction | 7/8/2008 |
| Q: the batter(runner) hits a fly ball to center, the ball drops in for a hit, the first baseman is ... A: obstruction as you know is a judgment call by the umpire of a runner being hindered while legally ... | |
| Force Out | 7/8/2008 |
| Q: There were base runners on 2nd and 3rd with 1 out. A fly was hit to left and caught by the left ... A: if R1 scored before the live ball appeal of R2 at 2nd the run would count. this is not a "force" ... | |
| Strike Zone in slow pitch softball. | 7/7/2008 |
| Q: My friend and I are having an arguement over where exactly the strike zone is. We agree that it is ... A: Sorry neither one of you... Unless the ball hits the plate it's NEVER where the ball lands that ... | |
| Appeallable Play | 7/6/2008 |
| Q: Ball either hits batter or hits bat. Home plate umpire calls foul ball, ruling the ball hit the bat ... A: this is a little different than a checked swing. On a cs the mechanic is if there is doubt to call ... | |
| ASA softball. | 7/4/2008 |
| Q: runner on first, fair ball hit to right field, fielder touched it in fair territory and then fumbled ... A: I don't know how you can catch a foul fly ball in fair territory? Do you mean either the player is ... | |
| Runner turning left instead of right at first base. | 7/2/2008 |
| Q: What is the rule when a runner advances to first base after a dropped third strike, or anytime for ... A: Anytime the b becomes a b-r and the pitcher has the ball in the circle they may round 1st base, stop ... | |
| Catcher obstruction | 7/2/2008 |
| Q: My daughter plays on a u14 team. At tonights game there was a runner at third, two outs, the batter ... A: sure...based on the call in your question the catcher was blocking the plate w/out control of the ... | |
| Running backwards to avoid tag on bunt | 7/1/2008 |
| Q: Runners on 2nd & 3rd. Batter bunts ball or puts ball in play down 1st base line... 1st basemen ... A: the b-r is out, the ball is dead and runners return to the last base touched at the time of the dead ... | |
| Interference / Runner's obligation | 7/1/2008 |
| Q: Runner on 1st advances towards second on a fair ball hit to F5. F5 flips ball to F4 for the force ... A: The runner already put out has the responsibility to get out of the way and allow the throw. There ... | |
| coach deceiving fielder | 7/1/2008 |
| Q: Runner on third with one out. 1 ball and 1 strike count. Drop curve in the dirt, batter swings for ... A: there's nothing technically illegal about the coach's actions. It up to the defense, especially the ... | |
| best umpire books | 7/1/2008 |
| Q: Other than the ASA fastpitch softball rule book, are there some softball umpire books or DVD's you ... A: congrats on 8 yrs, always strive for excellence (not perfection) and get that national assignment. ... | |
| softball pitching: harmful to 10yr old arm | 6/30/2008 |
| Q: My daughter took pitching lessons for softball this year. Her coach was/is amazing. My daughter's ... A: I've got daughters also and I know how dad's can be. Softball pitching is a natural movement of the ... | |
| I have a question that I bet you have never had! | 6/30/2008 |
| Q: Home team is up with 2 outs in the bottom of the last inning, and the score is tied. The batter ... A: I'll bet you're right.....do you guys stay up nights thinking of some of this stuff???? there is no ... | |
| Baserunning/Leads | 6/30/2008 |
| Q: I have been a manager in a central park modified/fast pitch softball league for the last four or so ... A: I'm not surprised the umpire made the call they did because your league rule of a "force" behind the ... | |
| Obstruction / Interference | 6/29/2008 |
| Q: U18 Softball. The Batter hits a ball slowly down the first base line. The ball is spinning back ... A: You ask a question that is open to umpire debate, in fact I've discussed this play in the past w/ ... | |
| illegal pitch and penalty enforced | 6/28/2008 |
| Q: what constitutes an illegal pitch in asa slow pitch softball? what are the penalties enforced on an ... A: In SP an illegal pitch is a ball but if swung at or hit it is what it is. There are a # of rules ... | |
| Game ejection | 6/28/2008 |
| Q: My daughters 16U ASA team recently had a player ejected and it prompted me to ask thisRunner on ... A: The rule states that the runner is out when a defensive player has the ball and the runner remains ... | |
| Substitution question | 6/27/2008 |
| Q: During the game the visiting team has one substitute player who enters the game in the 4th for the ... A: The LD is incorrect (to put it nicely). The team must play shorthanded 8 with an out in the 7th ... | |
| foul then fair | 6/26/2008 |
| Q: I think this would pertain to all baseball and softball. A ball that lands foul initially in front ... A: Actually NO runs would score, not even the runs in front of him in this case. When the 3rd out of ... | |
| Infield fly situation | 6/26/2008 |
| Q: 0 outs. runners on 1st and 2nd. Lazy one hopper to second baseman turns into 4-6-3 double play. ... A: I didn't see the play so here's just some guidelines A line drive cannot by rule be an IF, however ... | |
| umpire decision | 6/26/2008 |
| Q: Recently my 14U team entered a softball tournament, played their first game against a tough team ... A: Good luck at state this weekend, I hope you're playing ASA. I agree this is a very bad situation. ... | |
| softball | 6/26/2008 |
| Q: Is there a second count on how much time a runner has when they round 1st base after a walk to make ... A: when the LBR is in effect the b-r may round 1st base, stop and then immediately advance or retreat ... | |
| RUNNER HIT BY BATTED BALL | 6/26/2008 |
| Q: MARK, I HAD A SCENARIO WHERE THE INFIELDERS OVER SHIFTED. THE SHORT STOP WAS ON THE SECOND BASEMAN ... A: if the runner is on the base and does not intentionally interfere the runner is not out. If the ... | |
| dropped 3rd strike and advancing runners | 6/26/2008 |
| Q: U-12 game....1 out bases loaded. BR called 3rd sttike dropped runs to 1st...catcher follows her down ... A: ..catcher follows her down first base line and throws to first" she shouldn't have done that, it is ... | |
| foul then fair | 6/26/2008 |
| Q: I think this would pertain to all baseball and softball. A ball that lands foul initially in front ... A: It probably would but I don't do baseball rules at all. A bb that settles or is 1st touched between ... | |
| interference | 6/25/2008 |
| Q: A batter hits a pop fly that the first baseman runs up to try and catch. The ball is about half ... A: It doesn't matter fair/foul this is interference, dead ball b-r out. The defense must be given the ... | |
| over throw | 6/25/2008 |
| Q: I would like to know if the runner is headed to first and the over throw occures, but the runner has ... A: the award is always 2 bases from the last base touched at the time of the throw....in this case they ... | |
| umpire decision | 6/25/2008 |
| Q: Recently my 14U team entered a softball tournament, played their first game against a tough team ... A: This is what umpires call a mess....after he changed his mind. 1) an umpire can "rectify" some ... | |
| tag up | 6/25/2008 |
| Q: Can a runner leave on first touch of a bobble ball(hit in the air) and be safe even if its still ... A: ASA 8-4-d runners are entitled to advance w/ liability to be put out when a legally caught fly ball ... | |
| Sliding! | 6/24/2008 |
| Q: I am working on getting certified as an ASA umpire because the last 3 years I have volunteered to ... A: I can't give you a copy of what doesn't exist. ASA has no "must slide" rule and neither does any ... | |
| Questions Softball | 6/23/2008 |
| Q: Question #1 a bunted ball lands on top of home plate, is it a fair or fould ball Question 2 A ... A: fair ball, the plate like any other base is in fair territory still a grd (or 2 bases from the time ... | |
| Obstruction? | 6/23/2008 |
| Q: B1 hits ball over F9 head. F3 standing on first base bag causing B1 to (a) alter route and (b) trip ... A: obstruction is the act of a fielder not in possession of the ball or in the act of fielding a batted ... | |
| Possible batter's interference? | 6/23/2008 |
| Q: Had an interesting one today. Runner on second, batter foul tips the pitch (caught by the catcher). ... A: I have the same as was ruled. The batter did nothing to interfere which is actively hindering the ... | |
| RUNNER HIT BY BATTED BALL | 6/22/2008 |
| Q: MARK, I HAD A SCENARIO WHERE THE INFIELDERS OVER SHIFTED. THE SHORT STOP WAS ON THE SECOND BASEMAN ... A: A runner hit by a fair batted ball before it passes an infielder (exc F1) is out, dead ball, all ... | |
| infield popfly rule | 6/22/2008 |
| Q: if the batter hits a infield popfly the runners cannot advance right because its a dead ball if they ... A: an IF is NOT a dead ball. It is the same as any fly ball only the batter is out. Runners can ... | |
| Force Play | 6/22/2008 |
| Q: During my daughter's game last night, the other team had a runner on first base. The ball was put in ... A: Well lets understand what a force out is. A force out is a play that may be made only when a runner ... | |
