Softball/Questions Answered by Expert Tom Mielke
| Subject | Date Asked |
| strike | 1/22/2012 |
| Q: Sounds like a silly question but what is a strike? If a change-up crosses the front part of the ... A: Richard, This is far from the silliest question I have had here. It really should be asked more ... | |
| fastpitch girls softball 18u | 12/18/2011 |
| Q: can the pitcher take the signal from the catcher while not on the mound? A: Absolutely! Unfortunately this is one of those rules that is misunderstood in fastpitch. Once the ... | |
| ASA Softball | 11/16/2011 |
| Q: What is the Birthday cut off for an 18u division in 2011 ASA Softball? A: All age division ASA age cutoffs are Jan 1. For your example: On December 31 if age is 18 you can ... | |
| Softball Call | 9/27/2011 |
| Q: I watch a softball game recently. In the game, there were runners on second and third base. The ... A: Charles, Count the run! It is up to the defense to know the situation and react accordingly. If ... | |
| Legal gloves for a pitcher | 9/5/2011 |
| Q: My daughter very much likes the Easton NE12FP glove- see this link if you want to see the glove: ... A: Tom, Some umpires may have a problem with it. Is your daughter concerned with the appearance of ... | |
| Pitched ball stuck behind backstop | 7/30/2011 |
| Q: We had a tourney game today. The situation was the game is tied 3-3 and there is a runner on third ... A: Will, From the sounds of it, it was the correct call. I have worked on fields set up as you ... | |
| base running | 7/28/2011 |
| Q: R1 on third and R2 on first, no outs, Batter hits ground to 2nd baseman who while attempting to move ... A: Pete, This is a classic example of interference by the base runner. The runner has to avoid the ... | |
| rules & regulations | 7/21/2011 |
| Q: Where can I get a rules & regulations handbook for girls softball 10 yrs and under? A: Contact your local district ASA commissioner. They may be able to help. Start your search at ... | |
| Fair or Foul Ball | 7/17/2011 |
| Q: The ball is hit high into the air and lands fair between home plate and third base. The ball is not ... A: Wayne, This is a common question here and how to rule this causes much more confusion than it ... | |
| Linear Vs Rotational Hitting Instruction | 7/11/2011 |
| Q: My daughter has been a rotational hitter all her life. She is 16 now. On her JV High School team she ... A: Sean, I won't go into what I think about the two different style, it really doesn't matter in the ... | |
| offensive obstruction | 7/6/2011 |
| Q: Bases loaded, ball is hit to the short stop. in the act of fielding the ball the runner from second ... A: Alan, In your scenario, F6 has the absolute right to any spot on the field. ANY act whether ... | |
| Runner Advancement Rule | 6/28/2011 |
| Q: There are runners on first and second. The batter hits a ground the ball to the third baseman, ... A: First, yes the runner can retreat towards first base. The runner that was being forced to advanced ... | |
| Second baseman playing position on field | 6/27/2011 |
| Q: we have an 18U fastpitch team and we have always coached our second baseman to play behind the ... A: Laura, I play F4 as deep as possible. They have to be able to get to first on a bunt and play slow ... | |
| Indifference | 6/24/2011 |
| Q: What is the definition of Defense Indifference? Where in the rule book is it defined? A: Jeff, I use the National Fastpitch Coaches Association scoring guide to determine how I score. ... | |
| Obstruction / Interference | 6/7/2011 |
| Q: I was wondering if you could clarify. Base runner on 2nd. A ball is hit to the short outfield - ... A: Buck, Thanks for the question. Without a doubt, if there is contact between a defensive and ... | |
| Fastpitch Softball | 6/4/2011 |
| Q: Can a base umpire determine a hit batsman, and make the ensuing call without an appeal by the ... A: Yes this call can be made by the base umpire but I am not sure why they would. There are not ... | |
| Runner Out Of Basepath | 6/2/2011 |
| Q: We had an interesting play last night in my daughter's softball game. Our team was in the field and ... A: Rob, It all depends when the fielder dropped the ball. If the runner started around the fielder ... | |
| hit by pitch | 5/30/2011 |
| Q: njcaa softball-- does batter have to make an attempt to get out of the way of pitch?? A: By rule, yes they do. If practice, not always. Any small flinch by the batter is usually ruled as ... | |
| Pitching Styles | 5/28/2011 |
| Q: My 16 year old daughter has been going to the same pitching coach for 4 yrs. He is an older man who ... A: Donna, I think you will see more open style pitchers in college. The arm can spin faster and it ... | |
| Earned Runs | 5/24/2011 |
| Q: Inning transpires as follows: Batter A reached on a drop 3rd strike. Batter B sac bunts; Batter A ... A: This is why I asked. The dropped third strike was the result of a wild pitch. One of the ... | |
| Earned Runs | 5/22/2011 |
| Q: Inning transpires as follows: Batter A reached on a drop 3rd strike. Batter B sac bunts; Batter A ... A: What is the reason for the dropped third strike, wild pitch or passed ball. I know it seems like a ... | |
| Defensive Subs | 5/21/2011 |
| Q: I have 12 players. I am batting 9 batters. I was thinking of having 4 of the batters share the 8th ... A: Jim, The line up is mostly for offense. You can move the defensive position of the players in the ... | |
| Lookback rule | 5/18/2011 |
| Q: Last night the following situation occurred during a 14u game: With a runner on 2nd and 1 out, the ... A: The wording in the book is must immediately choose a base. The younger the girls, immediately ... | |
| scoring a play? | 5/16/2011 |
| Q: in softball when a player catches a foul ball and then steps out of bounds with runners on base, the ... A: I would just note the margins if you want to be that detailed. I don't know of a book that you can ... | |
| catchers | 5/16/2011 |
| Q: I have a 9 year old girl that is left handed. she is determined on being a catcher. can she continue ... A: Lori, I don't know of any websites that talk about this. We purchased a left-handed catchers mitt ... | |
| foul ball | 5/15/2011 |
| Q: Does a foul ball have to go above a batters head to be caught for an out? ANSWER: No, it does not. ... A: Check out either section 1 or 2 of the book, definitions. I don't have a book with me or I would be ... | |
| infield fly rule follow up. | 5/13/2011 |
| Q: I know the infield fly rule applies when runners are in forced positions on the bags with less than ... A: Michael, It is easier to get your head around if you look at it this way. The IFFR only affects ... | |
| Initial Play | 5/10/2011 |
| Q: Good morning! Could you please explain what "initial play" consists of? We were playing in a USSSA ... A: The initial play is the first play on the ball being attempted by a player that has a chance of ... | |
| catcher throw to first with only two strikes | 5/9/2011 |
