| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| Bunted Balls - 2 Questions | 11/16/2009 |
Q: Two questions regarding a bunted ball, both are calls that an Umpire made in games I coached: 1. A ...
A: Question 1 the umpire was not correct. If the ball is first touched on or over fair territory fair ...
|
| Force Out Rule | 11/11/2009 |
Q: Okay, this really happened in my softball game. The bases were loaded. The batter hit a ground ball ...
A: It sounds like the runner on 1st was tagged after the bag was tagged putting the batter out. Since ...
|
| Baserunner | 11/10/2009 |
Q: Batter hits the ball and is rounding first heading towards 2nd and runs into the first baseman ...
A: Freddie, Your question doesn't have an answer that applies in every situation. You have described ...
|
| rule | 11/4/2009 |
Q: What is the result(s) if a fielder intentionally throws his/her glove at a fly ball. And either hits ...
A: Throwing the glove at the ball and not hitting it is nothing. Throw the glove and hitting it is a ...
|
| Batter interference | 11/1/2009 |
Q: Age: 12U; Situation: R1 on 3rd base, pitch to B1 is made. B1 turns to look at 3rd base coach, ...
A: I've got nothing on this as well. The batter did what they would normally do. The batter didn't ...
|
| Scoring | 10/23/2009 |
Q: I look at the following two questions as describing the same situation. One runner on first and a ...
A: I believe that I answered the first one correctly. The second one depends. What is the reason for ...
|
| Fielders Choice or Hit? | 10/22/2009 |
Q: in official ASA and NCAA softball scoring, is below situationn automatically scored a fielders ...
A: Charles, That is fielder's choice all the way. The batter doesn't get a hit when a preceding ...
|
| at bat question | 10/19/2009 |
Q: outfielder touches, but does not catch. Girl is safe at first base. Does this count as an at bat? ...
A: In other words is this an error? This is a judgement call by the scorekeeper. Just because the ...
|
| batting out of order | 10/12/2009 |
Q: Suppose the batting order is Mary, Jane, then Debbie. No one is on base. Jane bats and singles to ...
A: Cynthia I your situation Mary is called out for failure to bat and Jane is removed from first base. ...
|
| first base double bag | 10/11/2009 |
Q: is it up to the firstbaseman to choose to use the orange(runners)bag if the ball carries on a play ...
A: Essentially yes. If the play is coming from foul territory, F3 should set up on the orange side of ...
|
| overthrows | 10/10/2009 |
Q: When a player is stealing a base , and the ball is overthrown or dropped ( but stays in play ) , ...
A: Unless you have a local rule implemented limiting the number bases that can be taken on a overthrow, ...
|
| Advancing a base | 10/8/2009 |
Q: Girl on first and one batter. The batter hits the ball in the outfield. Girl on first goes to second ...
A: It depends on where the runner was when the throw was made. Other than on a pitch, when I thrown ...
|
| girls high school softball | 10/6/2009 |
Q: Good morning sir, Do virginia high schools play under usssa or asa for bat rule purposes
A: James, All schools that play under NFHS rules use the ASA banned bat list. Some of those hot bats ...
|
| Hitting a pitch that bounces (ASA) | 10/1/2009 |
Q: Can a batter in ASA softball legally strike and hit a pitch that bounces? ANSWER: Yes they can. ...
A: I can't, there isn't one. There isn't one that says you can't hit it either. A pitch that hits the ...
|
| courtesy runner | 10/1/2009 |
Q: what is the rule for courtesy runner in the same inning. believe the rule book states the last out ...
A: Both ASA and high school. The courtesy runner must be a player that has not been in the game. If a ...
|
| obstruction call | 9/25/2009 |
Q: Catcher misses a pitched ball and the batter steps out of box because the runner at third is coming ...
A: This is definitely a judgement call by the umpire. The batter is obligated to get out of the way, ...
|
| Errors? | 9/17/2009 |
Q: If the second baseman goes to their right to backhand a hard hit ball going up the middle and the ...
A: I think your understanding of what is an error is as correct as it gets. The higher the level the ...
|
| Fair ball in front of the plate anc contact with bat on the ground | 9/16/2009 |
Q: Situation - the batter swings at the ball which turns out to be slow roller towards first base. As ...
A: This is a subjective call. You have two options and you know it when you see it. Did the ball hit ...
|
| infield fly rule | 9/9/2009 |
Q: Wss the infield fly rule applied properly in this case? Runners on first and second, no outs. Batter ...
A: If the bases are tagged prior to the runners returning, yes. The runners can ignore the IFR call, ...
|
| pitcher's foot position | 9/7/2009 |
Q: It is my understanding that a high school fast pitch pitcher does not need to have both feet ...
A: You are correct, only the pivot foot needs to be in contact with the pitcher's plate when motion ...
|
| infield fly rule | 9/6/2009 |
Q: bases loaded one out.pitcher catches the fly and the runner on second takes off.the pitcher throws ...
A: This is never considered a force play. A force play can only happen on a runner who is forced to ...
|
| Co-ed EP rules | 9/1/2009 |
Q: If I use the EP, can I substitute players on defense?
A: Even though this isn't a fast pitch question, the EP works the same. Simply put you have 10 ...
|
| interference | 9/1/2009 |
Q: can a base runner that is on second base waiting for ball to be hit jump up when ball is hit over ...
A: Michael, This could very well be considered interference. Intereference can be an action by the ...
|
| foul/fair balls | 8/30/2009 |
Q: If a player is in fair territory and touches a ball inches in foul territory, is it a fair or foul ...
A: It does not matter where the players feet are when the ball is touched. If the ball is on or over ...
|
| Fastpitch Catchers Mitt | 8/22/2009 |
Q: Is there a difference between a baseball catchers mitt and softball? My daughter fell in love with ...
A: Yes there is a difference. The softball mitt has a bigger pocket amoung other things. With that ...
|
| Interference | 8/20/2009 |
Q: We play under ASA rules. Scenario: Base runner @ 1st w/ 1 out. Ball hit to short stop who runs to ...
A: It is the runners responsibility to avoid contact. If they have to avoid contact with a defensive ...
|
| Foul Tip Vs. Foul Ball Catch | 8/19/2009 |
Q: At what point does a caught foul ball back to the catcher become an out even if it is caught from a ...
A: A foul tip is a ball that goes directly to the catchers glove from the bat and is caught. It is ...
|
| play at 2nd base | 8/17/2009 |
Q: With runner on 1st base batter hits a ground ball to right field, right fielder throws to 2nd base ...
A: No there is no appeal available for this call. An appeal is a specific action by the defense when ...
|
| Which umpire? | 8/11/2009 |
Q: Mark, In a men's slowpitch softball game with two umpires, which umpire is responsible for watching ...
A: The home plate umpire calls the catch and lead runner on the tag. Those players listed in the line ...
|
| Does run score before 3rd out made count? | 8/11/2009 |
Q: Good Evening, Tonight we had a play that caused a lot of confusion. It is a co-ed softball league, ...
A: The only way to prevent the run from scoring from 3rd is by making the force out for the third out. ...
|
| ASA Co-ed play | 8/9/2009 |
Q: When a first basemen is on the bag waiting for the throw from a batted ball to first, can he be in ...
A: In all of softball the fielder has to give way to the runner if they don't have the ball, but the ...
|
| Umpire changed call after appeal, does run score? | 8/8/2009 |
Q: ASA fastpitch. 2 outs, runner on 2nd. Hit to short, throw is high and 1st baseman pulls foot. But, ...
A: Jon, You made me do some research on this one all the way to the case book! This situation doesn't ...
|
| Circle violation or not? | 8/4/2009 |
Q: BR runs to 1st and does not see that the 1st baseman dropped the ball, after touching 1st starts ...
A: There is no abandoment rule in softball. Players can not be called out for abandoning a base in ...
|
| 2 softball questions | 8/4/2009 |
Q: 1) runner gets single and instead of turning to her right and staying in foul territory, turns LEFT ...
A: For the runner to be tagged out in question 1, she needs to make an attempt to start to second base, ...
|
| in field fly | 8/3/2009 |
Q: we had a game today and had runners at 1st and 2nd ball was a looper over the pitchers reach and ...
A: Mitchell, I don't do slow pitch. I would bet that the runners being returned to their bases is ...
|
| Pitchers | 7/27/2009 |
Q: 1)Do pitchers for an ASA team need to be getting lessons from a private instructor, or can they be ...
A: Brenda, None of the questions you have asked are rules questions. They are however very common ...
|
| HELP!! I need help on softball for freshman year | 7/23/2009 |
Q: Well i never really played softball. I have played baseball with some friends but never on a real ...
A: Karolyn, I normally don't do coaching questions. Keep working on defense, but find someone that ...
|
| Infield fly | 7/22/2009 |
Q: With fewer than 2 outs and runners on 1st and 2nd and/or 1st/2nd/ & 3rd- the infield fly is ...
A: The hand signal makes it an infield fly, no verbalization is required. It is bad mechanics for the ...
|
| girls u14 fast pitch pony ASA rules | 7/12/2009 |
Q: We had a game last night with an incident that promoted a lot of discussion and never was clear to ...