| Foul ball ruling | 6/21/2008 |
| Q: Dr. Ambrose, Sir, in a recent (and very close) game - one of our batters hit a fly ball to right ... A: you answered you own question "I know the basic rules of if the ball is touched in fair territory - ... | |
| hitting a ball down the foul line | 6/20/2008 |
| Q: Can you help me clarify a fair/foulball hit down the line? Is it fair if a hit ball travels in fair ... A: a ball "in flight" is fair or foul based on where the ball is when 1st touched by a defensive player ... | |
| Softball interference/obstruction | 6/20/2008 |
| Q: Great info. 3 Questions, all from our game last night - that we won. 1. Runner on Second, ground ... A: You really give me minimal info but we'll try 1) if F6 is attempting to field the batter ball I ... | |
| tagging up to advance a base | 6/19/2008 |
| Q: I have not found the answer to this in the rules. I play in slow pitch mens league softball (ASA). ... A: that is unfortunately a terrible call by an umpire that doesn't know the basic rule(s). show him ... | |
| Walk off walk | 6/18/2008 |
| Q: Dr. Ambrose, On a topic dated 6/11/08, you stated that in a situation with bases loaded, winning run ... A: I want people who ask questions to understand the rules of softball so that's what I try to give. ... | |
| occupied base | 6/18/2008 |
| Q: What constitutes an occupied first base on a dropped 3rd strike? When there is a runner on first ... A: A base is occupied until the runner is put out or advances to the next base. Yours is a common ... | |
| Walk off walk | 6/18/2008 |
| Q: Dr. Ambrose, On a topic dated 6/11/08, you stated that in a situation with bases loaded, winning run ... A: I read tom's q&a and the situations are different. In tom's q R1 at 3rd and R2 at 1st, fly ball ... | |
| DP/Flex | 6/16/2008 |
| Q: In a recent game, our 14U All Star team was playing with the DP/Flex. The Dp was batting 6th and the ... A: this would be an incorrect understanding of the DP/Flex rule by the umpire. The DP can play defense ... | |
| Infielders positioning | 6/16/2008 |
| Q: What is the ASA rule (co-ed) for the positioning of the infielders such as the shortstop or second ... A: In ASA coed you must have 4 infielders and 4 outfielders. In strict ASA play we do not use lines in ... | |
| batting out of order | 6/16/2008 |
| Q: At a girls 10-12yr.old softball game a batter is batting out of order, the young umpire doesn't know ... A: the director is correct, if discovered during the bat by either side, the correct batter comes to ... | |
| advancing a runner | 6/16/2008 |
| Q: This just happened yesterday during a tournament game my grandaughter was playing in. We had 2 outs ... A: F4 would not interfere with the runner, the defense would obstruct. If F4 obstructed the runner it ... | |
| Force out | 6/14/2008 |
| Q: 12U Fastpitch Softball, Runner on First 1 out ball is hit to 2nd baseman throws to first for force ... A: that would NOT be correct. If the B-R is put out at 1st there is no longer a force out on R1, they ... | |
| does the run count? | 6/14/2008 |
| Q: Here's the scenario....we had one out. There were runners at 2nd and 3rd. The batter popped out to ... A: In this case the run would count 1) it is not a force out at 2nd, it is considered a timing play. ... | |
| batters box | 6/13/2008 |
| Q: A: Sure the box still exists even if there are no lines. It is the umpires judgment, giving any ... | |
| force play | 6/13/2008 |
| Q: Bases are loaded with two outs. The batter hits a ground ball to shortstop that is bobbled. Runner ... A: No the run would not count because R2 is still forced from 2nd and it doesn't matter if the runner ... | |
| Interference on throw to second | 6/13/2008 |
| Q: First let me say how much I appreciate the great work you do for this site - I have learned a lot ... A: The situation here is that the batter is already out when they interfered. 8-7-p says when after ... | |
| orange part of first base | 6/13/2008 |
| Q: If the fielder touches the orange part of first base,( ball in possession) but not white part of ... A: depends where the throw is coming from. If the throw is coming from foul territory or on an errant ... | |
| Verbal Obstruction | 6/12/2008 |
| Q: ASA rules, we recently played a team that constantly screamed as our pitcher was releasing her ... A: "No player, manager, coach shall call time, employ any other word or phase or commit any act while ... | |
| overthrow and over ruling umpire | 6/12/2008 |
| Q: if an infielder catches a ball in the outfield and then overthrows a ball attempting to throw a ... A: It doesn't matter the position or where they threw it from, the award is always 2 bases from the ... | |
| Walk off walk | 6/11/2008 |
| Q: I have a question on a play that recently happened to my team. Bases loaded 2 outs bottom of the ... A: This is an appeal and not a protest. In ASA if all the infielders had left fair territory (crossed ... | |
| ASA Flex Player - Please confirm role at start of game | 6/11/2008 |
| Q: This question pertains to ASA 14U Fastpitch. At the beginning of a game, if a designated player ... A: you had an umpire that doesn't understand the flex/dp rule! the DP bats for the FLEX! The DP and ... | |
| Batter Interference | 6/10/2008 |
| Q: Wild pitch/passed ball. Runner from third stealing. Batter stays in the batter's box hindering our ... A: This umpire is wrong from top to bottom his rule knowledge. I could write a couple of paragraphs on ... | |
| Verbal Obstruction? | 6/9/2008 |
| Q: Dr. Mark, I really enjoyed your response to the pitcher’s verbal obstruction asked by a previous ... A: This would not be obstruction. It would have to be loud enough and distracting enough (as the ball ... | |
| Base Running | 6/8/2008 |
| Q: I actually have three questions. The first two are about base runners. 1) There was fly hit to left ... A: B1 would be out, they are called out as soon as they pass the lead runner and the ball remains ... | |
| Coaches Box | 6/8/2008 |
| Q: Hey, I'm am trying to find out clarification on a ruling for interference. During a foul pop up ... A: the coach must give the defense the opportunity to execute a play w/out being hindered or impeded ... | |
| Coaches Box | 6/8/2008 |
| Q: Hey, I'm am trying to find out clarification on a ruling for interference. During a foul pop up ... A: "I always though that as long as the coach was inside of the box then he was unable to be charged ... | |
| pitching instruction | 6/8/2008 |
| Q: My daughter is a 10 year old pitcher who wants to start learning how to throw curveballs and other ... A: I am not allowed to give out specific advice on the internet by my malpractice carrier. I can only ... | |
| batting first our last | 6/8/2008 |
| Q: Although I thought the same thing, I needed to hear it from someone more with knowledge on this ... A: there is no right choice although 95% of the time winner takes home so they can either bat last and ... | |
| Last batter in CBO | 6/6/2008 |
| Q: We have the following rule in our in-town U14 softball league: MERCY RULE: A team may score no more ... A: It's aways tough to comment on local rules In ASA if we were playing shorthanded where the 9th ... | |
| pitching rules | 6/6/2008 |
| Q: i am a pitcher in a sarasota, fl slowpitch league, seniors division. i understand that i may pitch ... A: the rule states that you must take a position from the front edge of the pitcher's plate to six' ... | |
| interference | 6/6/2008 |
| Q: Runner on 2nd with 2 outs. Ball hit to short and runner advancing to 3rd jumps over grounder and ... A: Interference is that act of an offensive player that impedes, hinders or confuses a defensive player ... | |
| Girls softball | 6/6/2008 |
| Q: girls on 1st and 2nd. batter hits ball to out field the girl leaving 2nd rounds 3rd collides with ... A: If the umpire called obstruction of R1 and felt they would have scored had there been no ... | |
| Balls vs Strikes Incident | 6/5/2008 |
| Q: Mark, So at a recent co-rec ASA softball game I had a 3-2 count and was pitched a ball that hit the ... A: This is the 1st time anyones sent me a video. I hesitate to get involved, I almost rejected the ... | |
| blocked ball | 6/4/2008 |
| Q: Runner on 2nd, past ball that bounces towards the on-deck batter. On deck batter kicks the ball. ... A: It is a blocked ball, dead ball all runners return to the last base touched unless in the umpire's ... | |
| asa fastpitch 9-13 yr olds rover player in softball | 6/4/2008 |
| Q: its a junior division 9 - 13 yr olds we follow asa the rover postion where exactly and please be as ... A: it doesn't matter the age group unless you have local rules to the contrary or it's coed, in ASA the ... | |
| foul tip -out? | 6/4/2008 |
| Q: During a game a batter foul tips the ball directly into the catchers glove, no elevation of the ... A: A "foul tip" is a batted ball that goes sharply and directly to the catcher's glove or hand and is ... | |
| Runner hit by batted ball | 6/4/2008 |
| Q: This is a follow-up question. Your answer was "A runner off base hit with a fair untouched batted ... A: depends on F4 position, and infielder's positioning changes depending on the situation and what game ... | |