| Q: I think i saw this in an NCAA SEC softball game this weekend. While a girl was batting the catcher ... A: Coach, I don't do NCAA but speaking to high school, I can't think of any rule that award first base ... | |
| base running | 5/8/2011 |
| Q: You have a R1 on 3rd and then the following runner R2 (batter runner) rounds 2nd and advances to 3rd ... A: In your situation, R2 doesn't belong there. She is out. R1 is out. If you go to a base that is ... | |
| illegal substitution | 5/7/2011 |
| Q: in the top of the 6th inning the opposing team made a re-entered the wrong player as a runner that i ... A: So your girl that was running was in the game at one time and pulled. Then in the top of the 6th ... | |
| Batting out of order / sub. | 5/6/2011 |
| Q: A question came up about the one I sent to you on 5-3-11. I know that batter-3 was injured and a ... A: When you get to the person that was inserted in the bottom of the line up and they bat, you have ... | |
| Scoring RBI's | 5/4/2011 |
| Q: I have been told that for every run scored there should be an RBI recorded, no matter what. Is this ... A: Bill, It is not true that for every run scored there should be an RBI. For example, a runner ... | |
| Batting order-altered | 5/4/2011 |
| Q: Follow up on question from 5-3-11. If the offensive team would have reached the number 9 batting ... A: Question 1: This would be batting out of order. The number 1 hitter should be up. Question 2: ... | |
| Double base rule | 5/3/2011 |
| Q: I have two questions; one on the double base rule; If a runner going to first hits the white bag and ... A: Speaking ASA on the base rule. In your scenario, the runner did not touch the base. The ... | |
| Batting out of order/sub. | 5/3/2011 |
| Q: Two part question. Batter-3 is suppose to bat, but was injured. Coach brings in a substitute for ... A: B4 batted when B3 should have. Once a pitch was thrown to B5, B4's at bat can not be challenged. ... | |
| uncaught third strike | 5/3/2011 |
| Q: Third strike bypasses catcher's glove and lodges in chest protector. Catcher grabs ball from chest ... A: Bill, Sorry for taking so long to answer this one. I wanted to wait until I double checked the ... | |
| bat specs | 4/29/2011 |
| Q: what is the standards for bats in NFHS, weight & length? A: NFHS goes by ASA on bat rules. If it is a legal ASA bat, it is legal for high school. If the bat ... | |
| Scoring dropped fly with baserunners advance | 4/28/2011 |
| Q: Runners on 2nd and 3rd base. None out. Batter hits deep line drive between RF and CF. RF runs to and ... A: Jim, The batter gets a SAC and an RBI(2) for their plate appearance if an error occurs. The batter ... | |
| Bunt attempt popped up | 4/27/2011 |
| Q: Sir At an 8th grade Ohio High School Athletics governed girls softball game, we had a situation in ... A: JP, A foul tip is defined as a ball that goes directly (direct line) from the bat to the catcher's ... | |
| fastpitch softball EP & DH | 4/27/2011 |
| Q: If a team starts with a DH, bats 9 and uses an EP as the pitcher what happens when the DH goes into ... A: John, In high school and ASA you are talking about the Flex/DP rule. flex player is defense only, ... | |
| runner on first | 4/26/2011 |
| Q: From an umpires perspective. runner on first, batter hits grounder to first about 6 feet from first ... A: Bob, Let's go to the result of the play, you called it correctly. First nothing in the rules says ... | |
| hit by pitcher | 4/21/2011 |
| Q: Late in a JV game a player is hit for the 2nd time. Only because her coach made a humorous remark ... A: Eric, This question comes up frequently, especially at the lower levels. Let me it answer it this ... | |
| called out on a bunt | 4/19/2011 |
| Q: Batter bunts the ball in fair territory.What are the different scenarios that the batter would be ... A: Butch, There are only two possible scenarios that can happen in your situation. Either the rolling ... | |
| ovethrows | 4/18/2011 |
| Q: I-specifically need a high school rule interpretation for the State of Wisconsin on a pitcher who's ... A: Tom, A pitch that is thrown out of play or bounces off the catcher and goes out of play is a dead ... | |
| Look Back Rule | 4/15/2011 |
| Q: What exactly constitude's a "look back" call by either one of the umpires? Scenerio: Ball four is a ... A: Art Once a batter stops between bases, they must immediately choose a base to go to and start in ... | |
| How Many Innings can a Softball pitcher throw per week? | 4/15/2011 |
| Q: This year our middle school softball league has implemented a 10 inning per week rule for pitchers ... A: ASA and NFHS (High/Middle School) have no limits on pitch count or innings. This is a local rule ... | |
| covering delayed steal | 4/11/2011 |
| Q: Tom, This is our first year in 12U and we are learning a lot! I would like your advice on the best ... A: Angie, To cover the base have F6 move over to second base. I am assuming we are talking about a ... | |
| Softball coverage | 4/11/2011 |
| Q: We are playing 12U this year - we have found with less than two outs and a runner on third - if the ... A: At 12U have two choices unless you have some highly skilled players. You can either give up the ... | |
| Is this pitch legal | 4/10/2011 |
| Q: Can a pitcher once she presents the ball and both feet are on the plate take a step back with one of ... A: Jody, In LL when the pitcher steps on the pitchers plate the hands must be separated and the ball ... | |
| State scoring rule | 4/9/2011 |
| Q: Is defensive indifference an official stat in both softball and baseball? With runners on first and ... A: Ron, This is a lot of question! One of the most involved I have been taken to task . This first ... | |
| hr | 3/28/2011 |
| Q: Batter hits a homerun umpire calls her out for missing first base isn’t an appeal by the defense ... A: Carlos, It is not the job of the umpire to help the offense or defense. Just makes the calls as ... | |
| COMMITMENT LINE DEFINED (I THINK) | 3/27/2011 |
| Q: READ ONE OF YOUR QUESTIONS THAT ASKED ABOUT IT. BROWSING THIS WEBSITE I FOUND ON 3/24 IN DR MARK ... A: Yeah, Mark sent me an email on that one. You could be right on the comment on the umpires. ... | |
| Infield fly rule/call | 3/27/2011 |
| Q: DID I MAKE THE RIGHT CALL ? (SEE BELOW} Hello! The expert can't answer your question. Your ... A: I think you did. You called the batter out on the infield fly and then called the play as it ... | |
| SCOREKEEPING: Squeeze/Suicide Play all Runners Safe | 3/27/2011 |
| Q: .. Runner at 3rd. Suicide bunt to Fielder5 (3rd Baseman)throw to Fielder2 (Catcher). Runner3 "R3" ... A: Javi, To get to the answer of your question we have to ask did the batter do their job? Did they ... | |
| softball bunt coverage | 3/25/2011 |
| Q: Have you ever heard of first baseman covering third on any bunt? My daughter high school coach is ... A: Bessie, Can't say as I am familiar with this one. I guess I can see the reasoning. If F3 doesn't ... | |
| Scoring question | 3/18/2011 |
| Q: FirstRunner on first, batter bunts to sacrifice the runner to second but the third baseman makes a ... A: Bob, I understand the point you are making about the choice of words, "Fielder's Choice". In some ... | |
