2010 rules interpretation meeting

2010

Rules Interpretation Meeting

OPENING

• Introductions• General Info• Review of Agenda

AGENDA

• Opening (1:00 – 1:05)• USSSA Overview and Guest (1:05 – 1:20)• ASA Overview and Guest (1:20 – 1:35)• 2010 Rule Changes (1:35 – 2:00)• Special Topics (2:00 – 2:30)• Break (2:30 – 3:00)• Test (3:00 – 3:45)• Play Situations (3:45 – 3:55)• Closing (3:55 – 4:00)

USSSA OVERVIEW

• Review of State Staff• Review of Registration• Review of Tournament

Schedules• Jeff Kittle• Questions

ASA OVERVIEW

• Review of LVASA Staff• Review of Registration• Review of League Info• Ron Bohner• Questions

2010 USSSA RULE CHANGES


• Rule 1. Sec 1. The Female Pitching Distance is 43 feet for 15U thru 18U

• Rule 1 Sec 1 Pitching distance for 13U on up will be 43' beginning 1/1/2011. Using 43 Ft. is optional at the state level during calendar year 2010. Pitching distance for 15U on up was previously set to 43 Ft..


• Rule 2 Sec 4 Metal cleats and Toe Plates are allowed for 15U on up beginning immediately.

• Rule 2 Sec 5. JEWELRY – allow more hair restraining options by adding Unadorned devices with no sharp edges or points, such as bobby pins, barrettes and hair clips, no longer than 2 inches, may be worn to control a player’s hair are permitted.

2010 USSSA RULE CHANGES• Rule 5 Sec 2 paragraph A - Playing Short add exception to “If

the player leaving the game is the batter or a runner, they shall be declared out.

• Exception: If the injury is caused by a rule violation by the

defensive team (for example batter hit by pitch, obstruction, malicious contact), the player may be replaced by the player not currently on base who had the last completed time at bat.

• This exception does not apply to any future time at bat.”

2010 USSSA RULE CHANGES• Rule 6 Sec 1 Para I - Clarify tape on pitching hand by

adding The pitcher’s fingers, hand, wrist, forearm or elbow may be taped for injury, providing such tape is a neutral color.

• Rule 6-1-K. Change Pitcher 20 second release penalty to: Dead ball; a ball on the batter.

• Previously it was an illegal pitch, delayed dead ball and runners advanced.

2010 USSSA RULE CHANGES• Rule 8 Sec 3 Para D Allow the Courtesy Runner for

injured runner. Exception added

• Unless there is an injury and there is no substitute available, the courtesy runner must be used as a substitute and take the place of the injured player.

• Should the courtesy runner be on base, the pitcher or catcher for whom the courtesy runner is running, must run in their place.

2010 USSSA RULE CHANGESRule 8 Sec 19 Double First Base reworded

• B. Whenever a play is being made on the batter-runner, the defense must use the white portion and the batter-runner the colored portion.

• 1. If the batter-runner touches only the white portion when there is a play being made at first base, it is treated the same as missing the base. The batter runner is out providing the defense appeals prior to the batter-runner returning to first base. Once the runner returns to the white or colored portion, no appeal can be made.


• 2. If the defense touches only the colored portion, it is treated the same as being off the base.

• Exceptions: The defense and batter runner can use either portion when:

• 1. The ball is thrown from the foul side of first base line.

• 2. An errant or missed throw pulls the defensive player into foul ground.


• Rule 2 Equipment; Sec 9. GLOVES/MITTS


• The glove/mitt may be any combination of colors except the color of the game ball or optic. Glove lacing and manufacturer’s logos may be any color other than that of the ball. A gray, white or optic colored circle on the outside or inside of the glove/mitt that gives the appearance of a ball is illegal. A glove/mitt that is judged to be distracting by the Umpire is illegal.

ASA Rule Changes

• Rule 2, Section 1:

The pitching distance for Junior Olympic Girls Fast Pitch 18U B and 16U A/B classifications will be 43 feet.

ASA Rule Changes

• Rule 2, Section 1H:

The Double Base… Half of the base is white (over fair territory) and half of the base (over foul territory) is a contrasting color.