| runner hit by batted ball | 6/4/2008 |
| Q: Following up on base runner hit by a batted ball. If the fielder is in front of the base, the batted ... A: if a runner is hit with a fair untouched batted ball after it has past an infielder (exc F1) and no ... | |
| Black part of the Plate | 6/3/2008 |
| Q: I am in my third year of umpiring in PA Co-ed ASA and i was trying to explain to my fellow ... A: #1 this would be a blocked ball and the overthrow rule would apply. #2 yes but caught in fair or ... | |
| dead ball or play on | 6/3/2008 |
| Q: ASA men’s softball Runner at 1st and 2nd base, batter hits to the shortstop - picks up grounder and ... A: As we both know...Interference is the act of an offensive player OR team member that impedes, ... | |
| appeal for running leaving early | 6/3/2008 |
| Q: Runners at 3rd and 2nd with 1 out. FLy ball to center that is caught for second out. Runners tag ... A: By rule 8-3-f the run does not count from R2. It is a still timing play but while any ... | |
| Illegal Pitch -- Plate Mechanics | 6/3/2008 |
| Q: When a pitch (ASA slow pitch) is deemed less than 6 feet or more than 12 feet high, must the umpire ... A: yes I might....page 209 2006 umpire manual (might be a different page in 2008 manual, mine's at the ... | |
| runner hit by battad ball | 6/3/2008 |
| Q: r1 on 2nd base, r2 on 1st. Line drive up the middle, bounces off pitchers' glove, then proceeds to ... A: A runner that is hit by a fair batted ball after it touches or is touched by any fielder including ... | |
| Runner hit by ball | 6/3/2008 |
| Q: We had a situation where their were runners on 2nd and 3rd and 2 outs. 2nd base runner was hit with ... A: "This was the last play of the game and caused us to lose." Then you had a real bad call from an ... | |
| Running Lane | 6/2/2008 |
| Q: Dr. Ambrose, we had a situation in a recent travel game where I think the umpire might have followed ... A: The ASA code is a different document from ASA playing rules and ASA does not publish it's playing ... | |
| ASA softball - runner interference | 6/2/2008 |
| Q: I was told by an umpire that if a fielder (infront of the basepath (ex: in front of a line b/n 1st ... A: A runner is not out when hit with a fair batted ball after it passes an infielder (exc F1) and no ... | |
| out of play rule & question 2 | 6/2/2008 |
| Q: if an attempted catch on a ball in fair play was missed and dropped out of play but the player ... A: It never, ever, never matters where the fielder is on fair/foul. It only matters where the ball is. ... | |
| Runner hit by batted ball | 5/31/2008 |
| Q: Situation: ASA tournament, bases loaded, runner hit by batted ball running to second, umpire calls ... A: I don't know what they disagreed with, this is pretty basic. A runner off base hit with a fair ... | |
| Overthrow | 5/31/2008 |
| Q: Tonight I was playing third and there was 1 out and a runner on second. It was a hard hit ground ... A: Absolute correct call. The award is always 2 bases from the last base touched at the time of the ... | |
| Slow pitch strike zone | 5/30/2008 |
| Q: I pitch in a women's rec. slow pitch softball league. The umpires vary significantly on their ... A: The strike zone is the space over any part of the plate between the front knee and back shoulder of ... | |
| bases loaded groud ball | 5/29/2008 |
| Q: We had an interesting situation occur in our game last night. We were in the field and the bases ... A: Well it was the right call by the umpire because F5 didn't play it properly. A force is when a ... | |
| strike zone | 5/29/2008 |
| Q: What is the strike zone for ASA6-12'? I just read an answer that didn't make sense to me. Does it ... A: The size of the batter matters because this is not "mat ball" The rule tells us front knee to back ... | |
| pitching | 5/29/2008 |
| Q: i have a 10 year old grandaughter who pitches. she starts with her foot on the rubber but when she ... A: I don't know what org she's playing but in ASA she must take a step forward with the non pivot foot ... | |
| baserunners on a infield fly rule | 5/29/2008 |
| Q: We had bases loaded w/ no outs infield pop up ump calls infield fly , 1 of are baserunners was not ... A: If the ball was not caught, it's like any uncaught fly ball, the runner can advance anytime at their ... | |
| ASA slow pitch ADA player | 5/29/2008 |
| Q: I have a documented disability and am able to play defense only. What do I put on the line up card ... A: I'll tell you if you tell me why helpfulness was a 9 and how I can improve my next answer to someone ... | |
| strike zone | 5/29/2008 |
| Q: What is the strike zone for ASA6-12'? I just read an answer that didn't make sense to me. Does it ... A: "Does it matter where the ball lands as well as going over the plate?" No "I always thought that ... | |
| girls slow pitch softball chatter | 5/28/2008 |
| Q: Is there an ASA rule about chatter? Whether it be on the field, in the dugout, or the catcher? ... A: "barks like a dog"????? ok, sounds like some girls I dated in college. This is something the umpire ... | |
| Foul Ball - Infield | 5/28/2008 |
| Q: If a grounder is hit down the 3rd baseline, and rolling fair, then rolls out of play and then back ... A: Rolling "out of play" is not the same as it rolling into foul territory which is what I think you ... | |
| ASA slow pitch ADA player | 5/28/2008 |
| Q: I have a documented disability and am able to play defense only. What do I put on the line up card ... A: Under the ADA rule for defense only in sp your team must have at least 11 players You will be ... | |
| girls slow pitch softball chatter | 5/27/2008 |
| Q: Is there an ASA rule about chatter? Whether it be on the field, in the dugout, or the catcher? A: We have no rules about "chatter" but we don't need any. Some chatter is a part of the game. A good ... | |
| Fair / Foul | 5/27/2008 |
| Q: The other day I was at bat. There was a runner at third. I hit the ball about 5 - 7 ft in the air ... A: A ball is fair or foul depending on where it settles or is first touched between home and a base. ... | |
| Dropped Third Strike/Baserunning | 5/26/2008 |
| Q: Runner on third base with less than two outs and there is a dropped third strike. The right-handed ... A: A "baseline" is an imaginary line directly between the bases A "basepath" is a line directly ... | |
| Baseline | 5/25/2008 |
| Q: Quick question for you. This would be for Fastpitch, under ASA rules. On a drop 3rd strike, the ... A: A "baseline" is an imaginary line directly between the bases A "basepath" is a line directly ... | |
| Pitching mens ASA slow pitch | 5/23/2008 |
| Q: Dr. Mark I need to understand what constitutes a strike. I had our umpire tell me that I could ... A: a strike is sp is a pitched ball that enters the strike zone between the batters back shoulder and ... | |
| Dead ball advancement of runners | 5/22/2008 |
| Q: Runner on 3rd and 1 out. Batter hits a fly ball to right center where it's seemed to be caught as ... A: If the BU went out it's their call,if not it's the PU call. This is what happens when 2 umpires are ... | |
| Girls Softball 9-10 year olds | 5/22/2008 |
| Q: Our team has an exceptional hitter. She can hit almost any pitch that comes anywhere near the ... A: "Is this legal" Yes "If so, why?" because there are no rules against it "Why would we want to ... | |
| Interference-blocked ball | 5/21/2008 |
| Q: Situation: R1 at 3B, R2 at 2B and R3 at 1B and one out. BR hits grounder to F6 who throws to F3 at ... A: part of the def of a blocked ball is a thrown ball that is handled or stopped by a person not ... | |
| flex player | 5/21/2008 |
| Q: Can you explain how the DP and Flex players can be utilized Thank you A: This rule is not complicated but people like to make it so. Just read each section, understand what ... | |
| softball rule | 5/20/2008 |
| Q: what happens when theres a popup on the infield with no outs and runners on b1 and b2; ... A: IF after the play the umpires determined it should have been called an IF and was not (umpire ... | |
| rainout rule | 5/19/2008 |
| Q: Question for you is we were playing the first game of a doubleheader in NYC Big Apple Softball ... A: In ASA play when we have a non-regulation game which means that 4.5 or 5 innings (depends on who's ... | |
| American softball | 5/19/2008 |
| Q: DO you have any idea how many Americans play the game of ASA league slow-pitch and fast-pitch ... A: off their website # The Amateur Softball Association registers over 245,000 softball teams ... | |
| slow pitch softball (stealing) | 5/19/2008 |
| Q: what is the rules for slow pitch softball? can you steal, when can you steal if you can. A: In ASA SP play stealing is legal except in coed, senior and master's play. You cannot leave the ... | |
| Infield Fly Rule | 5/17/2008 |
| Q: Little League Softball Girls 10 - 11 years. Runners on all bases, batter hits infield fly. It is ... A: an infield fly is like any other fly ball only the batter is out while the ball is still in the air. ... | |
| infield fly rule | 5/17/2008 |