| Scoring question | 3/18/2011 |
| Q: FirstRunner on first, batter bunts to sacrifice the runner to second but the third baseman makes a ... A: Ron, Yes I would show a 2-3 in the book to show who gets the PO and assist. You can't credit both ... | |
| Scoring question | 3/18/2011 |
| Q: FirstRunner on first, batter bunts to sacrifice the runner to second but the third baseman makes a ... A: Ron, I know that you really are not looking for a response but the system requires me to respond. ... | |
| Scoring question | 3/18/2011 |
| Q: FirstRunner on first, batter bunts to sacrifice the runner to second but the third baseman makes a ... A: Ron, 1. It is a FC, the sacrifice was not successful. 2. Ron, this is also a FC. Ron, I also ... | |
| 3rd base leadoff | 3/15/2011 |
| Q: 12U ASA softball. Runner on 3rd leads off over 1/2 the distance between 3rd base and home. Runner ... A: Amy, The only comittment line I know of is at the church and ii crossed that one 25 years ago. As ... | |
| Base Running in Girls Fastpitch | 3/13/2011 |
| Q: If a batter bunts and you have a player already on 1st base, the catcher picked up the ball threw it ... A: The last sentance of your question is correct. Once the batter was forced out at first the runner ... | |
| softball bats | 3/12/2011 |
| Q: i just bought my daughter a louisville slugger catalyst x1 composite bat 34/26.. i just noticed its ... A: Anthony, Actually ASA doesn't classify bats as fast pitch or slow pitch on there bat list. a long ... | |
| Scoring question | 3/10/2011 |
| Q: 10U ASA - we have a max runs per inning rule of 5 runs in innings 1-5 and unlimited in the 6th ... A: Ed, Tough question to answer! It just depends on how the local rule is written. I run a rec ... | |
| official scoring | 3/9/2011 |
| Q: runner on second runs into shortstop fielding ground ball,runner is called out,third out of inning, ... A: Rob, This is a judgement call. If the batter would have been safe without the interference, then ... | |
| Slappers | 3/7/2011 |
| Q: You mentioned in one of your answers that scoring for a slappler is difficult when it comes to a ... A: Bob, Here is the rule according to the book. Typically on base by an error is not used to ... | |
| obstruction | 3/3/2011 |
| Q: does the batter have to vacate the box on a pass ball when a runner is steeling home? A: Rich, They don't really HAVE to vacate the batters box on the runner stealing home. If they don't ... | |
| batter tips ball | 3/2/2011 |
| Q: These are varsity girls, fast pitch softball. A batter tips a ball, the ball is only chest high when ... A: Art, This is a question that causes a bunch of confusion. What you are really asking is: What is ... | |
| Girls fastpitch softball | 3/2/2011 |
| Q: What's the rule for putting a player into the game, who, in previous innings, was a designated ... A: Let me do the best I can to help you but in reverse. There isn't any rule in ASA or high school ... | |
| Batter Inteference at the plate | 2/28/2011 |
| Q: Runner on 2nd stealing third, batter does not move in the batter box after the pitch, catcher throws ... A: Wally There is no interference in what you describe. Unless the hater blatantly acts to impede the ... | |
| softball | 2/23/2011 |
| Q: my daughter is left handed and is going out for middle school softball she is very good on first ... A: Melissa, There are a couple of reasons you see lefties at first base. The biggest reason is the ... | |
| ?? on an official AB | 2/21/2011 |
| Q: R1 is at 1b...b1 attempts bunt to 3b, 3b overthrows 1b and r1 advances to 3b and b1 ends up at 2b. ... A: This was scored correctly. Actually the SAC was completed. R1 advanced to 2nd due to the bunt. If ... | |
| batting | 2/14/2011 |
| Q: Mr. Mielke my coach tells me i need to break my hips durning my swing. Are there any drills out ... A: Ashley, I am not positive about the term "break my hips". If it means getting your hips through ... | |
| rules of game | 2/10/2011 |
| Q: bases loaded 2 outs hr over fence runner on 3rd misses home appeal is made for out any runs score? A: Thomas, No runs would score in this situation. Anytime you have an appeal that causes a third out, ... | |
| interference | 1/31/2011 |
| Q: R no body out batter hits ball to 6 who fields and throws to 4 at second base r1 run in to f4 and ... A: Let me make sure I have this right, R1 on 1st, B2 hits ball to F6 and throws B1 out at second base, ... | |
| Pitching | 1/26/2011 |
| Q: My cousin really wants to play for Georgia. She can throw around 46-48 mph at the age of 12. Is ... A: Branson, A place on a D1 team is a great goal for a 12 year old. If she can hit her spots, throw ... | |
| Hitting | 1/25/2011 |
| Q: My 13yr old daughter is a power hitter but is very inconsistent because she is dropping her backside ... A: Vicki, Without seeing any video it is extremely difficult to tell what the problem is. Contrary to ... | |
| Equipment to Protect Forearm from Cleating | 1/21/2011 |
| Q: Can you recommend or suggest equipment to help protect SS and 2nd baseman forearms from getting ... A: Dennis, I did a quick google check, looked over some softball and baseball sites and couldn't find ... | |
| Pitching distance | 1/18/2011 |
| Q: I have been told that 14U girls would be pitching from 43 feet in 2011. Is this true? A: Andy, I checked the 2011 rule changes and don't see the 14U JO rules changed to 43'. I have copied ... | |
| foul balls | 1/12/2011 |
| Q: If a ball is hit foul and a fielder almost catches it, but drops it, can the runner stay on the base ... A: Charlotte, A foul ball is a dead ball and the runners can not advance. If a runner has advanced ... | |
| Hi! I'm a Varsity softball catcher. | 1/7/2011 |
| Q: My question is the signals I should give to my pitcher. I have tryouts next week, and I'm a ... A: Morgan, Don't worry about this too much. Just talk to the pitcher and ask what she throws. ... | |
| Ejected player | 11/20/2010 |
| Q: What is the rule for the 2 game suspension if the games are rained out. Does the rule take effect ... A: Richard, With Michigan High School rules an ejected player misses the next day of competition ... | |
| Fast pitch softball | 11/2/2010 |
| Q: I have a doubt, this is myIf a player get a walk due 4 balls do she can advance to second base if ... A: Holvin, The short answer to your question is yes. Many people make the mistake that the runner ... | |
| Softball | 10/31/2010 |
| Q: Tom, You will love this question!! You won't find this in the NFHS rule book! What happens when a ... A: Joe, This really can only be answered one of two ways. Either the runner left before the illegal ... | |
| blocked ball by catcher | 10/27/2010 |
| Q: Runner on 2nd base . Ball is pitched to batter.Ball hits catchers shin guard goes into dugout out of ... A: Eddie, After the ball is put in play by the offense, a ball that is thrown out of play by the ... | |
| Scoring on 3rd out | 10/16/2010 |