A: The runner coming home behind the coach could be called out for based on interference from the coach ...
|
| Double base at 1st | 7/11/2009 |
Q: I had one of my batters drag bunt she beat the throw to 1st and was called out because she hit the ...
A: It sounds to me like the correct call. When running to first, the only time the runner can use the ...
|
| infield pop fly | 7/7/2009 |
Q: we had bases loaded 1 out my daughter hit an infield pop fly 2nd base caught it then dropped it ...
A: When the infield fly rule is in effect, and it was in your situation. The batter is out regardless ...
|
| batter interference | 7/5/2009 |
Q: Catcher steps up and out to throw down on runner at 3rd base. the batter has backed out of the ...
A: Jim, The batter must keep one foot in the box between pitches except: 1. batted ball, fair or ...
|
| Rule Clarification | 7/4/2009 |
Q: Runner on 1st...ground ball hit to 2nd base..fielder fields the ball in the baseline....what ...
A: Dave, One thing to remember here, the definition of a base line. The base line is not defined by ...
|
| slow pitch softball | 7/3/2009 |
Q: As an umpire what should be his decision when an angry player comes to bat and hits a single but as ...
A: Jeff, I think you may have been a bit quick on the trigger. I wasn't there but from your ...
|
| Sprotsmanship | 7/2/2009 |
Q: My daughter plays in the 9-12 year old softball league. Last night the opposing coach got mad ...
A: Charles, You won't find anything specific to your issue in the rules. The rules do give the ...
|
| Metal cleats | 7/1/2009 |
Q: A player, who had previously batted and played in the field in the game, was found to be wearing ...
A: I would simply instruct the coach of the offending team to get a legally equiped batter up to the ...
|
| Mizuno Glove | 6/28/2009 |
Q: My daughter has a black Mizuno glove with green lettering (color of the ball). I have been told that ...
A: I have not seen anything in writing but have heard the same as you. My advice, throw some black ...
|
| batter's box | 6/25/2009 |
Q: When should a batter be called out for stepping out of the batter's box, re: one foot out of the box ...
A: Anytime the batter makes contact with the ball with one foot completely out of the box (touching the ...
|
| DP/Flex substitutions | 6/23/2009 |
Q: ASA youth fastpitch question... the DP can play defense for anyone on the field. If the DP plays ...
A: Mic, Look at it this way. Any 9 of the 10 players can play anywhere on defense. When the DP plays ...
|
| number of questions | 6/19/2009 |
Q: I have a few questions to get clarification on. Each game it seems that there is an issue with these ...
A: Question 1 Regardless of whether the ball is in the circle, the runner may round, stop then ...
|
| Interference by BR going to 1st base | 6/12/2009 |
Q: ASA Rules except there is no safety base at 1st. Batter bunts and runs entire distance to 1st ...
A: It could but not likely. The interference call on this play is interference with the catch at first ...
|
| arguing judgement of the umpire | 6/12/2009 |
Q: Last night I umpires a game where a coach argued many calls from obstruction because the defense was ...
A: Based on your last answer the best solution is earplugs. Or an ever tightning strike zone on ...
|
| switching of defensive players ASA Softball | 6/11/2009 |
Q: Can defensive players switch after every new batter? After every pitch? What are the restrictions ...
A: There are no rules preventing this. Here is what I would do if it became a problem. If the coach ...
|
| drop 3rd | 6/6/2009 |
Q: When you have bases loaded with 2outs does drop 3rd strike apply?Im an ump for 15 u girls thanks ...
A: Let me answer this way. With less than two outs the batter may attempt advance to first base on a ...
|
| ruling | 6/4/2009 |
Q: what is the ruling in softball, if a runner who is standing on first base, gets hit with a line ...
A: The runner that is standing on first is safe. When the defense touched the base, putting the batter ...
|
| play ay plate | 6/2/2009 |
Q: left hand batter with runner at third. When a pass ball and the runner tries to score is the batter ...
A: The batter is required to not interfere with the play. In your scenario, leaving the batters box ...
|
| out of batters box | 5/30/2009 |
Q: I have been watching the womens college world series and some of the other college softball this ...
A: As long as the foot that is out of the box doesn't touch the ground or the plate until after the ...
|
| Advancing to 2nd after a walk | 5/28/2009 |
Q: Can you explain the rule of a runner advancing to 2nd base after a walk. Say third base is occupied ...
A: There is no rule that requires a runner to stop at a base when the ball is in the circle. The only ...
|
| Softball | 5/27/2009 |
Q: The ball hits the base runner he is out, but what is the batter credited with? Hit? Fielders choice?
A: Judgement call, only credit a hit if the batter would have made it to first without interference. ...
|
| sliding home | 5/24/2009 |
Q: 14u and 16u if a play is being made at the plate does the baserunner have to slide to avoid contact
A: There is no rule that ever requires a player to slide. Also, the rules are written so that ...
|
| Umpire ruled on a ball or strike | 5/21/2009 |
Q: Once an umpire rules on a pitch (whether its a ball or a strike) can it be appealed to the field ...
A: If a batter checks her swing, and the umpire calls a ball, the catcher can ask the umpire to check ...
|
| Girls 10 and under fast pitch | 5/21/2009 |
Q: We have a 5 point rule per inning.Team A had 5 points in the top of the 2nd inning and team B had ...
A: It depends on how your rule is written. I have seen the rule written as no new batter after 5 runs ...
|
| Batter Interference | 5/20/2009 |
Q: Last night I had a High School game, I was on the bases, and this situation came up. Batter ...
A: This is a judgement call. The batter does need to attempt to get out of the way. If everything ...
|
| Balk in ASA | 5/20/2009 |
Q: If a pitcher begins her windmill pitch and stops before delivering a pitch, is this a balk. ANSWER: ...
A: An illegal pitch is a delayed dead ball. The offence has the option of taking the outcome of the ...
|
| Missing a base and returning to it | 5/19/2009 |
Q: Batter gets a base hit misses first base continues to second base on his way to third retreat back ...
A: Gerald, To avoid being put out on appeal for missing first base, the batter must return to first ...
|
| Earned run in tie- breaker | 5/19/2009 |
Q: Is the pitcher charged with an earned run when runner has been placed on second in Tie-breaker ...
A: Even if the advance to 3rd and home are earned, the pitcher does not get charged with an earned run, ...
|
| Fielders Choice? | 5/13/2009 |
Q: 1 out, runners on 2b and 3b. Left Handed Batter slaps it short to shortstop who fields it clean, ...
A: You are absolutely correct, it is a hit. Poor base running by the girl on second doesn't make it a ...
|
| pitching | 5/13/2009 |
Q: 1. If a pitcher starts a game pitches 3 innings when she leaves she is behind 1-0. The relief ...
A: Jan, You have alot in here, but I think I can help you with all of your questions. 1. The ...
|
| scorekeeping | 5/12/2009 |
Q: could you tell me where I can go to get information of keeping score. Could you explain what is a ...
A: Saves A pitcher must meet all three of the following conditions to be credited with a save: a - She ...
|
| FASTPITCH SOFTBALL 14U | 5/11/2009 |
Q: 2NDTHIS MAY BE HARD TO FOLLOW.. BATTER BUNTS THE BALL, CATCHER CATCHES IT IN THE AIR... RUNNER ON ...
A: Eddie, Not enough info to answer your question. Post a follow up with 1. This is a foul ball ...
|
| Outfielders inside the baseline | 5/10/2009 |
Q: In 10/U ASA, is there a maximum number of infielders?
A: Nope. The only rule about fielder placement is that they must be in fair terriorty at the time of ...
|
| hifh school fastpitch | 5/10/2009 |
Q: bases loaded with one out. fly ball is hit to right. Ball is caught. two outs. Runners tag up. ...
A: Yes the run counts. The common perception is that the appeal for the out at second is a force ...
|
| 3 foot lane- 8 2 E | 5/6/2009 |
Q: I understand if F3 is standing on the white portion of a double 1B,the batter-runner must stay in ...
A: Kevin, I know exactly what you mean. Look at it this way. The runner doesn't have eyes in the ...
|
| Interference | 5/6/2009 |
Q: For girls' fast-pitch softball, ages 14 and under: Is it legal for the players in the dugout to ...
A: There is no rule preventing this. Good sportsmanship is sometimes cast aside. When the coaches ...
|
| runner interference | 5/5/2009 |
Q: With a runner on second base, a ball is hit to the shortstop, the runner passes in front of the ...
A: Nick, This is a rule that I believe is often over enforced. Obviously if the fielder doesn't go ...
|
| Softball bunt | 5/5/2009 |
Q: The batter bunts the ball infront of home plate and drops the bat into fair territory. The ball back ...
A: Jake, Two things can happen here and it is up to the umpire to judge. The ball can hit the bat as ...
|
| base running/obstruction | 5/2/2009 |
Q: Yesterday at my daughters's high school(JV) game one of our players bunted. The ball landed just to ...
A: No this is not the correct call, the only way this would be correct would be if she deviated more ...
|
| Scoring Questions | 5/2/2009 |
Q: Sorry for so many questions - This is High School Fastpitch Softball The following are several ...
A: Alrighty, here you go Batting 1. Score an RBI, but no sacrifice. There are no sacrifice ground ...
|
| Batter out of box interference | 5/1/2009 |
Q: A player backs out of the box. A player stealing 3rd base. Catcher throws to 3rd base hitting the ...