| Q: Dr. Mark: Previously you answered the question re teh infield fly rule: "By the book" with less ... A: This is just a MESS, a terrible mess made by umpires that don't have a clue and shouldn't be ... | |
| batted balls and batting out of order | 5/16/2008 |
| Q: We just had two interesting "plays" in our slow pitch league (ASA rules). 1. A ball was swung at ... A: If the ball settles or is 1st touched in fair territory it is a fair ball, so this would be a fair ... | |
| dropped third strike | 5/16/2008 |
| Q: I am aware of the fact that a dropped third strike occurs when first base is unoccupied and there ... A: Are you sure, absolutely there was only 1 out, is it possible there were 2? A batter can run on a ... | |
| Running Lane | 5/16/2008 |
| Q: Dr. Ambrose, we had a situation in a recent travel game where I think the umpire might have followed ... A: Based on your info I would say the call was incorrect 8-2e the b-r is out " when the b-r runs ... | |
| DOUBLE FORFEIT | 5/16/2008 |
| Q: I am in charge of an 8 team playoff tournament for my women's softball league. We may have a ... A: This should be in time, it's very simple The following steps should be taken when a double forfeit ... | |
| dp/flex player | 5/15/2008 |
| Q: my question is if im playing with 11 girls and i want to keep one for a sub and use the tenth player ... A: This rule is not complicated but people like to make it so. Just read each section, understand what ... | |
| Side Arm Pitching | 5/14/2008 |
| Q: I coach a 5th and 6th grade in town team. we have a child who's parent insists that they pitch side ... A: If this is softball and not baseball, they can't do that and it is an illegal pitch. If you have ... | |
| Re-entry rule | 5/13/2008 |
| Q: Here's the basic story: A screaming line drive is hit back to the pitcher, Danny. He bobbles it, ... A: I'll bet this is SP sound like Danny is one tough dude, maybe a little too much. A player is is in ... | |
| Infield Fly Double Play Ruling | 5/13/2008 |
| Q: When an IF rule fly is caught and runners have left base early, must they be tagged out or can the ... A: an infield fly is like any other fly ball only the batter is out while the ball is still in the air. ... | |
| Stealing question....ASA,Pony, etc... | 5/13/2008 |
| Q: Runner at first leads after the release of the ball from the pitcher and stays 10-15 feet off the ... A: When a runner is stationary, off base and the pitcher has control of the ball in the circle, the ... | |
| Runner interference clarification | 5/13/2008 |
| Q: Dr. Ambrose, I have a follow-up question to an answer you provided on 25 Apr. The question dealt ... A: God keep you, as I've mentioned before in some answers my only son is Marine Sgt. Ben Ambrose and ... | |
| umpire ehics/rule violation | 5/13/2008 |
| Q: Hey Dr. Ambrose, haven't talked to you in a while. Had a situation arise tonight. Don't know if it ... A: Nice to talk with you again. I'm surprised an umpire would do this. In ASA play missing a base is ... | |
| Obstruction and Protection from missing HP | 5/12/2008 |
| Q: Mark, Here is one from a recent game that I'd like your input on. R1 on 2nd base when B1 singles to ... A: have you ever seen the movie 12 angry men where it's 11-1 for conviction and it ends up 12-0 for ... | |
| infield fly rule | 5/12/2008 |
| Q: Dr. Mark: Previously you answered the question re teh infield fly rule: "By the book" with less ... A: an infield fly is like any other fly ball only the batter is out while the ball is still in the air. ... | |
| Runner doubled up question | 5/12/2008 |
| Q: We are in a co-ed, recreational, slow-pitch league in Iraq, playing with ASA rules (with a few minor ... A: If you're military my only son is Marine Sgt. Ben Ambrose, God bless you all and come home safely. ... | |
| Runners on first and third situation | 5/11/2008 |
| Q: Runners on first and third. Runner on first takes second, but walks very slowly to second, trying ... A: You can't do that, when a runner has legally started to advance the runner may not be stopped by the ... | |
| Banned Bats | 5/11/2008 |
| Q: I have been out of the softball playing for a few years and are getting back into play. I have a ... A: you're bat is "non-approved" (or banned) from ASA play. You cannot use it, a non approved bat being ... | |
| Designated player | 5/11/2008 |
| Q: Having coached in Little League for many years and now switched to 14U ASA grils fast pitched, what ... A: I'll give you the basics of the DP/Flex This rule is not complicated but people like to make it so. ... | |
| running after a strike out | 5/11/2008 |
| Q: Recently we played a team whose coach has every girl who strikes out, even when the ball is caught ... A: I meant the PU should empathize the batter is out, maybe I used the wrong tense of the word, been a ... | |
| Runner hit with a batted ball | 5/10/2008 |
| Q: Using ASA rules a batter hits a ball and infielders miss the ground ball which were play inside the ... A: In ASA if a fair batted ball passes an infielder (exc F1) strikes the runner, and no other fielder ... | |
| base running | 5/10/2008 |
| Q: In girls softball 15 and under. The runner going to first turns inward towards second.The first ... A: A b-r overrunning 1st may legally turn either to their left or their right. If any attempt is made ... | |
| running after a strike out | 5/9/2008 |
| Q: Recently we played a team whose coach has every girl who strikes out, even when the ball is caught ... A: The umpire should be emphatic with a batters' out, a couple of times if needed, not much else an ... | |
| Calling a runner out for running inside the base line | 5/9/2008 |
| Q: My 16 year old daughter is umpiring for our local recreation department softball league. At ... A: If the throw is coming from foul territory and the defense is using the colored portion of the base, ... | |
| co-ed softball on minimum number of players | 5/3/2008 |
| Q: what is the minimum number of players you can play with in co-ed softball? How many have to be ... A: I've found that many, many leagues have their own rules on this to avoid forfeits. In strict ASA ... | |
| in field fly rule | 5/2/2008 |
| Q: This is a regular season game for girls slow pitch ages 14 thru 18 . With runners on first and ... A: This is a mess caused by the umpire. An IF is (always, everytime, until Jesus comes back)a live ... | |
| ASA House League Game | 4/30/2008 |
| Q: Last Friday Night we had a game in the middle of the fifth inning the game was called due to rain. ... A: In "strict" ASA play you need 41/2 or 5 innings to have a reg game. 41/2 if the home team is ahead, ... | |
| Ruling on 11 man line-up | 4/30/2008 |
| Q: I was recently playing in a ASA league game. The other team had 11 hitters in the line-up and no ... A: this is ok, they can play "shorthanded" and take an out in the batting position. They could not ... | |
| force play | 4/30/2008 |
| Q: for 7th grade girls fastpitch softball. There was a runner on third with 2 outs. Slow ground ball ... A: The play at 1st is not really a force play (I don't want to get into that) but realistically it is ... | |
| DP / Flex substitution | 4/29/2008 |
| Q: Coach had flex bat in the DP spot (no problem) but my question is can the removed DP Courtesy Run ... A: A CR is not considered to have been in the game (it is not a substitution and they can CR multiple ... | |
| Softball - Co-Ed, slow pitch | 4/29/2008 |
| Q: Mark, here is another one. Last nights game utilizing the 20 ft no return line from 3rd base and ... A: Bases loaded, R2 is forced at 3rd, There is no force now for R1 at 3rd and they didn't cross the cl. ... | |
| Black part of the Plate | 4/28/2008 |
| Q: I am in my third year of umpiring in PA Co-ed ASA and i was trying to explain to my fellow ... A: Remember an illegal bat is different from an altered or banned bat to which we add a ... | |
| asa softball | 4/28/2008 |
| Q: I thought you answered ASA softball rules? I played in an ASA state tournament last year and they ... A: It is my understanding that ASA used some "test" areas in the country to evaluate a "pitcher's box" ... | |
| BUNTING FAST PITCH SOFTBALL | 4/28/2008 |
| Q: Player squares around to bunt. Never pulls bat back. Pitch comes in high. Umpire calls a ball ... A: That is correct for NCAA softball however it is NOT correct for ASA or Fed ball. My profile states ... | |
| Girls 12 & under asa Fastpitch softball | 4/27/2008 |
| Q: On ball 4, can a runner run directly to second base all in one play or must they take only first? ... A: A BB is treated the same as a batted ball. The LBR does not go into effect until the b-r touches ... | |
| third strike -- bounced before reaching plate | 4/27/2008 |
| Q: With two strikes, one out, and a runner on third base, a pitch hits the ground before reaching the ... A: the problem with the dropped 3rd strike rule is it's title. People think the catcher has to drop ... | |
| overthrow | 4/26/2008 |
| Q: 10 and under we follow asa rules unless noted here we go runner on first batter hits a grounder to ... A: It is not an overthrow it is simply a muffed play. As an umpire you can't make up your own rules. ... | |