| Q: Runners on 2nd and 3rd 2 outs. Ball is hit to F1 pitcher fields ball clean runs over and tags out ... A: Kevin, This is an odd situation. Normally you would have the pitcher throw the runner out going to ... | |
| Foul Balls | 9/30/2010 |
| Q: What is the rule on a runner who advances to the next base when a foul ball is caught? Do they have ... A: Joel, A ball that is caught can not be a foul ball. It is simply a caught fly ball. It matters ... | |
| Girls Fastpitch Softball Pitching | 9/24/2010 |
| Q: I have been assisting a middle school girls fastpitch softball team, and one pitcher starts with her ... A: Mark, You won't find what you are looking for in the rule book. The only thing you will find is ... | |
| Fast-pitch softball | 9/22/2010 |
| Q: Bases loaded, bottom of the 7th innning. Batter is hit by pitch. Does not go to first base, she ... A: Mike, A bit of delay in answering this questions. You state that the batter doesn't touch first ... | |
| Tag up DP, does the run count? | 9/19/2010 |
| Q: Question Bases loaded, one out, fly to deep outfield for second out, all runners attempt to tag and ... A: I do agree. The only time you are not going to count the run is if a runner that was forced to ... | |
| Define Crow hop & amount of time to deliver | 9/15/2010 |
| Q: So I have 2 NFHS rule interpertation's I'd like (and I can't get to the actual rule book) 1) Please ... A: A crow hop is a replant of the pivot foot off the pitchers plate prior to the pitch. I looks like a ... | |
| infield fly rule | 9/14/2010 |
| Q: on a iffly situation bases loaded,less then two outs B5 hits a high foul ball between hp and 1st ... A: Victor, You have asked an interesting question. The first thing to understand the ball is not ... | |
| lacking self confedince | 8/30/2010 |
| Q: Iv been playing softball since I was about 3 years old up and till now I'm 17. Well when I play and ... A: Ashley, Your follow up kind of goes back to the second sentence of my original reply. Like you ... | |
| lacking self confedince | 8/30/2010 |
| Q: Iv been playing softball since I was about 3 years old up and till now I'm 17. Well when I play and ... A: Ashley, You have asked an extremely difficult question. Some of my answer may be tough for you to ... | |
| pitching distance fastpitch 12U | 8/18/2010 |
| Q: we are confused- what is the pitching distance for fastpitch girls 12U ? 40 feet? or 43 feet? we ... A: Debbie, ASA 12U and 14U 40' 16U and 18U 43' Yes there are some very recent changes to the ... | |
| home to first speed method | 8/17/2010 |
| Q: How do colleges/scouts have this stat done so that we're comparing apples to apples. Where do the ... A: For my daughter she was clocked from her stance in the right hand batters box. Lefties from the ... | |
| interference/asa slow pitch | 8/16/2010 |
| Q: my team had 1st and third no outs,ground ball to 2nd r1 did cause interference on the 2nd ... A: In this case, no runners advance, R1 is out and the batter is awarded first base. If the umpire ... | |
| double first base | 8/12/2010 |
| Q: After passing through first base if it is a double base does the base go away technically talking? ... A: Katie, In ASA, after the base is initially touched, it becomes one big base. The runner can touch ... | |
| Softball final Southeastern tournament | 8/3/2010 |
| Q: There was one out with runners on first and second. Ball hit to first baseman who stepped on base ... A: Well Jan I tell you don't like it. One of the hardest things to do as an umpire is how to fix ... | |
| Tryouts | 8/3/2010 |
| Q: I will be coaching girl's 12U travel ball team next year and I am looking for suggestions on what to ... A: Doug, Concentrate on the basics. How will do they.... Hit Field Throw Watch their interaction ... | |
| batter interference | 7/27/2010 |
| Q: In an attempt by the catcher to throw, to third,or any base,if the batter stays in the batters box ... A: Without being there, this sounds like the correct call to me. The batter can be called for ... | |
| Bases-loaded walk | 7/21/2010 |
| Q: Bases are loaded with one out. There is a runs-per-inning rule of 6. Five runs are already across ... A: Even a batter that is walked is required to complete their baserunning requirements. The batter ... | |
| dropped 3rd strike | 7/20/2010 |
| Q: This past weekend we had an opposing player swing & miss a 3rd strike which was dropped by our ... A: Sounds like the umpires eventually got the call right, assuming of course that the girl was not ... | |
| Play on batter overrunning first without touching it | 7/19/2010 |
| Q: B1 hits ball to F6. Throw beats B1 but F3 (with foot on base) drops ball, which lands at F3's feet. ... A: Dale, The runner is safe unless there is an appeal before runner returns to first base. The ... | |
| line up | 7/18/2010 |
| Q: If a player is playing in the game but is not on the lineup is this game a forfiet ANSWER: No it is ... A: Nope, not a forfeit. It sounds like this is just a Flex player that wasn't listed on the line up ... | |
| Infield fly | 7/14/2010 |
| Q: When an infield fly is called by the umpire, when can the runners leave their bases? 1) When the ... A: One and three are the closest to correct. You are making this to hard on yourself. Look at it this ... | |
| hit by line drive while at 3rd base | 7/14/2010 |
| Q: What is the correct call if a base runner is hit by a line drive while touching the bag at 3rd and ... A: If the runner is standing on the base when it hits him, live ball unless the ball is over foul ... | |
| hit by line drive while at 3rd base | 7/13/2010 |
| Q: What is the correct call if a base runner is hit by a line drive while touching the bag at 3rd and ... A: First of all, because the runner is touching the base, there is no effect on the runner. The ball ... | |
| fair or foul ball | 7/13/2010 |
| Q: If the batted ball hits home plate, is it an automatic foul ball, and what rule governs that? A: Ken, Home plate and the rest of the bases are completely in fair territory. Unless the ball goes ... | |
| international tiebreaker | 7/3/2010 |
| Q: In fastpitch, USSSA, ASA or whatever you are playing, please clarify the intenational rule. I quoted ... A: Larry, The reason you can't find a description of the ITB as stated in your question is, it doesn't ... | |
| flyball and tagging | 7/3/2010 |
| Q: if a runner is on base and a fly ball is hit, the ouutfielder appears to catch the ball and then ... A: On a caught fly ball, the runner is not allowed to leave the base until the initial touch of the ... | |
| Umpire Question | 7/1/2010 |
| Q: I was at a game this year and bases were loaded with one out. The batter hit the ball to right field ... A: Scott, Any infielder, including the catcher and the pitcher, can simply request an appeal. The ... | |
| Look back rule | 6/30/2010 |
| Q: There is a runner on first when the batter hits a ball in the gap. The runner rounds second and is ... A: This is the wrong call. To clear things up, take the timing of the catch by the pitcher out of the ... | |
| Infield fly rule | 6/30/2010 |