A: This is a one of those calls where you had to be there to give a definate answer. But from your ...
|
| high school fastpitch | 5/1/2009 |
Q: one out, runner on first. batter hits ball over fence, first runner crosses plate, batter jumps ...
A: If a baserunner misses a base, that can be appealed as soon as they have passed the base. Typically ...
|
| Softball Inference | 5/1/2009 |
Q: Today, I was in a Varsity softball game. I was batting when the catcher missed the ball and my ...
A: Debbie, This is a tough situation to be in. The rules really don't allow the umpire much room to ...
|
| Stats | 4/30/2009 |
Q: I am trying to keep the stats for my daughters fastpitch softball team, and I am having trouble ...
A: Here is the formula for on base percentage OB% = (base on balls + hit by pitchs + hits)/(sac flies ...
|
| presenting the ball | 4/30/2009 |
Q: I had been told before that a pitcher must present the ball.Was her pitching illegal as far as asa ...
A: No illegal pitch here. The word "presenting" was removed from the rulebook a long time ago. The ...
|
| Fair or Foul | 4/29/2009 |
Q: Clarify a fly ball fair or foul. Two scenarios 1) Fly ball right on the line, fielder completely in ...
A: It makes no difference where the fielder is when the ball is first touched nor does it make a ...
|
| Time called by umpire on ball four. | 4/29/2009 |
Q: In fastpitch softball with a runner on third and ball four to the batter. As the batter/baserunner ...
A: Unforthunately in this situation, when the umpire throws his hands in the air and calls time, the ...
|
| kansas rule try out when in season | 4/29/2009 |
Q: can a kansas softball player try out for a summer team or just visit & not try out
A: Al, Participation rules for high school atheletes with non school teams vary by state. Contact ...
|
| softball basehit or running error | 4/28/2009 |
Q: Runner on 1st 1 out batter hits ball in air to short centerfield. Ball drops runner on first gets ...
A: Bob, There really isn't anything that can be scored as an error to a runner. Errors are purely a ...
|
| Error? | 4/28/2009 |
Q: There are runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs. The hitter hits a ground ball up the middle and the ...
A: Judgement call. Would that runner have scored on a cleanly fielded ball? The answer gives you the ...
|
| baserunner | 4/28/2009 |
Q: When over running first base is a girl out if she turns towards the infield (left turn)and is tagged ...
A: Frank, A simple turn to the left does not leave the baserunner vulnerable. She can only be tagged ...
|
| custom glove | 1/19/2009 |
Q: My 14 year old wants a Mizuno custom (colored)glove. She pitches U14 and we follow Babe Ruth rules. ...
A: Marlene, I don't have the rule books in front of me. ASA and High School are a little different. ...
|
| dropped 3rd strike (ball hit ground 1st) | 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: Yes, in a situation with two strikes, anytime the ball hits the ground between the time of the pitch ...
|
| New ASA rule on bat denting | 12/22/2008 |
Q: How is this rule going to affect Anderson bats. These bats wave very easily and seem to get hotter ...
A: Rod, I think it all boils down to what the umpire thinks a dent is. I don't really understand why ...
|
| Pitching speed and number of pitchs | 12/5/2008 |
Q: Can you tell me the average speed an 11 year old should be pitching? And also, how many pitches she ...
A: An eleven year old should be able to throw in the 40-47 range I think. If she can hit 50 with ...
|
| coaching your own child | 12/2/2008 |
Q: Im a high school softball jv coach. My daughter is a freshman this year and will be on the jv team ...
A: Ericka, This isn't as much a softball rules question as it is a state high school athletic ...
|
| dead ball | 12/1/2008 |
Q: if a base runner standing on any base is bit by the ball i assume the ball is dead and the runner on ...
A: I think you meant 3 consecutive innnings in your second to last sentance. I am going to assume this ...
|
| dead ball | 11/28/2008 |
Q: if a base runner standing on any base is bit by the ball i assume the ball is dead and the runner on ...
A: Tom, You assume wrong. But your assumption could be correct about the runner and the ball. To get ...
|
| shortstop/second base position | 11/19/2008 |
Q: If a batter chooses to bunt it, and third base and first run up, where does short stop and secon ...
A: Caitlin, I started writing a big response about bunt defense based on which bases were occupied. ...
|
| throwing your glove | 11/14/2008 |
Q: I was playing softball last night and a outfielder threw his glove at the ball I hit. What is the ...
A: Glenn, There is no rule regarding throwing you glove until throwing your glove actually does ...
|
| Catching | 11/13/2008 |
Q: When a catcher throws down to second or any base for that matter, is your hand supposed to be like a ...
A: The key here is the quick release. The goal is the shortest time possible to get the ball "glove to ...
|
| softball- fielders choice | 11/4/2008 |
Q: what is a fielders choice? I hear people say stuff like "it's a fielders choice" but i dont know ...
A: A fielder's choice is scored when a cleanly played hit would have put the batter out at first, but ...
|
| left handed slap swing | 10/27/2008 |
Q: how can you identify if a slap swing with 2 strikes is a bunt or a swing
A: ASA defines the bunt as "A pitched ball that is intentionally tapped with the bat, slowly, within ...
|
| dropped third strike | 10/14/2008 |
Q: The bases are loaded with one out, catcher drops a swinging third strike, batter breaks for first, ...
A: Yes The rule assumes tht a player that passes a base without touching it made a mistake. Thus the ...
|
| dropped third strike | 10/13/2008 |
Q: The bases are loaded with one out, catcher drops a swinging third strike, batter breaks for first, ...
A: Good question! In your first situation the runner nevers passes home plate, just gives up on her ...
|
| dropped third strike | 10/13/2008 |
Q: The bases are loaded with one out, catcher drops a swinging third strike, batter breaks for first, ...
A: I believe that your umpire called it correctly. This is the opposite of a lot of conversations ...
|
| Dead ball - placement of runners | 10/11/2008 |
Q: Situation: (ASA 14U) R1 on 3B, R2 on 2B, R1 on 1B 1 out. Batter hits a single to F9. R1 scores and ...
A: I need to make some assumptions to answer this. I am sure you mean tha that R3 is on 1st. R1 can't ...
|
| illegal pitch? | 10/3/2008 |
Q: Playing under ASA, although I would like to know for high school as well. Can the pitcher present ...
A: Most likely yes. As long as the arm has not started it's forward rotation, there can be a pause. ...
|
| illegal pitch? | 10/3/2008 |
Q: Playing under ASA, although I would like to know for high school as well. Can the pitcher present ...
A: ASA and High School The pitcher must take the pitchers plate with hands separated, ball in either ...
|
| avoiding a tag | 9/28/2008 |
Q: Tom, Can a runner avoid the tag at home plate and run around the cather when the cather is standing ...
A: Although there is not a rule preventing it, in reality not really. A runner my not vary more than ...
|
| Fielder's Choice or Hit | 9/25/2008 |
Q: Batter hits a line drive into outfield, runner on first advancing to second base is thrown out by ...
A: Fielder's Choice, check out http://nfca.org.ismmedia.com/ISM2/MultimediaManager/ATEC.pdf I think ...
|
| Obstruction | 9/17/2008 |
Q: B1 hits a ball to RF. B1 now BR1 easily makes it to 1B. However, rounding 1B and running to 2B, BR1 ...
A: Your understanding of the rule is correct, but how it is applied is very important. The umpire is ...
|
| rule acceptance | 9/12/2008 |
Q: If I have my own sanctioned league and I want to use ASA umps do I need to adhere to all ASA rules ...
A: I think that you find that to use ASA umps all of your teams will need to have their team insurance ...
|
| asa rule book | 9/11/2008 |
Q: can you tell me why as a parent of a kid on a fastpitch softball team that is registard with asa ...
A: Nope, I sure can't tell you. I thought that I would go find the link for you to buy one and this is ...
|
| walk base runners | 9/10/2008 |
Q: Girls fast pitch 12u.Runner on third.A batter has just received ball 4.She walks to first base but ...
A: What you are really looking for is when is this a violation of the Look Back Rule (LBR). In loose ...
|
| enticeing the pitcher | 9/8/2008 |
Q: if a player rounds first with a runner on third and stops and changes directions between first and ...
A: Most likely not. The batter is allowed to round first, stop, pick up the ball and immediately ...
|
| illegal subs | 8/25/2008 |
Q: ASA/NSA Rules What is the penalty for an illegal sub both on offense and defense. What is the ...
A: Unreported Ok, there is a bunch that can happen depending on who reports the unreported sub and when ...
|
| tagging up | 8/13/2008 |
Q: i am an assisstant coach for a rec league travel softball team-girls are 12 years old. the head ...
A: I think the theory is if they time it correctly, is gain because they have already started running ...
|
| Top Three | 8/5/2008 |
Q: I normaly play in a league that uses primarily NFHS rules with a variations based on age groups and ...
A: There is really only one big difference between the two rule sets. The rules on how the pitchers ...
|
| Girls Fastpitch 10U | 8/4/2008 |
Q: What is crow footing or crow hopping, we have a pitcher on our 10U team that has been accused of ...