| Running outside the baseline. | 4/25/2008 |
| Q: My daughter plays on our jr. high team. We play by Ohio High School Rules. At one game the umpire ... A: A "baseline" is an imaginary line directly between the bases. A "basepath" is a line directly ... | |
| softball - little league minor girls | 4/25/2008 |
| Q: If a batter hits a ground ball that initially hits in foul territory between home and 1st base and ... A: is it fair or foul? fair On batted balls between home and 1st or 3rd and on balls in flight if ... | |
| interference | 4/25/2008 |
| Q: In co-ed slow pitch adult softball there is a runner on first with a ball hit to the ss. The ss ... A: Yes this is interference and since the runner is already out, the runner closest to home would also ... | |
| over throw | 4/25/2008 |
| Q: heres the deal,10 and under girls softball we follow asa rules unless noted.runner on first ball hit ... A: An overthrow is a ball that goes out of play. we then award 2 bases from the last base touched at ... | |
| bunting (fair or foul ball) | 4/24/2008 |
| Q: In our game tonight, one girl squared and bunted the ball. It landed fair and then rolled over the ... A: It never, ever, never matters where the fielder is on fair/foul. It only matters where the ball is. ... | |
| Pitching | 4/24/2008 |
| Q: I had umpire to night question my pitcher say that she must show the ball to him. What the told me ... A: I agree it's really hard to see the ball if it's in the glove, it's a good thing there is no rule on ... | |
| OVERTHROW ASA Rule 8-5-G, Clarification | 4/23/2008 |
| Q: is the dugout definitly out of play as soon as the ball enters it? What if it enters then bounces ... A: Is the dugout definitely out of play as soon as the ball enters it? yes, dead ball What if it ... | |
| double first base appeal - follow up to 4/18 | 4/21/2008 |
| Q: Ambrose, This is a follow-up question to your answer about the double first base on 4/18. Please ... A: A LBA is usually the way it is done, possesion of the ball, contact with the bag and "blue runner ... | |
| injured player in 14U ASA recreational fastpitch game | 4/21/2008 |
| Q: Dr. Ambrose, I have a question concerning injured players. If a player severly sprains an ankle in a ... A: The correct answer in ASA play is the team plays shorthanded and an out is recorded in the injured ... | |
| rules/protest | 4/21/2008 |
| Q: ASA rules apply to our local league. Its a league playoff game, opposing team begins game with 8 ... A: If I got it right... basically they started with 9, 1 of whom is not on the roster (this must be a ... | |
| Glove Rules | 4/20/2008 |
| Q: I was playing third base in a church softball game with my old baseball first base glove (this glove ... A: Church softball and being called out for an illegal glove? that's a new one on me. In ASA Gloves ... | |
| Mens ASA slowpitch | 4/20/2008 |
| Q: What is the size and placement of the batters box? I was called out for stepping to fart forward ... A: the box is 7' by 3' with 4' in front of a line drawn through the center of the plate. remember that ... | |
| senior softball | 4/19/2008 |
| Q: with the two first base bags, is it mandatory for a batter to run to the outside base if he hits a ... A: the key is"whenever a play is being made" You said he didn't run through the base, just stopped on ... | |
| Stealing | 4/18/2008 |
| Q: I coach a U12 girls fastpitch team and we encountered actually two situations the other night. The ... A: We don't have a hesitation rule but rather a look back rule that controls this. It sounds like R1 ... | |
| Protests | 4/18/2008 |
| Q: If I understand protests correctly, if a legal protest is filed the game continues. If the team ... A: Correct No I don't think so, I understand your logic. Only the affected (or disadvantaged) team ... | |
| senior softball | 4/18/2008 |
| Q: with the two first base bags, is it mandatory for a batter to run to the outside base if he hits a ... A: Anytime a play is being made at 1st (even from the outfield) the runner must use the colored portion ... | |
| pitching | 4/16/2008 |
| Q: We are playing in a 12-14 yr old fastpitch league. Umpires and coaches are telling my pitchers that ... A: I'm sorry for the delay in answering your question I'm supposed to get an email from AE when a ... | |
| Slow pitch Softball - Safe or Out? | 4/15/2008 |
| Q: Runner on 1st base. Sharply hit ground ball hits 1st base without being touched, bounces up, and ... A: I assume the runner is on base, did not intentionally interfere with the batted ball and since this ... | |
| Interference | 4/15/2008 |
| Q: OK, I see you answered the baubled ball question regarding tagging up and I understand why the rule ... A: When a coach intentionally interferes with a thrown or batted ball the runner closest to home would ... | |
| Tag up | 4/15/2008 |
| Q: OK, I see you answered the baubled ball question regarding tagging up and I understand why the rule ... A: I think you meant this question for me so I pulled it out of the question pool. A runner can ... | |
| Flex/DP | 4/15/2008 |
| Q: State of NJ High School Fast Pitch Girls Softball Flex/DP Rule. Situation: DP 7th in the ... A: I'm glad you like the site. I think most of the time fans, players, coaches and parents get some ... | |
| girsl fastpitch sofball | 4/14/2008 |
| Q: I read an answer of yours from 7-14-06 about runner on first, running on hit ball to outfield. ... A: You are correct in what I said, the runner is awarded home. Runners are always awarded 2 bases from ... | |
| foul tick caught by catcher -softball | 4/14/2008 |
| Q: With a runner on 1st, 1 out, girl stealing on pitch, 2 strikes on batter and the batter foul ticks ... A: Just for others, a foul "tip" and a foul ball are not the same. Among other things a foul tip is a ... | |
| fair/foul ball | 4/14/2008 |
| Q: Confirming ruling in our weekend game. Short pop up lands in play and has bounced outside the third ... A: Sorry I can't confirm, based on the info I got from your question I have a foul ball, since the ball ... | |
| Black part of the Plate | 4/12/2008 |
| Q: I am in my third year of umpiring in PA Co-ed ASA and i was trying to explain to my fellow ... A: Congrats on making your 3rd year, most umpires don't. It's not downhill from here but you're on ... | |
| 9-10 girls fast pitch softball | 4/12/2008 |
| Q: when a batter is awarded first base on 4 th ball, are they allowed to steal second base if the ball ... A: Although it's not my field please fax me you HIPPA release so I may interview all your therapists ... | |
| Tag Rule | 4/11/2008 |
| Q: A fly ball is hit to left-center field. Runner on third comes back to tag. The ball hits off the ... A: Actually 8-4-d says "when a legally caught fly ball is first touched by any defensive player". I ... | |
| courtesy runners substitutes | 4/11/2008 |
| Q: If a coach replaces a courtesy runner with a PINCH RUNNER, and the courtesy was running for the ... A: Yes but you are burning a sub and then a reentry for the pitcher yes but may re-enter once an ... | |
| Hit by Pitch and Third strike drop ball | 4/10/2008 |
| Q: Dr. Ambrose, I have two questions. 1. Per ASA Girls 14U rules, how many times can a pitcher hit the ... A: Under ASA rules they can hit as many batter's as their coach lets them (putting someone else in to ... | |
| Warm up swings | 4/8/2008 |
| Q: I am coaching a 10 and under team for the first time this year and last night I had ump tell me that ... A: that is correct In JO play the batter must remain in the batter's box with at least 1 foot between ... | |
| fly ball | 4/8/2008 |
| Q: Baserunner on second base, flyball hit deep to right field. Ball hit rightfielders glove then ... A: A runner can legally leave the base as soon as a batted fly ball that is going to be caught touches ... | |
| ASA Slow pitch - Subs and batting order | 4/7/2008 |
| Q: Our league is basically goverened by ASA rules, with some tweaking. We have an "unlimited" sub ... A: A starter and their sub or a sub for the sub can never be in the game at the same time. A starter ... | |
| four base error? | 4/3/2008 |
| Q: Ok Doc, we were playing in a recreation league game where only 3 home runs are permitted, and after ... A: A batted fly ball that touches a defensive player and then clears the fence in fair territory is a ... | |
| Softball ruling | 3/31/2008 |
| Q: Girls 14U fastpitch question. With a 2-2 count on the batter she attempts to get out of the way of ... A: In ASA play when the batter has 2 strikes on them and the 3rd strike is swung at and missed and the ... | |
| Rules | 3/28/2008 |
| Q: On a fly ball that is touched by the fielder who is standing in fair territory but the ball that ... A: It NEVER matters where the fielder is, it ONLY matters where the ball is. If the ball is in fair ... | |
| Infield Fly Rule Clarification | 3/26/2008 |
| Q: I read on this site, in one of the responses to an infield fly rule question, that an infield fly ... A: "My base question is this... the umpire must call an infield fly rule for it to be in effect, ... | |
| Ball Dropped By Catcher On 3rd Call Strike | 3/25/2008 |