| Q: When the bases are loaded and the infield fly rule applies,if the runner at third breaks for home is ... A: This is not a force play, remember there is no force because the batter is out. If the ball is ... | |
| Fastpitch softball batting technique | 6/28/2010 |
| Q: My daughter is 14 years old and has played for many years for league, travel and now JV softball in ... A: Start with having her widen her stance to where she would be after her step, then have her swing ... | |
| Hit by Pitch | 6/18/2010 |
| Q: In our league we play by ASA rules with some variations for our own league. We don't have anything ... A: ASA fastpitch, a pitch that hits the ground prior reaching the batter is not a dead ball. If the ... | |
| Pitching | 6/14/2010 |
| Q: My daughter is 13. She drags her back foot severely as she comes off the pitching rubber. How can ... A: Pam, I think I understand this. Have her push from the rubber be a bit more up than forward for ... | |
| hit by pitch rules | 6/11/2010 |
| Q: I girls fast pitch softball, how many batters can a pitcher hit before the umpire is required to ... A: Michael, You couldn't fine it in the rule book because there is no rule on this. This is why the ... | |
| Interference during a throw down | 6/7/2010 |
| Q: If a batter loses balance while trying to avoid being hit by a pitch (leans backward and one foot ... A: No I wouldn't call the batter out on this. I would not penalize the batter for avoiding a bad ... | |
| force out | 5/29/2010 |
| Q: I understand a defensive player can tag a base with their foot for an out WITHOUT the ball in their ... A: Debbie, Sorry for the delay in answering. I wanted to get the time to look this up to make sure ... | |
| Interference ruling - Follow up | 5/28/2010 |
| Q: Isn't there an exception in the ASA rule book that would apply to this situation where the batter is ... A: Absolutely you can have interference where two are outs are called. You will rarely see either one. ... | |
| Walked batter continues toward second | 5/26/2010 |
| Q: After receiving a ball four walk, the now runner runs to first and takes several steps toward second ... A: Lou, You are not confused the umpire is confused. The IFR only affects the batter. The runners ... | |
| Walked batter continues toward second | 5/25/2010 |
| Q: After receiving a ball four walk, the now runner runs to first and takes several steps toward second ... A: Lou, This is perfectly legal and really isn't an attempt for second base. As long as the runner is ... | |
| error | 5/23/2010 |
| Q: Is it an error if a fielder drops an easy pop fly that they are camped under even though the batter ... A: To the first part of your question, absolutely. You are correct about the rule book not stating ... | |
| Interference on 3rd out, leading off next inn | 5/21/2010 |
| Q: We had a situation where the worst hitter on TEAM A was up with two outs and a man on first. He hit ... A: Steve, Besides your question there are some other things going on here. First of all, interference ... | |
| Softball Question re: Coach interference | 5/21/2010 |
| Q: First base coach was in his mid 80's and required metal crutches to stand and walk. A soft liner was ... A: Jay, The Americans with Disabilities Act does apply to high school softball, so yes the coach is ... | |
| Removing Catcher's mask | 5/20/2010 |
| Q: Is it true that it's no longer recommended to teach girls to remove their mask to field foul balls ... A: Mike, This depends on who you talk to. The old style catchers masks did a very good job of ... | |
| ASA & high school can you play both? | 5/20/2010 |
| Q: I am pretty sure there is a rule regarding playing in an ASA tournment during High School playoffs. ... A: Tami, This rule differs from state to state. Neither ASA or High School rules cover this. Your ... | |
| Batter/Base Runner | 5/20/2010 |
| Q: I have been an armature umpire for 5+ years and I have never had this happen. Batter hits the ball ... A: Allen, I think I understand your question and I believe the answer is foul ball. Inside the ... | |
| Fast Pitch Softball | 5/19/2010 |
| Q: In a regular High School / Travel Ball Game, how many times can a coach make a trip to the mound in ... A: Daryl, The coach is allowed three defensive conferences per game. On the fourth conference and ... | |
| softball bat | 5/18/2010 |
| Q: I have just bought my daughter a new bat for softball. There are a couple other girls that have one ... A: I would not do anything to alter the graphics on the bat. Personally I wouldn't call it illegal but ... | |
| Pitching questions | 5/18/2010 |
| Q: 1. Must a pitcher BEGIN his pitching stance with one foot on the rubber or can he start with a ... A: 1. A pitcher must be motionless and in contact with the rubber prior to the pitch. 2. Any forward ... | |
| Fastpitch Softball | 5/17/2010 |
| Q: Please tell me how to distinguish between a stolen base and fielders indifference if no throw is ... A: You have the answer in your question. A runner can advance to second base in several ways. I will ... | |
| 10 u fast pitch | 5/16/2010 |
| Q: Can you tell me is their a rule that says how far out of the base line the outfielders must play? ... A: Tina, You won't find any rule regarding where the outfielders must play. The rules just state that ... | |
| past ball by pitcher goes out of play | 5/16/2010 |
| Q: umpire calls dead ball gives runner 3rd base and home,run scores asa rule book states past ball from ... A: No the umpire did not make the correct call. When a pitched ball goes out of play, the award is one ... | |
| DP/Flex/DFO/DH | 5/14/2010 |
| Q: Could you please explain the difference in these players? I am very confused on when to use, how to ... A: Jason, I will explain the DP/Flex rule. This is what ASA and High School use. The DFO/DH are used ... | |
| throwing glove | 5/13/2010 |
| Q: A defensive player throws his glove at a line drive over his head. This movement causes runners on ... A: The only remedy would be an obstruction call at the time of the thrown glove. This most likely is ... | |
| Bunt Coverage | 5/12/2010 |
| Q: I am starting practices for our 10u “B” all-star team… We will soon be ‘drilling’ defensive bunt ... A: Sam, I would do it one of two ways. Corners come in, F6 covers third, give up second. Or, F5 ... | |
| field error? | 5/11/2010 |
| Q: I keep stats for high school softball. The other night our center fielder who is right handed was ... A: Absolutely Not! If the ball should have been caught with normal effort score an error regardless of ... | |
| Run counting after a double play has resulted in the 3rd out | 5/11/2010 |
| Q: We had an instance where the bases were loaded with one out. The ball was hit to the left fielder ... A: Tony, The correct call was made. It is only considered a force out when a runner that is being ... | |
| bat graphics | 5/8/2010 |
| Q: i have a 2006 demo white steel, that is used by my entire team. the markings are totally worn off. ... A: Claude, Bad news, I don't think you can. Anything other than a manufacturers finish on the bat ... | |
| Numbers entered incorrectly in line up | 5/8/2010 |