A: Crow hopping is a replant and push off with the drive foot. For a RH pitcher, this would be a small ...
|
| Fastpitch speed for 10 & under | 8/4/2008 |
Q: My daughter is nine years old and just tried out for her first time for an ASA 10 and under team. ...
A: Deb, You have hit on a common early question on pitching, speed vs accuracy. One side says, throw ...
|
| illegal bat use during turnament | 8/2/2008 |
Q: we are currently in tournament . the other team was using an illegal bat for hitting . they scored 3 ...
A: Tammy, Sorry for the delay in answering this, some how I missed it. An illegal bat should not be ...
|
| "A" Team vs. "B" Team | 8/1/2008 |
Q: I am very new to fastpitch tournament and travel teams. My daughter just started playing 10u. Is ...
A: According to ASA there are some definitions. A teams are select teams. B teams are typically from ...
|
| Age appropriate to start switch hitting? | 8/1/2008 |
Q: I have a righty 9 yo daughter who I consider a very good right handed power hitter. She can also hit ...
A: "Very good right handed power hitter" Don't change a thing! If you want to start working her from ...
|
| ERA | 7/25/2008 |
Q: We are debating what is and what should not be part of the ERA calc. Scenario: 1 out; runners 2nd & ...
A: It depends on how the rest of the inning unfolds, if those runs would have scored on a base hit ...
|
| Foul Ball Rules | 7/25/2008 |
Q: If a fly ball is hit and the fielder, standing whith both feet on first base, drops the ball (which ...
A: You don't give me enough information to tell you. The position of the feet don't matter. Where ...
|
| Sliding requirements | 7/24/2008 |
Q: Where is the rule (NFHS) that requires a base runner to slide if the defensive player at the base or ...
A: This could be called interference, this could be called nothing. It is definately one you have to ...
|
| pick off play at first base | 7/24/2008 |
Q: ASA fast pitch - Here was the situation - pick-off play at first base. The second baseman comes in ...
A: Might be the right call for the wrong reason. Did you have the ball before the runners foot ...
|
| Travesty of the Game? | 7/23/2008 |
Q: What constitutes "travesty of the game"? We recently had a runner called out under this rule. ...
A: I have never seen this called. All I can say is you will know it when you see it. Most likely a ...
|
| Sliding requirements | 7/23/2008 |
Q: Where is the rule (NFHS) that requires a base runner to slide if the defensive player at the base or ...
A: F5 needs to do a better job of hanging onto the ball. Malicious contact is defined in the rulebooks ...
|
| Infield fly if fair | 7/21/2008 |
Q: Runners on First and second no out. Ball is clearly a foul ball between third and Home. My catcher ...
A: Jack, No, either umpire can make the IFR call and yes I have heard it called that way. I am not ...
|
| running out of base line | 7/19/2008 |
Q: the catcher missed the ball on a called third strike. the batter now begins to run to first to try ...
A: This is a valid call and it takes an umpire that knows the rules, is positioned correctly and paying ...
|
| Mens slow pitch | 7/17/2008 |
Q: Tom, How do you break ties in the final regular season standings? We have to determine seeding ...
A: Normally the tie-breaker rules are in place before the season starts. The 8-run max would ...
|
| softball | 7/17/2008 |
Q: when is there a need to tag a runner out while running bases after a hit ball ANSWER: Always, ...
A: With runners on 1st and 2nd with less than two outs. If a fly ball is hit to the infield that ...
|
| Mens slow pitch | 7/16/2008 |
Q: Tom, How do you break ties in the final regular season standings? We have to determine seeding ...
A: Dave, I dont' do slow pitch but this question I can help with. I run a travel ball tournament each ...
|
| NSA 12 & U FAST PITCH GIRLS SOFTBALL | 7/11/2008 |
Q: WITH A RUNNER ON 1ST AND 0 OR 1 OUT, AND A DROPPED 3RD STRIKE, IF THE BATTER RUNS TO 1ST AND THE ...
A: Nothing, they can stay on the base where they ended up. By rule in this situation, the runner going ...
|
| stealing? | 7/11/2008 |
Q: I will try to reword my question and hope it makes more sense this time, sorry. In my daughters 4 & ...
A: Tom, This really isn't an ASA rule question as ASA doesn't have any rule stopping a girl from ...
|
| Softball. Force Play at First | 7/10/2008 |
Q: I was umping a camp game of high school age boys when there was a throw to first that would have ...
A: My ruling is malacious contact, runner out for interference other runners reset to the base occupied ...
|
| follow up | 7/10/2008 |
Q: Regarding the question about the fielder catching a fly ball and then going over the outfield fence ...
A: Terri, I referenced the NFHS rule book on this before answering your original post. I believe that ...
|
| DP as pitcher | 7/10/2008 |
Q: Can a player that starts as a DP sub in for a pitcher? If so when the DP is subbed back out of the ...
A: When using the DP/Flex rule, remember, any 9 of the 10 players in the line-up can play defense. As ...
|
| ASA fast pitch 14U intentional walk | 7/10/2008 |
Q: Is there any rule that prevents a pitch intended to create an intentional walk, to be made behind ...
A: I would say no. As long as the pitcher is not trying to hit the batter I don't have a problem with ...
|
| interference | 7/9/2008 |
Q: In a high school regional semi finals game an inside pitch was thrown that tipped the catcher's ...
A: NFHS rules 7.4.4 7.4 The batter is out..... .4 The batter interferes with the catcher's fielding ...
|
| catching a ball an than going out of play | 7/9/2008 |
Q: We had a girl that caught a ball in centerfield and then went out of play over the fence. Is the ...
A: The correct call would be dead ball batter out, no advance by the runners. Or more accurately the ...
|
| Out of the baseline? | 7/3/2008 |
Q: 3rd base runner advances home on a fly ball caught by the 1st baseman. 1st baseman overthrows the ...
A: When running the bases in reverse to correct a base running error, all bases must be touched in ...
|
| slap hitters | 7/3/2008 |
Q: Never had umps call slap hitters out for bunting until this year. What's the arguement with umps ...
A: Chris, This is a judgement call. I look for the swing vs holding the bat in the path of the ball. ...
|
| Followup to interference/deception | 7/2/2008 |
Q: Is there also no penalty for the runner who runs to first with only two strikes to draw the throw. ...
A: I think that repeated instances of all of these would draw a warning from the umpire. If they ...
|
| delay of game | 7/2/2008 |
Q: the coach stopped the girls softball game to ask for a time check, tells his girls its 1hour 28 min ...
A: From the time the catcher returns the ball the to the pitcher, the pitcher for the most part, has 20 ...
|
| Interference?...Penalty? | 7/1/2008 |
Q: I have read through the rules on this and I am pretty sure I know the right answer...wanted to get ...
A: While I would consider this "bush league", there is nothing in the rules that prevents it. It is ...
|
| DH in 10U??? | 7/1/2008 |
Q: Mielke. I am just a mom of an 11 year old girl crying her eyes out. She "played" in a tournament ...
A: Kathy, I can't answer the question about what the coach was thinking, other than the coach was ...
|
| obstruction | 7/1/2008 |
Q: Summer league softball ,using high school rules, R1 on 3b. Ball is hit, dribbler down third base ...
A: No, in this case this is the very definition of interference by the offense. The offense has the ...
|
| Passed balls vs wild pitch | 7/1/2008 |
Q: Our coach seems to have a different view of passed ball vs wild pitch. His daughter is pitcher. He ...
A: With no runner on base or no advance of the runner, in other words, no harm no foul, the pitch is ...
|
| 12U - Hitting a Curve Ball | 7/1/2008 |
Q: Tom - I coach a 12U fastpitch team. For most of the girls this is their first experience with facing ...
A: Regardless of the speed of the pitcher, have them move up in the box. This will take a few feet of ...
|
| How do we get our girls to perform in a game like they do in practice? | 6/30/2008 |
Q: Our girls usually perform very well in practice,come game time though there seems to be a break down ...
A: Joe, The big difference from practice and games is that there is no pressure to perform in ...
|
| Proper fastpitch softball pitching motion | 6/30/2008 |
Q: I am a little league junior division (13 - 14) softball coach for Clintondale Fraser Little League ...
A: LL and High School pitching rules differ from ASA. LL and High School do not require both feet to ...
|
| delay of game | 6/29/2008 |
Q: the coach stopped the girls softball game to ask for a time check, tells his girls its 1hour 28 min ...
A: Here you go. If the team has offensive conferences left, no rule was broken. The umpire needs to ...
|
| PROTEST | 6/18/2008 |
Q: BOTTOM OF 7TH BASES LOADED TWO OUT GAME TIED 11-11 BATTER WALKED ON 4 BALLS TURN TO HOME PLATE ...
A: Bill, The runner needs to go all the way to first. If you are going to push this to the letter ...
|
| Pick off play at first | 6/12/2008 |
Q: After the ball leaves the pitchers hand and the base runner at first assumes a lead off, what ...
A: When F3 doesn't have the ball, the part of first base that the runner chose to go to must be ...
|
| Trail runner surpassing lead runner | 6/11/2008 |
Q: This happen in about my second year of umpiring. Never had a definite answer. Book says that a ...