| Q: First thanks for taking my question!!! Wanted to make sure I understood the 3rd call strike dropped ... A: In ASA play unless your local league has exceptions (which they can) Case 1 batter is out, ball ... | |
| Catcher throwing to the shortstop. | 3/24/2008 |
| Q: Dr. Ambrose, it's always a pleasure viewing your answers. My question is. Runner at second base, ... A: If you're asking me simply can the catcher throw the ball to F6 in an attempt to make a play on R1, ... | |
| Fastpitch Softball | 3/17/2008 |
| Q: Can you slide to first base and it not be an out? Thank you, Casara King A: Unless you have local league rules that prohibit it, ASA play does not prohibit sliding into 1st. ... | |
| electronics | 3/17/2008 |
| Q: Can a team video a teams signs. Also how dose it work when a batter bats out of order. Does the team ... A: I'll answer your 2nd question 1st. When a out of order batter is discovered while at bat either by ... | |
| interference | 3/17/2008 |
| Q: If a ball is hit and headed over the fence and the outfielder throws his glove and hits the ball ... A: If in the judgment of the umpire the ball would have cleared the fence in flight it is a 4 base ... | |
| High School dead ball | 3/15/2008 |
| Q: The batter hits the ball to right center. The ball gets stuck under the outfield fence. The ... A: It is by rule a ground rule double when a live batted ball rolls under a fence and so R1 is awarded ... | |
| Re: Look Back Rule | 3/14/2008 |
| Q: Dr. Mark; in an earlier response (where R1 was on third and the BR had received a walk and continued ... A: I agree if R1 was stopped on 3rd when the pitcher had the ball in the circle and the b-r touched 1st ... | |
| "hestitation rule"-12 yr old city league | 3/12/2008 |
| Q: Girl on second, batter hits a base hit. Ball is thrown in from the outfield to the pitcher. Girl ... A: If she was stationary when the pitcher had the ball in the circle (and the pitcher is not making a ... | |
| Base Running, ASA rules | 3/11/2008 |
| Q: In a U12 softball game there was a runner on third, one out, and the batter was walked by the ... A: With all due respect the look back rules are very clear but sometimes live play can be confusing. ... | |
| softball | 3/5/2008 |
| Q: bases loaded, batter makes contact with ball which comes to a halt, on home plate. catcher steps on ... A: if the catcher has control of the ball and is in contact with the plate this is a force out on R1, ... | |
| softball questions | 3/4/2008 |
| Q: if the umpire notices that the batter steps into the batters box with an illegal bat, is she called ... A: Just for info there is a difference between and illegal bat and an altered or non-approved ... | |
| Runner Interference Rule Question | 3/3/2008 |
| Q: Ambrose, I'm hoping that you can help provide clarification on a runner interference play that ... A: Interference is the act of an offensive player that impedes, hinders or confuses a defensive player ... | |
| DP/Flex | 2/26/2008 |
| Q: If I start one of my pitchers as my flex player, but I would like to use my other player as my DP ... A: This rule is not complicated but people like to make it so. Just read each section and that's what ... | |
| Look back rule NFHS | 2/23/2008 |
| Q: What do you think? With high school (National Federation) rules: Runner on third, ball four on ... A: I'm an ASA umpire but I believe the fundamentals of the look back rule are the same for NFHS. In ... | |
| Re-entry | 2/18/2008 |
| Q: Starter 26 was substituted by #1 to bat in the top of the second inning and in the bottom of inning ... A: Q1 is an unreported substitute. If brought to the umpires attention by the defense before the next ... | |
| Banned Bat List | 2/18/2008 |
| Q: Mark, I play in a city open league twice a year in NC. We follow ASA rules and there is a ruling ... A: well I can only chime in my opinion because this seems to be a local league decision and is not ASA ... | |
| Third Strike rule | 2/18/2008 |
| Q: Okay, the team I coach had a game this past weekend. This is what happened...our team was in the ... A: The third strike rule is in effect when the catcher "fails to catch the 3rd strike before the ball ... | |
| Batting out of order | 2/17/2008 |
| Q: a coach ask me this question and not 100% sure. b3 hit in b1 spot and singles, b2 also singles. 1st ... A: In #1 the next batter would be b4 because b3 (who follows b2 who was made legal by a pitch) is on ... | |
| helmet-face guards | 2/16/2008 |
| Q: Is there a difference between regular batting helmets and a pitchers helmet? I have looked on line ... A: I'm not an expert on this but I also did some searches and I found what you did. As of right now I ... | |
| Re-entry | 2/11/2008 |
| Q: Starter 26 was substituted by #1 to bat in the top of the second inning and in the bottom of inning ... A: Yes that is legal. A starter and their sub may each "re-enter" the game once. It used to be only ... | |
| legal equipment? | 2/7/2008 |
| Q: B1 steps into the batter’s box with a bat that has a certification mark, but appears on the ... A: False, this is not a legal bat. The official bat in ASA Championship Play must meet all of the ... | |
| look back rule | 2/6/2008 |
| Q: Runners at 2nd and 3rd,after pitch runner on 2nd runs 3/4 the way to 3rd attempting to get in a ... A: This does fall under the look back rule and these rules apply in ASA play when a runner is ... | |
| Rules for Coed Senior Softball | 1/19/2008 |
| Q: Where can I find sources for developing a set of rules for senior coed softball players? Age Group: ... A: What a great idea. I think all you really have to do is combine the rules of ASA senior game with ... | |
| Protest, how to do it correctly | 1/5/2008 |
| Q: Mark, I would really appreciate you spelling out just exactly how the different appeals are made. ... A: A live ball appeal of a missed base or base left too soon is made obviously while the ball is still ... | |
| out of bounds rule | 12/14/2007 |
| Q: say left feilder is going for the ball that is still in the air, it hits his glove when he is in ... A: It never, ever, never matters where the fielder is when the ball is 1st touched, it ONLY matters ... | |
| Fair Ball/Foul Ball | 12/11/2007 |
| Q: Mark, I have an ongoing dispute that I need resolved. I have been regional playoff high school ... A: This is a BASIC rule of softball and you are absolutely correct. ASA rulebook Rule 1 FAIR BALL "A ... | |
| umpires resonsibilty | 12/3/2007 |
| Q: you have 2 umpires runners on first and second. a pop up to short right field which ump should be ... A: There's a few things that can happen here... "by the book"...anytime there are multiple runners in ... | |
| Time out rules | 11/27/2007 |
| Q: Ambrose, My question is can an umpire call time out during live play. There was a runner on both ... A: This is what umpires call a "mess". 10-4-e says an umpire will not call time while any play is in ... | |
| Buckett rule | 11/21/2007 |
| Q: I do the little girls fast pitch and the girls coaches sit on a bucket of balls with a padded lid ... A: We would never allow that here in ASA tournament play but I understand it's fairly common in league ... | |
| Tagging up. | 11/15/2007 |
| Q: First all thanks for your help. Second, I was reading a past question about runners tagging up on a ... A: You are correct in what I said, a runner can leave the base legally as soon as a fly ball or line ... | |
| Infield fly -additional info | 11/14/2007 |
| Q: Being an amateur coach for my wifes softball side we have to do our share of umpiring. Quite happy ... A: With an infield fly ball - runners on 1 and 2 - less than 2 out - batter is out - I believe if ball ... | |
| Interference. | 11/13/2007 |
| Q: Can't find in the book as to exactly what is interference! Assuming NO contact,nothing said ... A: "Assuming NO contact,nothing said verbally,no arm waving etc,no stopping in front of the fielder.Can ... | |
| time limit | 11/9/2007 |
| Q: Sir, my question is; we were playing a championship game and we had 5 minutes left in the ... A: Usually in games with a time limit, there is 1 official clock run either by the umpire or the ... | |
| coaches | 11/8/2007 |
| Q: Is there a book or anything on how to handle with coaches if they're arguing or something? Game ... A: I don't know of any books devoted to this. Our MASA state clinic usually has a class devoted to ... | |
| legal delivery | 11/6/2007 |
| Q: pitching regulations fast pitch. 2006 ASA is the book I am currently looking at. pretty sure same ... A: It's farther down in the book, 6 sec 8 effect "any infractions of sec 1-5,7, 8 is an illegal pitch." ... | |
| player hit by throw | 11/2/2007 |
| Q: this is my question we had a game last week (14 and under fastpitch softball) were down 4-3 last at ... A: I've got to tell you "Ismael Alvarez" that's made my top 5 list of cool names. Back to your ... | |
| bunting | 11/2/2007 |
| Q: Had this issue at a double header with my lead off batter squaring to bunt. Batter squared to bunt, ... A: In ASA play the umpire is incorrect and you are correct. A batter may put the bat over the plate ... | |
| player hit by throw | 10/31/2007 |