| Q: So if it doesn't matter which number is entered for the player in the line up, why wear them? I ... A: Even though you have only recored numbers in your book, the line up your coach receives at the plate ... | |
| Numbers entered incorrectly in line up | 5/7/2010 |
| Q: So if it doesn't matter which number is entered for the player in the line up, why wear them? I ... A: Doug, I guess it matters because, as you state, it its much easier to track players by number. The ... | |
| 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: The question you are asking about is the obstruction rule. The defense obstructs the offense, the ... | |
| Middle school softball | 5/6/2010 |
| Q: Can girls wear earrings during a middle school softball game in Livonia, Michigan? Do the earrings ... A: No jewelry is allowed at all. It can not be covered by tape, it must be removed. Middle school ... | |
| NJ High School Rule | 5/5/2010 |
| Q: Bases loaded. Girl hits ball over the fence. The runner on 2nd base never touches home. Runner on ... A: Actually Lisa, this is not an out. High fiving your team mates is not considered assistance. The ... | |
| Batter interference with catcher | 5/5/2010 |
| Q: I'm a long time HS girls FP ump. Last nite in a game we had an unusual situation that we think we ... A: Mark, I don't think I would have called anybody out at this point. The runner was doing what they ... | |
| Pitching release | 5/4/2010 |
| Q: A girl pitcher in our league releases the ball 1 and 1/2 steps after leaving the pitching rubber. ... A: The first step forward must be with the left foot for a right handed pitcher. The pitcher is ... | |
| softball | 5/3/2010 |
| Q: WHAT DETERMINES THE BASELINE ON A SOFTBALL DIAMOND? A: Floyd, Believe it or not, there are no predetermined baselines on a softball field. Those lines ... | |
| NCAA softball pitching | 5/3/2010 |
| Q: Does a college softball pitcher have to be set before starting her motion, like baseball requires? A: Bill, I am not positive on the rule for pitching in baseball. In softball the pitcher must take ... | |
| spsl high school fastpitch | 5/1/2010 |
| Q: the situation was, a runner on 2nd, the umpire called dead ball due to catchers interference. the ... A: Let's start with your second question. An umpire can change a call when questioned. Usually it is ... | |
| fastpitch lineup rules | 4/30/2010 |
| Q: When submitting a lineup for a kansas highschool softball game, if a player is entered with the ... A: Bruce, For the line up in high school you go by the person. The number is used to identify the ... | |
| high school softball | 4/30/2010 |
| Q: If a coach substitutes a DP player who is on base with a flex player. Then she renters the next ... A: When the Flex is put in the game for the DP, this is a legal substitution. The DP has left the ... | |
| Pitching | 4/29/2010 |
| Q: I have a game on Tues, and we are JV and My Varsity coach wants to use our pitcher on the mon before ... A: Cindy, This is a state by state regulation. The rules of softball don't address JV v Varsity. In ... | |
| NFHS Fastpitch Softball | 4/28/2010 |
| Q: At the end of the top of the 1st inning the visiting pitcher is given the ball that did not go out ... A: By rule an illegal pitch. No ejection. If it happens again, ejection. It is an extension of the ... | |
| ASA Girls Softball Batting Helmet | 4/28/2010 |
| Q: My daughter tends to be highly susceptible to glare. When she's batting she wears sunglasses, but ... A: Matthew, Sorry for the delay in answering this, I had to find some time to look it up. In ... | |
| age 15 | 4/28/2010 |
| Q: My daughter turned 15 in March of 2010. She would like to play for a 14U travel softball team. Is ... A: Kim, For ASA and I believe all other organizations, you use the age on December 31st of the ... | |
| SOFTBALL SCORING | 4/27/2010 |
| Q: IN A HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL GAME THE SCORE IS TIED AFTER 7 INNINGS.THE START OF THE EIGHTH IN IS ... A: Because the game ended on a home run all runs are scored. If it would have been a base hit just ... | |
| Umpire Errors | 4/27/2010 |
| Q: In an ASA Youth (10 and under) playoff game, the plate umpire called a dropped third strike "dead ... A: Sorry, no it wasn't. When the ball was declared dead, nothing further should have happened. The ... | |
| when a runner can leave a base in 6U fpsoftball | 4/26/2010 |
| Q: I am coaching my daughter 6U (coach pitch) softball team. I understand the rules to be that a ... A: Terry, There are not any rules supplements covering 6U players. The ASA and high school rule is ... | |
| DROPPED 3RD STRIKE | 4/26/2010 |
| Q: I am new to 12U softball. When can a player steal 1st base on a dropped 3rd strike. A: Dave, The batter may attempt to take first base when a pitched ball touches the ground prior to the ... | |
| winning pitcher | 4/26/2010 |
| Q: Starting pitcher pitches the first 4 complete inning, no runs allowed and score is 4 - 0. Pitcher ... A: Scott, I use information as published by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA, ... | |
| Fastpitch Softball pitching problem | 4/25/2010 |
| Q: My daughter wants to pitch in fastpitch softball. She has taken a few lessons and is fairly accurate ... A: Rick, Without a video, this is a tough one. I will step out on a limb on this one. Have your ... | |
| Pitcher foot on rubber | 4/25/2010 |
| Q: At the high school level does the pitcher still have to have at least on foot in contact the ... A: Colton, Although both feet can be in contact with the rubber for high school fastpitch, only the ... | |
| Bunting | 4/24/2010 |
| Q: A girl bunts a ball and then drops the bat if fair territory and the ball hits it a second time. I ... A: Robert, You are going to love this one. It depends. First the easy part, it is never option two. ... | |
| Timing Play | 4/23/2010 |
| Q: R3 is at third and R4 is at first with two outs. B5 hits the ball which is fielded by F4. Instead of ... A: Kevin, This is not a timing play. Because R4 is being forced to advanced this is force out ... | |
| bunting | 4/23/2010 |
| Q: A player bunted at a ball and the ball contacted her hand (slid up the bat) and the bat and went ... A: Neither, it is a dead ball strike. It is a dead ball because the ball hit the batter. The hands ... | |
| Softball babe ruth 10u | 4/23/2010 |
| Q: Hey i am a patch babe ruth umpire for baseball. I do remember doing a 12u leauge in fall ball i ... A: Chris, Babe Ruth League is outside of my area. I couldn't find their rulebook on line so I really ... | |
| Fair / Foul | 4/21/2010 |
| Q: If a batted ball hits either first or third base and goes into foul ball territory is it considered ... A: If a batted ball hits anything in fair territory before hitting something in foul territory or prior ... | |
| rules | 4/20/2010 |
| Q: a batted ball hits a runner after the ball has rolled past the infielders that were playing up, the ... A: Brian, If the ball has made it by the infield, the ball hitting the runner is no longer ... | |
| elbow | 4/19/2010 |