A: Vince, This is a HTBT (Had to be there) question. This is why we get paid the big bucks, to pass ...
|
| Girls softbal high school level | 6/11/2008 |
Q: Is there a limit on how many girls a pitcher can hit in a game? The opposing pitcher hit 7 of our ...
A: Joe, I like to answer it this way. There is no limit to the number of runners you can get on base ...
|
| girls softball | 6/10/2008 |
Q: 14U, girls can steal home. Pitch hits batter then ball goes to screen, catcher runs back to get ball ...
A: Jan, Lets stop with your second sentance. "Pitch hits batter....". The ball is dead, runners can ...
|
| NSA Extra Player Rule | 6/10/2008 |
Q: I know this is an NSA question, I can not even begin to figure out the DP/Flex ASA Rules. We are ...
A: Brian, The NSA EP and the ASA Flex/DP work basically the same. Some of the subsitution rules are ...
|
| FastPitch Pitching rules | 6/10/2008 |
Q: I am a volunteer coach for a recreation league which is suppose to follow HS regulations for ...
A: Tara, I checked the rule book and I can't find anything that would cause an umpire to call these ...
|
| Basepath, 3-Foot Running Lane, "Attempted" Tag | 6/9/2008 |
Q: USFA Rules are silent on this "situation". 1 out, R-1 on 2nd base. Batter hits 3-hopper to F3, who ...
A: First of all the Batter/Runner is subject to all the rules that are listed in rulebooks under ...
|
| Skunk-in-the-Grass | 6/8/2008 |
Q: Runners on first (R1) and third (R3) with no outs. After the pitch leaves the pitcher's hand, R1 ...
A: No. The only time there is a defined line that a runner must take is when a fielder is attempting ...
|
| pitching visits | 6/8/2008 |
Q: how many timeouts,or pitching visits are allowed per inning? if available according to ussa
A: The defense is allowed three charged conferences per 7 inning game without penalty. On the fourth ...
|
| Catcher blocking plate | 6/6/2008 |
Q: Tom, My daughter's team (10U) played a team recently with a rather large catcher (NSA). This girl ...
A: Sounds like good softball to me. As long as the catcher has the ball she doesn't have to allow ...
|
| Determining the pitcher of record | 6/5/2008 |
Q: Is there a limit to how many innings a starting pitcher needs to throw to get the win or loss? ...
A: No it does not work the same in reverse. If the SP leaves the game prior to pitching four innings ...
|
| FASTPITCH SOFTBALL | 6/4/2008 |
Q: OREGON HIGH SCHOOL RULES - MAN ON THIRD , CATCHER INTERFERANCE IS CALLED , BATTER IS AWARDED FIRST , ...
A: Catcher interference is a delayed dead ball. The offense can take the result of the play if they ...
|
| bunted ball hits bat | 6/3/2008 |
Q: The batter bunts for a hit and drops the bat in fair territory in a normal fashion while advancing ...
A: Steve, Almost every rule in the book does not take intent or judgement of an attempt into ...
|
| fastpitch 12-14 yr old girls | 6/3/2008 |
Q: Batter hits ball, is running to first, the batted ball hit the runner as she is running to first? ...
A: If the ball was in fair territory and no play had been made by the defense, then yes the batter is ...
|
| legal pitching motion | 6/2/2008 |
Q: I am coaching in a youth league with teams in u10 to u17. there is some discrepancy as to whether ...
A: As you describe in your follow up, the delivery is completely legal. Hand goes past hips backwards ...
|
| IS this statement True in NFHS | 5/29/2008 |
Q: I know the references are not correct but does the info still apply. IF after the play the umpires ...
A: Sorry for the delay in this answer. When I saw the rule book references I tabled answering the ...
|
| Dead or Alive | 5/29/2008 |
Q: I am going to group a few together here if you don't mind Sir, I am a first year ump in a league ...
A: Jake, Hit by pitch is always a dead ball. Dead ball, take your base. The hands are not part of ...
|
| softball substitutions | 5/28/2008 |
Q: My daughter who is 12 just moved up to Senior League (12,13,and 14 year olds). On the team there ...
A: Pat, From the sounds of it, there isn't anything you can say that would make a difference with this ...
|
| rule about having to slide at home if a play is being made | 5/28/2008 |
Q: this past weekend i was playing in a softball tournament and there was this play at home and the ...
A: Mallory, There is no rule that requires a girl to slide at any base. There are rules about ...
|
| Pitching Question - High School | 5/27/2008 |
Q: Tom. I just wanted clarification on the bringing the hands together item for pitching. In an ...
A: Cheryl, To me together means the hands come together, not merely touch. I asked several people to ...
|
| Scoring rule and batting average | 5/27/2008 |
Q: Situation: R1 at third with less than two outs. B1 hits a ground ball to second which is fielded ...
A: I check a scoring guide on this one. This is not a sacrifie. There are only sacrifice bunts and ...
|
| Fair/Foul & Foul tip | 5/26/2008 |
Q: Tom - two questions: (1) if a batted ball rolls foul and then back into fair territory before 3rd ...
A: John, The short answer is yes. Although the rule book defines a foul tip so that it is not ...
|
| International Tie Breaker 12U | 5/24/2008 |
Q: In the international tie breaker, can the opposite team sub for the runner on 2nd base? If the last ...
A: Paul, I am not sure if you are going to like my answer, but here it goes. First, just the ...
|
| Windmill softball pitching, | 5/24/2008 |
Q: I am wondering if we are just splitting atoms but I have a question in regards to pitching. I umpire ...
A: Rob Cancel what I said previously about the ball going in the glove. It is not required. Based on ...
|
| courtesy runner/substitution | 5/23/2008 |
Q: I have two questions. If you use a CR for a catcher, can the CR then be used later in the game as a ...
A: In question one what you are really asking is about subsitution rules. The answer is yes the CR can ...
|
| softball hit by pitch | 5/23/2008 |
Q: Tom, I know when batter is hit by pitch that first hits ground she (should be) is awarded first base ...
A: Couldn't find anything specific in the ASA book. But this is an absolute. The ball is not dead ...
|
| Pitching | 5/22/2008 |
Q: What are the stipulations for changing pitchers? Can you substitute a pitcher at any time and can ...
A: Obviously you can remove a pitcher any time you want. I think what you want to know is when can she ...
|
| softball hit by pitch | 5/22/2008 |
Q: Tom, I know when batter is hit by pitch that first hits ground she (should be) is awarded first base ...
A: Jan, I feel your pain. I don't have a rule book handy, but I am sure this is covered. If a pitch ...
|
| stealing home[late in Girls softball | 5/21/2008 |
Q: I would like to know if a girl can steal home plate when another girls walks to first. We have the ...
A: Carol, As long as the ball is not dead and the runner on third is not violating the look back rule, ...
|
| Double Base @ First | 5/21/2008 |
Q: A ball is fielded by the first baseman in the playing field. She fumbles the ball and knocks the ...
A: Only on the initial play at first is there a requirement for which part of base must be used and ...
|
| catcher's interference | 5/21/2008 |
Q: Girl's fastpitch softball. Runners on first and second, player swings at pitch, hits catcher's ...
A: R, Your umpire was incorrect on this one. A couple of things to remember that will help, only the ...
|
| Double Base @ First | 5/20/2008 |
Q: A ball is fielded by the first baseman in the playing field. She fumbles the ball and knocks the ...
A: The runner is out. It doesn't matter how ball made it to foul territory. Once the force at first ...
|
| substitution/re-entry | 5/20/2008 |
Q: first, thanks for all the help! i coach a u14 fastpitch team under nfhs rules. my question is ...
A: You are correct that is not allowed. Some things that will help you with substitutions. First, ...
|
| fair or foul ? | 5/19/2008 |
Q: we have a 8 and under team and the question is, if the fielder in straddling the foul line when ...
A: I sounds like you are talking about how to determine whether a ball is fair or foul prior to it ...
|
| ASA Rule 8-5-I | 5/19/2008 |
Q: This appears t be a two part rule. Please explain it and give examples.
A: This really isn't a two part rule. It seems that way as it talks about the ball leaving the field ...
|
| out or safe | 5/19/2008 |
Q: Sir, I just want to ask if the runner is safe or out in this situation. The pitcher is winding up, ...
A: Speaking ASA, after the initial play at first where a runner could be required to use the colored ...
|
| home plate | 5/19/2008 |
Q: In our JV girls softball game yesterday, this play occurred. Our baserunner scored from second base ...
A: Jeff, Sorry for the delay on this answer. I wanted to do a bit of research before answering. I ...
|
| 10 U Pitchers | 5/18/2008 |
Q: Mr, Mielke, Can you give me an idea of the average pitcher's ability at the 10U STATE CHAMPIONSHIP ...
A: Eric, I think if you head off to a National 10U Tournament and you have a girl throwing 50 with ...
|
| Baseline | 5/18/2008 |
Q: In our 8u league, several coaches have complained that our defensive players are 'playing in the ...
A: Brett, The only language you are going to find in the rule book about this is that the defense ...
|
| Baseline | 5/17/2008 |
Q: In our 8u league, several coaches have complained that our defensive players are 'playing in the ...
A: Brett, You are correct that the runner establishes the baseline and the defense can set up anywhere ...
|
| Bunt, ball or strike | 5/17/2008 |
Q: The batter squares to bunt, the pitch comes in out of the strike zone and the batter does not with ...