ASA Rule ChangesRule 3, Section 1A: The official bat for ASA Championship Play must meet all the ASA specifications and the

requirements of Rule 3, Section 1, and

1) The official bat shall be free of burs, dents, cracks, sharp edges, and audible rattles and show no signs of excessive wear. The official bat shall be marked OFFICIAL SOFTBALL by the manufacturer, be no more than 34 inches long nor exceed 38 ounces in weight. The official bat shall not be more than 2.250 inches in diameter at its largest part, including any tolerance expansion. The official bat shall be smooth and round to 0.050 inches in diameter and bear either the ASA 2000 certification mark or the ASA 2004 certification mark as shown below ( in the 2010 ASA Rule Book) and must not be listed on the ASA Non Approved Bat List. And

2) must be included on a list of approved bat models published by the ASA or

3) must in the sole opinion and discretion of the umpire, have been manufactured prior to 2000 and if tested, would comply with the ASA Bat Performance Standard.

ASA Rule Changes

• Rule 4, Section 7C [5]:

No electronic equipment to include cell phones, pagers, etc. is allowed to be worn or carried on the playing field.

ASA Rule Changes

• Rule 4, Section 6C [3]:

Replaces the words when reaches base safely with “when they complete their turn at bat and are discovered”

GAME MANAGEM

ENT

ARRIVE

30 MINUTES BEFORE the START TIME of your game.

COMMUNICATIONS

– Contact your UIC– If you haven’t talked to your partner before arriving at

the complex, park together in the lot. Decide who has the plate and bases. If you are only scheduled for two games, try to work both games on the plate to keep the games on time.

– Discuss the following:1. Line up card with (2) E.P.’s and D.H. 2. Courtesy runners3. Run Rule, etc.

REMINDER

GAMES CAN START 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE LISTED START TIME

(IF YOUR GAME TIME IS SCHEDULED FOR 8:OOAM,START THE PRE-GAME AT 7:40AM)

– If both teams are waiting to play, get both coaches and captains together to flip the coin.

– Observe the ground rules that the umpires on the field are using and apply them to your game.

PRE-GAME CONFERENCE

-Keep it short and to the point1. Ask the coaches to verify that their players are following USSSA rules and guidelines for sportsmanship, equipment, and jewelry.

2. Go over the ground rules

3. Review the line-up cards. Have the coaches reaffirm that they are correct.

>>>>PUT YOUR TIMER ON THE FENCE<<<<AND START IT!!

>>>>>>>DURING THE GAME<<<<<<<<<<

– DO NOT MAKE UP YOUR OWN RULES– REFER TO THE RULE BOOK ON THE FENCE– UNLESS THERE IS A PROTEST, DO NOT HOLD UP THE

GAME TO CALL THE UIC FOR HELP ON A RULE QUESTION OR A JUDGEMENT CALL.

– IF A COACH WANTS TO FILE A PROTEST, HE MUST HAVE $100.00 BEFORE THE UIC IS CALLED.

– ON ALL EJECTIONS, THE UIC AND TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR MUST BE NOTIFIED.

– AND MOST OF ALL>>>>>>>HAVE FUN!!!!

Referee Magazine

How important is Appearance? Appearance is basic 101You have to be neat-very, very important!Your first impression you give when you walk onto the field is how you look and that goes a long way.

Referee Magazine

6 Safety Tips to Remember


Officials should always remember these principals regarding player safety for their games

• Enforce all rules relative to player safety strictly and without deviation.

• Any time a rule requires officials to ask questions and get answers: Ask questions and get answers!


• Act intelligently and consistently, employing the principle of player safety in enforcing rules.

• Never make up your own rules regarding player safety or attempt to explain the consequences of one course of action or another to anyone


• Take great care in documenting your prudent and correct enforcement of all safety rules, but leave out any extraneous material in game reports.

• Don’t assume anyone else will take responsibility if an injury occurs.