| Q: When I bat I've been popping everything up because my coach says my elbow is down and I'm dropping ... A: Hal, Try concentrating on keeping your LEAD elbow/forearm up as you rotate your hips. Go to ... | |
| runner hit by ball | 4/18/2010 |
| Q: During a softball game a situation arises where bases are loaded. The batter hits the ball and it ... A: If the batter would have been safe without the in interference, score it a hit. If an out would ... | |
| Girs Modified Softball in NYS | 4/17/2010 |
| Q: My 12yo daughter was asked to play JV softball instead of modified. The coaching at this level is ... A: Walt, I guarantee you that New York does not have law regulating what level of softball a twelve ... | |
| softball third strike rule | 4/17/2010 |
| Q: 2 outs and the bases are load or 1st and 2nd. The batter strikes out. The catcher drops the ball can ... A: With less than two outs the batter is out because first base is occupied. With two outs, it doesn't ... | |
| sliding | 4/15/2010 |
| Q: My daughter plays varsity fastpitch in high school, montgomery county maryland. Is it a rule or ... A: Mark, One of the best questions I have received in a long time. You have asked a question about ... | |
| saftey bag and dropped 3rd strike | 4/15/2010 |
| Q: We were working with catchers and 1st basemen on "inside/outside" throws down to 1st after a dropped ... A: No it is not. F3 can set up on either half of the bag depending on where the throw will be coming ... | |
| base granted on over throw | 4/15/2010 |
| Q: in a high school game yesterday runner on first was stealing second, batter popped ball up to SS, ... A: Paul, I think your umpire made the correct award but for the wrong reason. In both NFHS (high ... | |
| Practice | 4/14/2010 |
| Q: My girls have gotten me into coaching for the first time. I'm very happy to do it but have never ... A: http://www.fastsports.com/tips/tip05/ http://www.fastsports.com/tips/tip05/9point.html I found ... | |
| Correct scoring of a dropped third strike | 4/13/2010 |
| Q: When a cathcher drops the third strike, how is it scored?? Is it a error on the catcher even if she ... A: Juli, If the batter makes it to first dropped third strike is scored as a passed ball or wild ... | |
| senior women softball home plate size | 4/12/2010 |
| Q: what is the size of the home plate for senior women slowpitch softball A: Paul, I don't know of any age group or association that modifies the size of home plate. T-ball ... | |
| Ball thrown out of play | 4/12/2010 |
| Q: Batter hits a ball to the OF. Hitter rounds 1B and heads for 2B. The OF picks up the ball and ... A: Dave, I don't know what ruleset you are referring to, so no rule book reference. And I usually ... | |
| Scoring | 4/12/2010 |
| Q: In U14 girls fastpitch we had a flyball to RF. Our F9 got a bad jump (or no jump)and the ball ... A: Sounds like mental error to me. I would score it a hit. As far as the benefit of the doubt going ... | |
| ITB Run Scored - Earned or Not? | 4/11/2010 |
| Q: If you enter ITB and the runner placed on 2nd base scores legitimately is the ITB-placed runner ... A: Joe, I had to look this one up. It didn't seem like the pitcher should get dinged for this one and ... | |
| nsa rule | 4/9/2010 |
| Q: can a batter carry the bat to firstbase.. round firstbase...then toss the bat to foul ... A: Tom, I don't do NSA but their rulebook is available online. I scanned the rules and could not find ... | |
| Pitching | 4/9/2010 |
| Q: In little league fastpitch softball, how many hit by pitches are pitchers allowed in a inninig and ... A: There is no association that I know of that puts a limit on the number of batters a pitcher can hit ... | |
| Scoring | 4/8/2010 |
| Q: In a U14 girls fastpitch game I was scoring last night player on opposing team bunts. Our 3B ... A: You don't have to worry about what F5 was thinking. It is simple, no play on the ball no error. ... | |
| Scoring | 4/8/2010 |
| Q: I'm scoring a U14 girls fastpitch game last night where our SS moves towards 3B just before the ball ... A: You are correct. No play on the ball means no error. If this was a mental error it still isn't ... | |
| Scorekeeping | 4/8/2010 |
| Q: I often keep score for a fast pitch travel team. can you tell me how to code a out for a runner ... A: Kathleen, The leaving early isn't covered in scoring guides that I could ever find. I just mark ... | |
| Wild pitching | 4/7/2010 |
| Q: My question is in regard to 10U girl's fastpitch. Is there an ASA rule regarding a pitcher that ... A: This is a problem that plagues younger levels of fastpitch. Especially if it is your daughter ... | |
| DFO | 4/7/2010 |
| Q: Can a coach designate a hitter for the pitcher if she has a great arm and a mediocre bat? A: Mack, Yes this can be done. In ASA and high school there is the Flex/DP rule. It is similar to ... | |
| Scoring Question - Softball | 4/6/2010 |
| Q: A line shot is hit to right field that never gets above eight feet off the ground. It is about 6 ... A: I would score it as a hit. Ask yourself should the play have been made with normal effort? To ... | |
| left handed softball outfielders | 4/4/2010 |
| Q: should a left-handed girls' high school player be positioned in left field? I think this is WRONG - ... A: Whitney, Whether a player is left handed or right handed really doesn't matter where they play in ... | |
| Fastpitch softball pitching | 4/3/2010 |
| Q: My question is are their balks in girls fastpitch softball. A: Gilbert, They don't call them balks in fastpitch. If a pitcher fails to follow the pitching rules, ... | |
| pitching stats | 4/2/2010 |
| Q: I am recording stats for ASA fastpitch softball 12u division. If a pitcher starts the game and ... A: In this situation, the win would go to the starter. The win would go to the second pitcher if the ... | |
| Base Runner/Pitcher | 4/2/2010 |
| Q: What is the ruling about a base runner playing "cat and mouse" with the pitcher? A: Tammy, Fastpitch softball has a rule called the Look Back Rule. Basically, if the pitcher has ... | |
| International Tie Breaker Rule in Softball | 4/1/2010 |
| Q: Is a Coach allowed to substitute a "pinch runner" for the runner that legally should be @ 2nd base ... A: I can't post a rule specifically on the substitution because there would only be a rule listed if ... | |
| Interference Ruling | 3/30/2010 |
| Q: Runner on third runs into third baseman trying to catch a foul ball. Who should be called out runner ... A: Barry, The player committing the interference is always the one called out unless they are already ... | |
| dipping while batting | 3/29/2010 |
| Q: I play slow pitch softball and was wondering if you can give me any tips. I have some pretty good ... A: Estevan, I am by no means a SP expert, but if you are dropping your hands (dipping?) you will loop ... | |
| Who is the error charged to | 3/29/2010 |
| Q: If the short stop fields a ground ball and short hops the throw to first and the first baseman isn't ... A: This is most definitely a throwing error. You would only score an error on F3 is they missed a ball ... | |