A: For there to be a strike (not called) there has to be an offer at the ball. This is why there is ...
|
| Pulling up JV players to play in tournament | 5/16/2008 |
Q: If you already have varsity players sitting on the bench is it legal to pull up the best four Jv ...
A: Nancy, There is no rule against it. Often younger players that may be better than some ...
|
| softball | 5/14/2008 |
Q: excately where is your back elbow supposed to be when you are batting?
A: Wanda, Download the two clips linked below. Prior to the swing it doesn't really matter where the ...
|
| running to first base after being called out | 5/14/2008 |
Q: A team is being coached to run to 1st base after every 3rd strike call or 3rd strike swing. It seems ...
A: Jim, No there isn't a rule to prevent this. In fact, the rules specifically exclude this from ...
|
| runners bases loded | 5/13/2008 |
Q: Situation;Bases loaded one out and the batter hit the ball line drive toward third base line.The ...
A: If the ball is over fair territory when it hits the runner, dead ball runner out. If it is not ...
|
| ruling | 5/13/2008 |
Q: Had a situation arise tonight. Don't know if it is a rule or falls under ethics. Sweet and short. ...
A: I don't have my rule book handy but that umpire in my opinion did help the opposing team. An ...
|
| dropped third strike | 5/12/2008 |
Q: How would you rule the following: a pitch comes in hit's the dirt. The batter swings and misses on a ...
A: No question, batter out for interference, any base runners return to last base touched. Umpires ...
|
| ASA/High School Tournament rules | 5/12/2008 |
Q: We started a 14U tournament game. We were the Home team. We brought up our concerns of playing ...
A: What happens before the game is between the schools Athletic Directors. Once the umpires arrive at ...
|
| SOFTBALL | 5/11/2008 |
Q: HOW MANY TIME OUTS ARE COACHES ALLOWED PER INNING/GAME? CAN COACHES STALL THEIR PLAYERS TO RUN OUT ...
A: Michelle, The offense is allowed one conference per inning. The defense is allowed three per game. ...
|
| number of players and positions | 5/10/2008 |
Q: In fielding a 12U fastpitch softball team what is the min. and max. number of players you would ...
A: I'll answer this using my daughter as the example. Very good pitcher, can play the corners on the ...
|
| 10 and under class A versus class B | 5/9/2008 |
Q: How do I know what type of rules best suit our local softball league's 10 and under team? Are we ...
A: Judith, Unless you are a 10U select travel team, go with B. Recreational leagues. In our local ...
|
| dp/flex rule | 5/9/2008 |
Q: I'm an assistant coach with a high school fastpitch varsity softball team. I don't comprehend the ...
A: It really isn't as tought as people make it out to be. You have 10 players in the line up. The ...
|
| National Federation High School Fast Pitch | 5/9/2008 |
Q: Runner on second, two outs. Batter hits high pop up between home and first. Runner on second heads ...
A: The inning is over. In a DDB for obstruction, the runner can not be put out between the bases they ...
|
| ASA, NSA, USSSA, Ect., and High School Fastpitch Softball | 5/9/2008 |
Q: Pitcher has control of the ball inside of the pitcher's circle, but is not on the pitching plate, ...
A: Once the ball is in control of the pitcher in the circle and the runners have stopped on a base, the ...
|
| ASA, NSA, USSSA, Ect., and High School Fastpitch Softball | 5/9/2008 |
Q: Pitcher has control of the ball inside of the pitcher's circle, but is not on the pitching plate, ...
A: Chuck, Once the pitcher has possesion of the ball in the circle and the runner has stopped on the ...
|
| Rosin bag | 5/9/2008 |
Q: My daughter keeps getting told she's not wiping her hands off enough when she puts her pitching hand ...
A: Todd, I haven't ever seen an umpire supply a rosin bag. This would be something the team supplies. ...
|
| Softball | 5/9/2008 |
Q: There is a runner on first base. The batter hits a fly ball to the pitcher but the pitcher doesn't ...
A: Because the force out was made on the Batter/Runner, the runner on first is not required to move to ...
|
| number of players and positions | 5/8/2008 |
Q: In fielding a 12U fastpitch softball team what is the min. and max. number of players you would ...
A: Vickie, I have plenty of suggestions, I not sure how many you will consider helpful! You have run ...
|
| Softball (Fastpitch ) | 5/8/2008 |
Q: A baserunner is on base because of an "error." If the next batter gets a base hit, and the runner ...
A: Yes it is an RBI. It really doesn't matter how the runner got on base, it matters how they are ...
|
| interference | 5/8/2008 |
Q: with a runner on third there is a past ball at home. The runner tries to score and the pitcher ...
A: The biggest thing to remember is that umpires don't judge intent on interference. They just judge ...
|
| dimentionquestion | 5/8/2008 |
Q: 1) high school softball pitching distance is 40', but is it measured from the front or back of the ...
A: Pitching distance is from the front edge of pitching plate to the apex of home plate. Home to ...
|
| Batter Box Position Relative to Pitch Speed | 5/8/2008 |
Q: My daughters are playing 13U fastpitch softball and I have a general question concerning the ...
A: I doesn't matter. If they can't hit a fast pitcher, moving back in the box doesn't significantly ...
|
| High school softball runner interference | 5/7/2008 |
Q: Runner on First and Second. Ball hit to second basemen before she fields the ball the runner ran ...
A: The ball is called dead at the time of interference. Based on your description of the situation. ...
|
| Stealing | 5/7/2008 |
Q: I had a runner on 3rd and the batter was walked on four pitches. I had the batter run to the base ...
A: Rodney, Your runner was called out for violating the look back rule. Some umpires do not apply ...
|
| base coach interference | 5/6/2008 |
Q: On a line drive foul ball towards third, the base coach reached up and caught the ball. The field ...
A: Whether the batter is out on this one is a judgement call. The batter is out if the base coach ...
|
| Umpire calling a game for personal reasons | 5/6/2008 |
Q: Tonight was my niece's last softball game of her middle school career and we were playing an away ...
A: If the umpire accepted the contract for the game, they have the responsibility to make sure they are ...
|
| men's slow pitch softball ruling | 5/5/2008 |
Q: there is a runner on third and first bases with one out when the batter hits a fly ball to center ...
A: Harold, Even thought this isn't a fastpitch question, which is my area, I am certain this situation ...
|
| High School Softball | 5/5/2008 |
Q: Bottom of the ninth with a runner on 3rd base and the game is tied. The batter has a full count on ...
A: The short answer is yes. But the real answer is, it depends. This is a timing play. The ball is ...
|
| Stealing Bases | 5/4/2008 |
Q: Can you steal a base while the pitcher is doing their wind-up, or do you have to wait until the ball ...
A: This depends. If F3 (the first baseman) is making an initial play on the ball it is the BR ...
|
| softball | 5/3/2008 |
Q: my daughter plays high school softball in washington state she is a pitcher and her glove is wilson ...
A: No I don't think so. I know the glove you are talking about. Mizuno has a black glove with a ...
|
| FastPitch softball | 5/2/2008 |
Q: Is it anywhere and in what rulebook does it say that you can not while on the mound before starting ...
A: Licking your fingers is legal as long as you wipe them off before touching the ball. I would never ...
|
| Pitching Speed | 5/1/2008 |
Q: I have a question about pitching speed. My daughter is 10 has been pitching for a year now. Her ...
A: Your biggest increases in speed will come from the leg drive. The harder the leg drive, the faster ...
|
| runner interferance | 4/29/2008 |
Q: In a recent 10 U game a batter bunted down first and the ball stopped about 2 feet from the plate. ...
A: Based on your information, bad call. The batter had to actually interfere with the catcher or the ...
|
| rules for pitching | 4/29/2008 |
Q: does the pitcher's both feet have to be on the rubber when they start pitching or just one? does ...
A: The toe of the pivot foot is to always remain in contact with the ground, this is for all ...
|
| Prensenting the ball | 4/27/2008 |
Q: In presenting the ball can the ball be in the glove as long as your hands are seperated when ...
A: Michelle, In the current rule book the word presenting isn't used. Don't worry about "presenting ...
|
| sliding | 4/27/2008 |
Q: What leg should be tucked under when sliding? I have been told that the left leg should be under. ...
A: Mark, Some kids will go naturally to the left leg under and some to the right leg under. I don't ...
|
| Pitching in fast pitch softball | 4/26/2008 |
Q: Please clarify - when the pitcher pitches, do both feet have to touch the rubber? We just played a ...
A: Assuming high school, just one foot. KS, Based on your comment I will add to the answer. I ...
|
| winning pitcher | 4/26/2008 |
Q: starting pitcher went 3 innings, left with 5-0 lead relief pitcher pitched 2 innings but had to be ...
A: That is how I read it. It doesn't say the four innings have to be in a row. Another part says if ...
|
| Batting | 4/25/2008 |
Q: Situation that happened is an 8th grade girl entered the game in the top of the 4th inning in the ...
A: Lauri, The only time that you have the person who was last at the plate bat first in the next ...
|
| Pitching | 4/24/2008 |
Q: My daughter is 8 yrs old and the league she's in didn't have enough players for Coach, nor slow ...