| Q: this is my question we had a game last week (14 and under fastpitch softball) were down 4-3 last at ... A: If the b-r is in the lane and did not intentionally interfere with the throw, the ball continues to ... | |
| runner interference | 10/29/2007 |
| Q: ASA girls fastpitch 14U is the level. Runners on 1st and 3rd. Batter hits ground ball to second. ... A: In this case... ... | |
| time being called | 10/24/2007 |
| Q: time out was called to the field umpire by the center fielder and short stop. It was granted and ... A: Good morning Adam, Time can be called by ANY umpire on the field. The hp umpire has no special ... | |
| slow pitch | 10/20/2007 |
| Q: is there a new rule that states. a foul tip to the catcher on the first or second pitch .that ... A: This is a common misunderstanding of the rule. A foul tip is a batted ball that goes "sharply and ... | |
| lineup | 10/19/2007 |
| Q: i coach a 12U girls team and i have 10 on the team. can i bat all ten....if i can...what is the ... A: sorry to make you wait but this is rather an involved question and I needed time to sit down and do ... | |
| asa slow pitch softball | 10/19/2007 |
| Q: bases are loaded with 2 outs. line drive back up the middle and pitcher deflects the ball back ... A: When we have a deflected batted ball, the runner is NOT out if they could not avoid contact with the ... | |
| lineup | 10/19/2007 |
| Q: i coach a 12U girls team and i have 10 on the team. can i bat all ten....if i can...what is the ... A: In ASA you can PLAY 10 but can only BAT 9. You use a DP (any batting position) who bats and in the ... | |
| defensive positions | 10/18/2007 |
| Q: I play in a softball league in lakeland, fl and we go by asa rules. Is there a rule that states ... A: I pulled this out of the question pool (graveyard) for you. In ASA ball only co-ed requires ... | |
| runner interference on double play | 10/18/2007 |
| Q: with a runner on first a ball hit to the shortstop throws to the second baseman getting the first ... A: a defensive player must be given the opportunity to field or throw the ball anywhere on the playing ... | |
| men's slow-pitch softball | 10/15/2007 |
| Q: I have been in a washington, dc men's slow-pitch league for over 2 years. I usually pitch and have ... A: You know sometimes I wonder, I just wonder....where they get this stuff. In sp the pitcher is 50' ... | |
| photography | 10/13/2007 |
| Q: Photography I read in the rules book somewhere that the photographer must confer with the local ... A: media coverage authorized by the tournament committee can be on the playing field but must not use a ... | |
| Fair/Foul | 10/9/2007 |
| Q: What defines "past 1B or 3B" when the ball is on the infield? I was taught somewhere in my past that ... A: This is a situation that happens rarely in my experience. If a fly ball lands beyond the base then ... | |
| Batter-runner interference? | 10/6/2007 |
| Q: Situation: U-12 softball, 1 out, runner on second, batter hits a catchable pop fly along first base ... A: The b-r has no right to the line here, just as a runner going from base to base has no right to a ... | |
| Batter-runner interference? | 10/6/2007 |
| Q: Situation: U-12 softball, 1 out, runner on second, batter hits a catchable pop fly along first base ... A: the answer is I don't know because I didn't see the play. Interference is a judgement call by the ... | |
| Rule interpretation and application | 10/5/2007 |
| Q: Dr. Ambrose, Scenario: One out, runners on 2nd and 3rd, the batter hits a line drive to ... A: It looks to me like they moved 10-8 to 10-4 in the 2007 book and didn't change the index. I haven't ... | |
| Rule interpretation and application | 10/4/2007 |
| Q: Dr. Ambrose, Scenario: One out, runners on 2nd and 3rd, the batter hits a line drive to ... A: Sorry to take a little longer than usual to answer, when I read that, it didn't seem right and it's ... | |
| Rule interpretation and application | 10/4/2007 |
| Q: Dr. Ambrose, Scenario: One out, runners on 2nd and 3rd, the batter hits a line drive to ... A: You are 100% correct except for some procedures. I believe the umpire should have awarded both ... | |
| Batter-Runner | 9/29/2007 |
| Q: Slow pitch softball , co-ed league female batter hits a ball (diving in at it) ball hits in front of ... A: We would have a foul ball if any part of the batter's person or clothing is hit with a batter ball ... | |
| awarding bases | 9/28/2007 |
| Q: Clarification please.. I've unpire in past but have been out of the game for a while.. running on ... A: The direction of the runner has no bearing on the award. It is 2 bases from the last base touched ... | |
| Called out for being off first base | 9/28/2007 |
| Q: Dr Mark, I play in a park and rec mens D league (ASA) and in a recent game I was on first base with ... A: With bases loaded the field umpire should be off the right shoulder of the 2nd baseman, that's a ... | |
| 12 baters | 9/27/2007 |
| Q: Last night in Adult Softball (ASA rules)I had team to bat 12 players. This was not caught until the ... A: Unless your local league allows this, many do, under ASA the 12th batter is an illegal player and ... | |
| tagging up | 9/26/2007 |
| Q: Runner on 1st base, ball hit to right field right fielder bobbles ball, runner tags as rightfielder ... A: A runner can leave the base as soon as the ball is touched a a defensive player. Let's use the ... | |
| catchers interference | 9/24/2007 |
| Q: Last year you responded to an inquiry regarding catcher's interference. You said defensive players ... A: Obstruction or interference terminology are not my premise but ASA's. The rule book states very ... | |
| Tag-up on thrown ball out of play? | 9/20/2007 |
| Q: Situation: Championship coed softball, one out in final inning, we are the visiting team down one ... A: R2 would be out on appeal if they were off base when the catch was made and if they went to 3rd on ... | |
| playing in the field only | 9/19/2007 |
| Q: I am in a men's slowpitch league. Is there a rule that allows a player to only play in the field ... A: In strict ASA play in slowpitch everyone has to bat. Using an EP all 11 bat and any 10 play ... | |
| defense | 9/16/2007 |
| Q: Is there a rule where the infield and outfield players must position themselves? Is there a rule how ... A: There is no ASA rule regarding defensive positioning (except in co-ed) except all defensive player ... | |
| Ball out of play | 8/29/2007 |
| Q: here's my question, a player is running from second base to third base, outfielder pitches the ball ... A: When a fielder loses possession of the ball on an attempted tag and the ball goes out of play, each ... | |
| interference | 8/27/2007 |
| Q: Love the website and all the insight that you have provide on the rules for ASA softball. In reading ... A: The 1st one is a little tough as we have all seen runners jump over or around a batted ball in ... | |
| pitching nets | 8/21/2007 |
| Q: I heard years ago that the southern states had pitching nets in front of their pitchers? I have ... A: As you know ASA takes some criticism from some players (who think any bat made should be legal) for ... | |
| pitcher hit by line drive | 8/17/2007 |
| Q: I was pitching in a slowpitch softball game ASA rules and a line drive drilled me in the head. ... A: I think it's time you bought a helmet-face guard combo, more and more pitcher's are wearing ... | |
| EH and re-entry | 8/17/2007 |
| Q: OK so if the extra hitter is not present at one of her at bats that is an out. Is she however ... A: In ASA play, if you are using an EP (I assume this is a sp question) and they leave the game (not ... | |
| Pinch Running | 8/15/2007 |
| Q: In slow pitch ASA softball, what is the rules about pinch running. If a player has a bad leg, who ... A: if you're talking about courtesy runner's, in sp they're allowed only in senior play. You can of ... | |
| Re-entry rule | 8/14/2007 |
| Q: we play modified fast pitch softball. 9 guys with the option of a DH/EH. Other team is playing ... A: Under strict ASA play you can't do this, F3 can only re-enter in their original batting position, ... | |
| asa softball | 8/10/2007 |
| Q: batter hits the ball and the ball hits the runner standing on second. 2nd thing that happen to me ... A: A batted ball that strikes a runner on base who does intentionally interfere with it, if the closest ... | |
| INTERFERENCE? | 8/7/2007 |
| Q: Runners on 1st & 2nd, 1 out. 3rd baseman is playing "back." Ground ball to 3rd, fielder deflects the ... A: I would have to see the play but... On a deflected batted ball the runner must not intentionally ... | |
| softball and baseball | 8/7/2007 |
| Q: You responded to a question on 7/16/2007 from Jim on base awards and gave a follow-up situation ... A: "but isn't this contradictory to rule 8.2.5 Situation A in the 2007 NFHS Baseball case book" It may ... | |
| Caught third strike foul ball - not called out | 8/7/2007 |
| Q: Dr. Mark, A real situation call at the Fast Pitch Girls Eastern Nationals U18 in York, PA 2007. ... A: A foul "tip" or foul "ball" is no longer is dependant on the "above the batter's head" requirement, ... | |