| Walked Batter leaves base path and contacts on deck batter | 3/29/2010 |
| Q: Is it legal for a batter/runner to leave the base path and/or make contact with a player or coach ... A: Marc, There is nothing in your description of events that I believe I could call the batter/runner ... | |
| what is an error | 3/26/2010 |
| Q: In a girl's fast pitch 12u game (travel team), batter hits a ball up the middle that neither the ... A: Lisa, When judging an error, is isn't always necessary to get a glove on the ball before an error ... | |
| batting order | 3/23/2010 |
| Q: i have 13 girls on a 10u recreation team.we use a pitching machine.6 of the girls have never ... A: David, At 10U Rec., you can not worry about being productive. There is no way you can set up your ... | |
| is the batter out? | 3/20/2010 |
| Q: with two strikes the batter leaves the batters box, goes to the dug out, hangs up her bat and helmet ... A: No Dan, she is not out, this is a correctable mistake. If she had completed her at bat and was ... | |
| Coaches in Dugout | 3/16/2010 |
| Q: How many coaches are allowed in a softball dugout? If there is a limit, will it hurt any players ... A: Becky, I am assuming that you are referring to high school because you refer to school in your ... | |
| fastpitch softball bat | 3/14/2010 |
| Q: I bought my daughter a new Worth Storm 30/17 -13 bat. She has used it once in batting practice and ... A: Mike, You have asked about the most subjective question in youth fastpitch. I don't know if I can ... | |
| 14U ASA SOFTBALL | 3/13/2010 |
| Q: Batter is hi by pitch that bounches before reaching home plate. Whats the call? A: Dead ball when the ball hits the batter. Batter awarded first base. It is common misconception ... | |
| dropped third strike definition | 3/13/2010 |
| Q: If the pitched ball passes the batter who swings and misses on a third strike and the ball touches ... A: Ron The dropped third strike is often misunderstood. This likely due to the name of rule "dropped ... | |
| Plate Question | 3/5/2010 |
| Q: Ok, got your response. OK, here the question again. Can a plate umpire call strikes and balls in ... A: Obviously the ump can't be between the catcher and the pitcher. The only thing I can think of would ... | |
| HS fastpitch scoring question | 3/4/2010 |
| Q: My daughter is a slap hitter, and my question pertains to infielders who play in, and don't cleanly ... A: This is a difficult situation to score and is why you are much more concerned with on base ... | |
| Look Back Rule | 3/3/2010 |
| Q: Mark, Have read your answers and most are thoughtful. Please elaborate on this questions answer. ... A: Jim, You got Tom, not Mark. Mark does know his stuff, but I will give this a shot. As an umpire ... | |
| no contact down time for high school | 3/1/2010 |
| Q: I was wondering if you knew if this week was a no contact week for girls softball in Michigan. I ... A: Tammy, According to the 2009-2010 MHSAA Coaches Guidebook it doesn't appear that the mandatory ... | |
| Pitcher steps out of the circle | 3/1/2010 |
| Q: This happened in a high school game I was watching yesterday. Runner on second base. Pitcher gets ... A: Tommy, The rules are very clear, the pitcher must be in control of the ball while the pitcher is ... | |
| conversion factor of pitching distance and mph | 2/28/2010 |
| Q: I've been searching google for a few hours and cannot find the calculator/conversion web site for ... A: David, I knew I recognized this question from Algebra 1, but that was a long time ago. So I asked ... | |
| Hit and Run/ bunt and run | 2/26/2010 |
| Q: On the hit and run or bunt and run, should the batter be trying to make contact no matter what or ... A: Tom, This is a coaching question. I normally just do rules and scoring. But, yes the batter needs ... | |
| double play | 2/21/2010 |
| Q: BASE RUNNER GOING TO SECOND BACKS UP TO DELAY TAG TO AVOID DOUBLE PLAY. wHAT IS THE RULING? A: No Ruling unless the runner is actually tagged. The only time you are going to call the ... | |
| Lookback Rule - Pitcher "making a play" | 2/20/2010 |
| Q: If a pitcher is standing in the circle, off the mound, facing the runner at first with the ball held ... A: This pitcher is either making a play or faking a play. In either case, the look back rule is off. ... | |
| Injured player | 2/18/2010 |
| Q: Pony u12 tournament rules: I used my only sub and she is now in the game. I have an injury on the ... A: Sorry Kevin, you get an out in this situation under PONY rules. Most softball rulesets give you an ... | |
| fair catch | 2/16/2010 |
| Q: a player attemps to catch ball in fair territory and arm crosses in to foul territory catches it but ... A: Steve, Let me answer your question this way. First a caught fly ball is never a foul ball. It is ... | |
| High School Girls Fast Pitch Softball | 2/13/2010 |
| Q: Tom, If an underclassman makes the Varsity team can she be dropped down to the Jr. Varsity team ... A: Keith, Here in Michigan, that would not be a problem. A player is limited by rules on how many ... | |
| pitching | 2/8/2010 |
| Q: If at the change of a team during innings while going out in the field, a player(any player)not the ... A: To answer your question directly, No The reason you never heard of it is because the rule doesn't ... | |
| back to a question and answer from aug 11, 2009 | 2/2/2010 |
| Q: tom, greetings. the question you answered was involving timing , when the shortstop on a ... A: Walter, The only time the third out prevents any runners form scoring is when the out is a force ... | |
| girls softball | 1/15/2010 |
| Q: can girls fast pitch softball at high school level use double wall or triple wall bats ? what are ... A: Double wall, triple wall, composite, etc. it doesn't matter. What does matter at the high school ... | |
| running out of the baseline | 1/6/2010 |
| Q: If there are runners at first and second and the ball is hit to the shortstop who is in the baseline ... A: David, The short answer to your question is yes! Here is how it works. First you have to look at ... | |
| slap bunt | 12/11/2009 |
| Q: Many times I have seen a slap bunter make contact with the ball while the batter has clearly stepped ... A: Randy, The short answer is, if the batter makes any contact with the ball with a foot completely ... | |
| 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 ... | |
Softball
Answers by Expert:
Tom Mielke
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
Rule and scoring questions for Fastpitch Softball. Primarily High School (NFHS) and ASA. I will answer some coaching questions as well for youth through high school/18U fastpitch. Please do not rate me, good or bad for coaching responses. There is to much subjective matter to the coaching area as opposed to rules/scoring.
Experience
Rec and Travel Ball Coach and High School Umpire
Education/Credentials
Michigan High School Athletic Association registered official: Softball, Basketball, Volleyball
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