A: Barbara, Although I agree with the teach speed first method, this father may be doing more harm ...
|
| softball pitcher | 4/24/2008 |
Q: When is a relief pitcher credited with a save? When this pitcher went in to relieve the first ...
A: 1. A pitcher must meet all three of the following conditions to be credited with a save: a - She ...
|
| Dead ball call | 4/23/2008 |
Q: At a recent game my daughter was up to bat when the ball was pitched to her it hit her on her elbow. ...
A: The umpire, can call a hit by pitch a strike if it prevents the ball from getting to the strike ...
|
| appeal | 4/23/2008 |
Q: Does it matter if a player is wearing black spandex or sliding cuff even though their uniform ...
A: No Exposed undergarments are considered part of the uniform. They must be black, white, gray, or ...
|
| scoring / calculation | 4/22/2008 |
Q: How do you calculate Slugging %..... what does it mean.?? How do you calculate On Base %..... What ...
A: Going from memory, without looking it up, I would say that hit by pitch does count to OB%. Some ...
|
| scoring / calculation | 4/22/2008 |
Q: How do you calculate Slugging %..... what does it mean.?? How do you calculate On Base %..... What ...
A: Jay, Slugging percentage and On base percentage are important offensive statistics and help the ...
|
| Blocking homeplate | 4/22/2008 |
Q: In our game tonight (7-8 year old fast pitch) we had several collisions at home plate. When a long ...
A: Dona, What you describe seems so far-fetched it could almost be made up. I am sure it is not but ...
|
| softball | 4/22/2008 |
Q: there is a mean umpire at the ball feild i play at and i was wondering is is illegal for the umpire ...
A: Bethany, I don't know what to tell you other than the umpire is supposed to be an impartial judge ...
|
| illegal equipment/uniform | 4/21/2008 |
Q: I saw a girl pitching in a MN high school game with a knee pad that is optic yellow. It even had ...
A: It sounds like a mizuno sliding pad that was reversed, rolled off the knee. I know exactly what you ...
|
| Hitting vs. live pitching | 4/20/2008 |
Q: Please allow me to apologize for the length of this question prior to me asking it. I have a ...
A: Rod, I have had very good luck teaching girls to hit using what I have learned from Mike Espstein. ...
|
| error or hit? | 4/20/2008 |
Q: Runner on first base, batter hits ground ball up the middle just to the right of the pitcher. ...
A: Scenario 1: Great play by the SS just to stop the ball, very little time to make a play gets rid of ...
|
| fastpitch | 4/20/2008 |
Q: starting winup r/h, how for back can the ball go behinde her rigth leg. book said one revolution, is ...
A: What I interpret your question as asking is, how many revolutions can the pitchers arm make as part ...
|
| infield fly rule | 4/19/2008 |
Q: does the umpire have to make an audible signal on an infield fly rule call or does he just have to ...
A: The signal for the infield fly is the right fist held above the head, similar to the foul call ...
|
| runners advancing home from third 10-Under | 4/17/2008 |
Q: We are playing in 10-Under. No stealing home is allowed. If a runner has safely advance to third ...
A: This sounds like a local rule to me. In most cases when you see this rule, a misplayed return to ...
|
| Fastpitch Passed Ball | 4/17/2008 |
Q: Is a passed ball considered an error if a runner advances and/or scores? Is a wild pitch considered ...
A: Scott, An error can only be charged after the ball is put in play after the pitch. There is never ...
|
| Youth Softball pitching | 4/17/2008 |
Q: My 9 year old daughter has been pitching for about a year and taking private lessons with a pitching ...
A: Sherry, The last sentance is the important one. Don't burn her out. I would have her pitch 3-4 ...
|
| ASA vs. Little League | 4/16/2008 |
Q: What are the main differences between playing softball by ASA rules, and playing softball under ...
A: Pitching: LL requires days of rest depending on innings pitched, no such rule in ASA. ASA both ...
|
| fast pitch softball 9-10 age Minor A | 4/15/2008 |
Q: Is there any little league rule regarding surrender. I am familiar with the ten run at the end of ...
A: Brian, Anytime a team wants to pull from the field, they can forfeit. I know that a forfeit in ...
|
| Little League pitching | 4/14/2008 |
Q: For Little League girls 10 and under, is the pitcher required to begin pitching with two feet on the ...
A: Cindy, Sorry for taking so long to reply. I didn't read your question until yesterday morning and ...
|
| when can a runner leave the base | 4/13/2008 |
Q: We have moved and my girls are on a fast pitch team. I can understand some rules are local rules but ...
A: For most organizations it is when the pitcher releases the ball. Some local rec leagues, for the ...
|
| Scoring question | 4/13/2008 |
Q: If a batter hits a ball over the center fielder's head and is safely past 2nd base when the ball is ...
A: The position of the runner doesn't really matter in this scenario. She could be just short of ...
|
| first year softball player very confused about where to throw the ball | 4/12/2008 |
Q: its my first year playing and the position i feel most comfortable in is center field or 2nd base ...
A: Kelly, I will try this for center field. The only real teacher will be experience. Here are some ...
|
| Games played per week | 4/11/2008 |
Q: If the coach has a player play more than the games she is allowed per week can the player be ...
A: I will speak to this generally as the participation rules may vary by state. Typically, if you use ...
|
| Fielder's Choice or Hit? | 4/11/2008 |
Q: Fastpitch Softball: A runner is on third base with less than 2 outs. The batter hits a ground ball ...
A: Dan, Runner on third, ball hit to shortstop and shortstop checks the runner. If no play is made to ...
|
| Chaffing From Shin Guards | 4/10/2008 |
Q: Any suggestions to prevent chaffing on the back side of the knee from the shin guard straps? I have ...
A: Al, I have no idea as this has neven been a problem for me. Maybe under armour. They have ...
|
| Minor A fast pitch softball | 4/10/2008 |
Q: I have consulted my rules book with success on this matter. Is there a limit on how many batters a ...
A: Brian, The nature of your question and the subject line leads me to believe you are awfully close ...
|
| Softball pitching | 4/9/2008 |
Q: I am having a problem with my release. I pitched JV last year and will again this year but I am ...
A: Danelle, Without a video of you it is extremly difficult to tell you what you are doing wrong. The ...
|
| Fastpitch softball. | 4/9/2008 |
Q: Situation: Runner on 3rd base. Catcher goes to mound to talk to pitcher and does not ask for time ...
A: Assuming the the catcher has the ball and there is no time out, absolutley. If the pitcher has ...
|
| Umpire Position | 4/8/2008 |
Q: I noticed in a fastpitch game that I recently watched that the umpire had a difficult time getting ...
A: I set up with my right foot centered on the plate as close as I can to the catcher while still ...
|
| Pitching with a slap | 4/8/2008 |
Q: This is my second year coaching 10U girls fastpitch. I'm working a lot with pitching this year and ...
A: Janet, This was sent to the question pool by Scott as it is a coaching question not a rules ...
|
| Scoring Error? | 4/8/2008 |
Q: With a runner at 2nd base, a ground ball is hit which reaches an outfielder. The baserunner, ...
A: All judgement calls. No throw, most likely no error unless the runner is terribly slow. All the ...
|
| wild pitch contributes to earned run | 4/8/2008 |
Q: I read a previous answer to a earned vs unearned run, however my question is: Pitcher A faces only ...
A: Sure she did, pitcher A was the one that allowed runner to get on base. That is why it goes against ...
|
| wild pitch contributes to earned run | 4/7/2008 |
Q: I read a previous answer to a earned vs unearned run, however my question is: Pitcher A faces only ...
A: Jay, I can't really answer your question as to why it is not an error, other than the two scoring ...
|
| differ in baseball and softball swing mechanics... | 4/7/2008 |
Q: does softball and baseball have different mechanics in their swings? I've been getting different ...
A: I understand your question completely. You will hear this same thing from any elite hitting coach, ...
|
| fastpitch | 4/6/2008 |
Q: My 12 yr old daughter has a bad habit of "shot-putting" the ball instead of following through and ...
A: Robin, Your daughter is not snapping her wrist when she throws the ball. When bringing the hand ...
|
| for hourtplayers can you subtitute? | 4/6/2008 |
Q: hi my name is kristen and i wanted to know if a player is hurt and can't run if you can have a ...
A: Kristen, If there is a player that can be legally substitued on the bench, then the answer is yes. ...
|
| tipped 3rd strike | 4/6/2008 |
Q: If A catcher catches a tipped 3rd strike in his equipment is batter out ?
A: No. A tipped ball that goes directly to the the catcher's glove is considered a foul tip and is ...
|
| wild pitch contributes to earned run | 4/6/2008 |
Q: I read a previous answer to a earned vs unearned run, however my question is: Pitcher A faces only ...
A: This is an earned run on Pitcher A. The first batter was her responsibility. A wild pitch is not ...
|
| third strike and run? | 4/5/2008 |
Q: Will you explaine ,what do you do when there is 3 shrikes do you run or what? it is for fastpitch ...
A: Karisa, I teach all my players to run on all third strikes. This gives them a small advantage if ...
|
| double base | 4/3/2008 |
Q: I have a couple of questions about the double base. I feel the umpires in our league have a loose or ...