| Infield fly ASA U-14 Slowpitch | 8/7/2007 |
| Q: Here is what happened. R1 is at 2nd and R2 is at 1st, there is 1 out. Br hits a pop fly to the ... A: When the umpire called IF their judgement was that the ball could be caught with ordinary effort by ... | |
| ASA slowpitch u12 ruling | 8/7/2007 |
| Q: Situation, bases loaded batter bats the ball which lands on home plate and the ball settles there on ... A: The plate like any other base is in fair territory, so this would be a fair ball. This is probably ... | |
| 12U girls fastpitch softball | 8/7/2007 |
| Q: 2 outs, runner at third. Batter swings for a third strike, catcher misses the ball. Third base ... A: The run would not count. ANYTIME the 3rd out of an inning is a force out (as this is, because the ... | |
| total knee repalcement/titanium shaft | 8/6/2007 |
| Q: i have a total knee replacement and i want to know if an ASA Softball Director can he deny me or my ... A: You must be physically challenged under the ADA guidelines in order to use a flex in sp. I do not ... | |
| interferance | 8/4/2007 |
| Q: In a game when with a runner on second base and the batter hits a double and makes an attempt to go ... A: Was there an opportunity to make a play? The key here (w/out seeing the play) was the catcher ... | |
| Force out situation | 8/4/2007 |
| Q: In a slow pitch softball game, with runners on 1b &2B,batter hit a soft pop up to ss, umpire didnot ... A: If I understand your question, No IF, ball drops, runner is forced out at 3rd, f5 throws the ball to ... | |
| Two Fair or Foul Questions | 8/4/2007 |
| Q: Question 1) The batter hits the ball which bounces in front of the plate and travels high into the ... A: On any batted ball that has either not passed 1st or 3rd or is a fly ball... it is where THE BALL is ... | |
| live ball on pitch | 8/3/2007 |
| Q: there are runners on base there is not curtosiey step .the pitch is throwen high and it goes over ... A: You don't tell me but I assume this is a sp game w/out stealing. If that is correct, the pitched ... | |
| Protesting a game with no basis | 8/3/2007 |
| Q: Recently, we played a semi-final slow pitch game. Our team won 6-5. The umpire has two daughters ... A: I assume they're protesting the umpire. IMO they should have done that at the beginning of the game ... | |
| asa slowpitch softball fair or foul | 8/2/2007 |
| Q: I was the plate umpire when a fly ball was hit and the third baseman standing in fair territory made ... A: This is a very simple rule for fair or foul.....where is the ball when it is 1st touched by a ... | |
| Hit by a throw | 8/2/2007 |
| Q: Here's the scenario I am on first base of a ASA mens slow pitch softball game no outs. The hitter ... A: This is interference from your description as the fielder must be given the opportunity to execute ... | |
| Dimaggio Rule | 8/1/2007 |
| Q: I was reading a recent answer on this site regarding bobbled balls and tag-ups. The answer given ... A: the runner can advance as soon as a defensive player touches the ball. It doesn't matter what ... | |
| batters box | 8/1/2007 |
| Q: We play ASA rules in a league and when they line the boxes they dont put an inside line on either ... A: The batters box line begins 6" from the plate and extends 4' in front of a line drawn through the ... | |
| runners score on appeal? | 8/1/2007 |
| Q: Our church league plays on fields with no fence so all fair balls to the outfield are constantly in ... A: If there are less than 2 outs, the runner appealed missing the base is out, everything else that ... | |
| in field fly rule | 7/31/2007 |
| Q: i watched a game the other day. bases were loaded and no outs. the batter hit a pop fly on the ... A: On an IF runners can advance at their own risk. If the ball is caught they cannot leave the base ... | |
| Slow Pitch delivery rules | 7/31/2007 |
| Q: I started using a different technique last week by swinging my arm outward kinda underarm grenade ... A: In sp the rules state that the ball must be delivered past the hip in an underhand motion. Let's ... | |
| Verbal Interference by defensive player in slow pitch softball | 7/28/2007 |
| Q: The pitcher pitches the ball. Before the batter swings at the pitch, the catcher hollers "right", ... A: Offensive players interfere. defensive players obstruct, in softball the terms are not ... | |
| Overthrows | 7/28/2007 |
| Q: I know that when there is an overthrow from an outfielder baserunners are awarded 2 bases. Here's ... A: "I know that when there is an overthrow from an outfielder baserunners are awarded 2 bases." That's ... | |
| Over running first base in fair territory | 7/27/2007 |
| Q: In a softball game i was umpiring, the runner over ran first base and turned toward fair ground. He ... A: You are correct, after over-running 1st a runner can legally turn either to their right or their ... | |
| run ahead rule | 7/26/2007 |
| Q: Does the run ahead rule mean that a home team can win in any inning after the fifth if they have ... A: Anytime after the required # of innings the rule applies. Let's just do the sp rule, in tournament ... | |
| The Good Old 8-3 Play | 7/25/2007 |
| Q: Mark, It has been a quiet year, lacking the usual controversies that I trouble you with. Our final ... A: Nice to talk with you again. There is no such ASA rule re: that an outfielder cannot throw out a ... | |
| runner double off after foul fly | 7/25/2007 |
| Q: The other night in a co-ed slow pitch softball game a young lady was on first with one out. The ... A: This isn't a "foul ball" it is a caught "fly ball" that happened to be in foul territory. You ... | |
| Girls Fastpitch | 7/25/2007 |
| Q: Batter had 2 balls and 1 strike. On next pitch she fouled off. During her swing she injured her hip ... A: If a legal sub is available, it's a simple substitution and the sub assumes the count. If a sub is ... | |
| Fair or Foul? | 7/23/2007 |
| Q: Last night a ball was hit foul but due to either a rock or the spin it re-entered fair territory ... A: This is a fair ball as it was 1st touched in fair territory, before reaching 3rd. It doesn't matter ... | |
| TAG UP | 7/23/2007 |
| Q: RUNNERS ON FIRST & SECOND. BATTERS HITS A HARD GROUNDER UP THE MIDDLE. RUNNER JUMPS OFF SECOND A FEW ... A: When he retreated back toward 1st (to avoid the ball or for any other reason) after being on 2nd, he ... | |
| world cup final play | 7/22/2007 |
| Q: Why was the Japan runner at 1st base called out as soon as the ball was back in the pitcher's ... A: I've watched the replay about 20 times, sometimes in slo-mo and pause, advance, pause... the rule ... | |
| Does the run score | 7/22/2007 |
| Q: Ther is one out. There is a man on first and one on Third. The batter hits a fly ball to center. The ... A: "the runner at first was out by a force" that's not correct, although I know it kind of looks like ... | |
| infield fly rule | 7/22/2007 |
| Q: a follow up question - to an ealier question. here is a copy of the scenario given. "Question The ... A: The key to the rule is ...which can be caught by an infielder w/ ordinary effort... the infielder ... | |
| age group 6-8 fastpitch pitching machine litte league | 7/22/2007 |
| Q: Runner to second intentionaly throws an elbow at second baseman. Is called out for unsportsman like ... A: Unless f4 has the ball and we use the crash rule or there was interference, we would not call the ... | |
| Runner entering team area | 7/19/2007 |
| Q: This happened in a 12U game. Runner on 3rd, 1 out. Batter strikes out but catcher drops the ball. ... A: The umpire was correct. IMO the manager that went "berserk" needs to apologize to the umpire and ... | |
| infield fly rule | 7/19/2007 |
| Q: The other day in a asa men's softball league there were bases loaded, no outs and there was a pop up ... A: By def....An infield fly is with runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded on a fair fly ball that can ... | |
| SS Throws Glove | 7/19/2007 |
| Q: Hey Mark, We were playing a game the other night (Men's League, Slow Pitch, ASA Rules) and a ball ... A: In ASA it's not illegal to throw your glove at the ball (though it is bad form and a stupid thing to ... | |
| pitching-contact with rubber at mound | 7/18/2007 |
| Q: When the pitcher of a slow pitch arc game pitches, does her foot have to be in contact with the ... A: In ASA at present in sp the pitcher's pivot foot must remain in contact with the plate until the ... | |
| runner avoids tag at home | 7/18/2007 |
| Q: u16 fp softball: We had an unusual play at the plate that could use some clarifying. Catcher, ... A: A runner does have 3' on either side of the base path to try to avoid a tag. This applies anywhere ... | |
| check swing | 7/18/2007 |
| Q: in a slow pitch softball game last night one of our guys swung extreamly slow ON PURPOSE and the ... A: By def...a bunt is a ball that is intentionally tapped slowly within the infield. In sp you cannot ... | |
| Thrown ball hits coach in foul territory | 7/18/2007 |
| Q: This happened twice in two weeks during our Softball league this summer. Ground ball to the ... A: Unless the coach | |