A: First things first, is the play at first actually a force out, I believe that it is. The definition ...
|
| 1st base player | 4/3/2008 |
Q: If I have a left hander playing first base, what foot do they put on the bag when catching a ball in ...
A: Glove side foot extends with the glove for the catch. Hand side foot stays on the bag. To show ...
|
| High School Fastpitch - Kentucky | 4/2/2008 |
Q: If an 8th grader starts a varsity game, I was told they can not go back and play junior varsity. Is ...
A: I really can't tell you about Kentucky, but in Michigan this would be no problem. In Michigan a ...
|
| substitution rule & penalty | 4/1/2008 |
Q: Starter then re-enters in the fifth inning. In the seventh inning, coach wants to re-enter his pinch ...
A: Any player may be withdrawn from the game and re-entered once. As long as we are talking about ...
|
| Continuing to 2B on ball four | 3/31/2008 |
Q: A two part question actually. First part, on ball 4 to the batter the catcher returns the ball to ...
A: There is absolutely nothing wrong with continuing to 2nd on a walk. Even if the ball is in the ...
|
| softball size | 3/30/2008 |
Q: What size softball does the 8 & under girls fastpitch use?
A: ASA doesn't have a 8U division. I am not sure that any sanctioning organization does. For ASA the ...
|
| Catching and removing helmet/mask | 3/30/2008 |
Q: My daughter has caught for over 8 years and has always been coached not to remove her helmet/mask ...
A: Removing and throwing the mask out of the way is a carry over from the old style catchers mask. The ...
|
| unknown/illegal substitutions | 3/29/2008 |
Q: IF THE OPPOSING TEAM SUBSTITUTES A PLAYER, AND DID NOT TELL THE UMPIRE OR THE OTHER TEAM, WHAT IS ...
A: For middle school softball you use the same rules as high school unless modified by your state ...
|
| throwing motion | 3/26/2008 |
Q: Do you know of any drills that can improve the overhand throwing motion? Some of my players tend ...
A: Try this: A drill that helps with wrist snap and getting the proper overhand motion is Towel Slaps. ...
|
| Dropped 3rd strike Rule | 3/26/2008 |
Q: OK hate to beat a dead horse............less than 2 outs...dropped 3rd strike....batter ...
A: Question 1, batter out. The base was occupied at the time of the pitch. If you started with a ...
|
| Batter Hit by pitched bounced Ball | 3/25/2008 |
Q: first thanks for taking my question!! My question is two fold. Girls ASA 12-U. If the batter ...
A: In both cases the ball is dead when it hits the batter. In the first example first base is awarded. ...
|
| Score keeping ? | 3/24/2008 |
Q: While score keeping and considering how to consider a hit versus an error. I have been informed that ...
A: This isn't as cut and dry as I thought it would be. Definition of an error from the NCAA scoring ...
|
| stopping the play | 3/23/2008 |
Q: in 10u does getting the ball back to the pitcher show control of the ball and stop the play? If not ...
A: Darrin, I chuckled when I read your question because I feel your pain. A softball ricocheting all ...
|
| bunting | 3/21/2008 |
Q: If a hitter squares around to bunt does she have to pull back her bat in order to prevent getting ...
A: No, the umpire will judge if she "offers" at the ball. Pulling back the bat is not required. I do ...
|
| Runner Interference - how to score batter? | 3/20/2008 |
Q: Happened last night in a HS varsity game: Runners at 1 and 2 with two outs. Batter hits dinker on ...
A: I use the NCAA Baseball/Softball scoring guide to help me these questions. My first inclination was ...
|
| new way to throw softball for LL Majors? | 3/19/2008 |
Q: Hmmm, wouldn't you say that it is interesting to rotate your wrist in an overhand throw and then be ...
A: As far as teaching throwing, either way will work. I teach rolling the wrist with the ball facing ...
|
| interference | 3/19/2008 |
Q: If a runner is on second, the ball is hit to ss and I ran as soon as the ball was hit saw the ball ...
A: This is a judgment call on the umpires part, so to answer your question, is it right? Possibly. It ...
|
| player attendace | 3/17/2008 |
Q: My daughter has missed 2 practices and 2 games as a result of the death of my brother (1 wk) and ...
A: My guess would be that your daughter's coach is full of beans. I don't have a LL rule book handy, ...
|
| Scoring | 3/15/2008 |
Q: Situation, extra inning game (I think the same applies to the bottom of the seventh), bases loaded, ...
A: This is a combination scoring/rules question, here is how it works. The game in over when "a run ...
|
| Throwing Lane | 3/12/2008 |
Q: Is it possible for 1B to create a throwing lane on a bunt? On a dropped 3rd strike or a bunt the ...
A: No the first baseman is not able to create a throwing lane. The runner gets the running lane, the ...
|
| Fast Pitch Question | 3/12/2008 |
Q: I recently saw a girls HS softball game. A pitcher was behind the rubber and as she came to the ...
A: This is an illegal pitch. The award is a ball to the batter and any players on base get to advance ...
|
| Lodge ball | 3/11/2008 |
Q: When a live ball becomes lodged in a defensive players equipment, the ball is dead & all runners are ...
A: Nope, no dead ball here. The only time I can see this becoming an issue is with the catcher. If I ...
|
| practice drills | 3/8/2008 |
Q: Scott, I coach a 12U travel team and want to make practices more productive for the girls. Can you ...
A: Scott, I use some stuff from Softball Excellence. The site is by a lady with coaching/playing ...
|
| steeling bases | 3/8/2008 |
Q: In the 11&12 age group girls fastpitch softball when can the base runner leave the bag.
A: It depends on the rules being used. I know with ASA it is the same as the older girls, they can't ...
|
| verbal interference | 3/5/2008 |
Q: runners at first base (bob) and second base (jeff) Batter hits solid groundball through infield ...
A: The ASA definition of interference is: "The act of an offensive player or team member, umpire or ...
|
| Fielder's Choice | 3/4/2008 |
Q: Our teams coaches are trying to figure out the scoring on a particular play girls fast-pitch game. ...
A: No question, this is a fielders choice not a hit. The attempt at putting out a preceding runner is ...
|
| Scoring Statistics - Double or Single on Error | 3/2/2008 |
Q: I am the score keeper for our 5th grade recreational softball team. I am putting together some ...
A: There are two ways to score this. To determine which way to score this, one question needs to be ...
|
| Dead Ball? | 2/29/2008 |
Q: I was watching a 9th grade softball game last night and a girl was batting, she swung way under the ...
A: To be awarded first base on a hit by pitch, you must attempt to avoid the pitch. Any type of flinch ...
|
| Girls 10 u softball | 2/29/2008 |
Q: Batter bunts the pitch and catcher throws the ball to 1st base and hits the runner in fair territory ...
A: Once the batter gets to the running lane, which would be almost every time by the time the catcher ...
|
| Softball Dropped Third "Strike" Definition | 2/26/2008 |
Q: Because of the recent changes to 10U play and now having dropped third, we had some umps come out ...
A: I would have to say yes. I looked at the USSSA rule book before answering this. It seems that this ...
|
| Dropped 3rd strike/appeal | 2/25/2008 |
Q: 2 outs 0-2 count ball so far out side it hitS the back stop.B-1 checks swing.Ball is called loud ...
A: I've got a runner on first with two outs. Next batter. Pitcher gets credited with strike out and a ...
|
| player eligablity | 2/25/2008 |
Q: i have a 14 year old daughter on a 16u team.Can she play down on a 14u team in our own organization ...
A: As long as the 14U team will not be playing in a national or state USSSA qualifier while your ...
|
| Scoring an earned run | 2/25/2008 |
Q: Batter A walks Batter B gets on with a fielder's choice Batter C walks Batter D walks, batter A ...
A: The only way that the fielder's choice negates the earned run, is if the runner that was put out (or ...
|
| runner hit by ball | 2/25/2008 |
Q: is there any time that a on base runner can be hit by a batted fair ball and not be called out. ...
A: If after passing by an infielder and no other infielder has a chance to make a play on the ball, the ...
|
| player eligablity | 2/24/2008 |
Q: i have a 14 year old daughter on a 16u team.Can she play down on a 14u team in our own organization ...
A: This really depends on the the sanctioning organization for your teams (ASA, USSSA, NSA, PONY, USFA ...
|
| Stepping out | 2/21/2008 |
Q: My daughter is 15 and has been playing softball since age 4. The last year or so she has been ...
A: You are really touching on the bigger picture of should you have a stride when you hit or should you ...
|
| Players pick by their ability to go to state? | 2/20/2008 |
Q: My daughter has played softball since kindergarten. Last week she was approached by the coach to ...
A: If you are referring to travel ball and not high school ball then I would answer, sometimes, ...
|
| look back | 2/6/2008 |
Q: After ball 4,catcher throws to pitcher on the rubber before runner gets to first.Can she still round ...
A: Yes, absolutely. The pitcher having control of the ball in the circle doesn't stop the runner. If ...
|
| Infield fly | 2/6/2008 |
Q: Here is the scenerio. This is middle school girls fast pitch softball. Runners on 1st & 2nd. The ...
A: This is a bad situation to be in. The infield fly rule is in effect even if it is not called. Not ...
|