INSURANCE

• ASA• USSSA• NASO

Day Miles Mileage Rate Expenses Reason Income

Tue, Jan 1, 08

Wed, Jan 2, 08

Thu, Jan 3, 08

Fri, Jan 4, 08

Sat, Jan 5, 08

Sun, Jan 6, 08

Mon, Jan 7, 08

Tue, Jan 8, 08

Wed, Jan 9, 08

Thu, Jan 10, 08

Fri, Jan 11, 08

Sat, Jan 12, 08

Sun, Jan 13, 08

Mon, Jan 14, 08

Tue, Jan 15, 08

Wed, Jan 16, 08

Thu, Jan 17, 08

Fri, Jan 18, 08

Sat, Jan 19, 08

Sun, Jan 20, 08

Mon, Jan 21, 08

Tue, Jan 22, 08

Wed, Jan 23, 08

Thu, Jan 24, 08

Fri, Jan 25, 08

Sat, Jan 26, 08

Sun, Jan 27, 08

Mon, Jan 28, 08

Tue, Jan 29, 08

Wed, Jan 30, 08

Thu, Jan 31, 08

RECORD

KEEPING

UMPIRE EVALUATIONS

Break

Lunch Test

Rules

Test

B1 hits a double and is standing on 2nd base. The ball is returned to the pitcher in the pitcher’s circle. Without asking for time, the pitcher places her glove with the ball in it under her chin to adjust her hair. B1 immediately breaks for 3rd base and makes it safely.

1 B1 is out.2 The ball is dead.3 B1’s advance is legal.4 The ball remains alive and in play.5 The umpire will call time and return the runner to second base.

T

T

F

F

F

6 To be considered in the pitcher’s circle for the look back rule to be in effect, the pitcher must have both feet totally inside the pitcher’s circle.

7 With a runner on third base and a walk issued to the batter, the look back rule does not go into effect until the batter-runner reaches first base.

8 A fake throw by the pitcher while in the pitcher’s circle releases the runners from the look back rule.9 If the pitcher has possession of the ball in the pitcher’s circle, the runner may not stand motionless, or,

after returning to the base, may not move off the base even though the pitcher is standing off of the pitcher’s plate.

10 A batter-runner who overruns first and does not without delay attempt to advance to second is required to return to first base and stop.

The look back rule is in effect

F

T

T

T

T

R3 is caught in a rundown between third base and home plate. As R3 is attempting to return to third, she is obstructed by the third baseman and subsequently is tagged out by the shortstop.

11 The ball is immediately dead when the obstruction occurs.12 The umpire would signal and call obstruction immediately without waiting for the

play to be completed.13 R3 is awarded third base.14 The umpire is required to issue a warning to the third baseman and notify the

coach.15 An obstructed runner is awarded protection even if she is responsible for malicious

contact or interference when obstruction has been called.

F

T

T

F

F

With a runner on third base only, the batter swings and hits the catcher’s mitt. The batter hits a ground ball to the shortstop.

16 Catcher’s obstruction is a delayed dead ball.17 The coach or captain of the offensive team may take the result of the play or the penalty for the

obstruction unless the batter and the runner both reached base safely.18 The runner who is standing on third base is awarded home if the obstruction penalty is enforced.19 The runner is stealing and is thrown out at home. The offense is given the opportunity to take

the result of the play or the catcher’s obstruction penalty which would score the runner.20 The runner advances and scores. The batter is thrown out attempting to advance to second. The

offense is given the opportunity to take the result of the play or the penalty for catcher’s obstruction.

T

T

F

T

F

Obstruction by Offense/Interference by Umpire

21 A fake tag is obstruction.22 When a fielder obstructs a runner, the play is a delayed dead ball.23 It is not obstruction if a defender is about to receive a throw and the runner alters her path

without contacting the defensive player. The defender has the right to be in the baseline in this situation.

24 A dead ball occurs when an umpire interferes with the catcher attempting to throw out a runner stealing.

25 When an umpire interferes with the catcher throwing the ball in a steal situation, the runner is returned to the last base attained before the umpire interference.

T

T

F

F

F

With a runner on second base, the batter hits a fair ground ball.

26 A batted ball bounds off the pitcher’s glove and goes to the shortstop, standing in the baseline trying to field the deflected ball, and hinders the runner going from second to third. Obstruction has occurred.

27 A batted ball bounds off the third baseman’s glove and goes to the shortstop, standing in the baseline attempting to field the deflection and hinders the runner going from second to third. Obstruction has occurred.

28 A batted ball goes to the shortstop. The shortstop fumbles the ball and the ball goes behind the defender. She takes a step and starts to pick up the ball when she hinders the runner going from second to third. Obstruction has occurred.

F

T

F

With a runner on second base, the batter hits a fair ground ball.

29 The third baseman turns to watch the ball in left field and obstructs R2 before she gets to third base. Obstruction is called and R2 is thrown out at home plate. The umpire states that the runner could not have made home plate regardless of the obstruction. R2 is returned to third base without an out being recorded.

30 The third baseman obstructs R2 after she touches third base and the umpire who called obstruction does not think R2 would not have scored regardless of the obstruction. R2 is thrown out at home plate. R2 is returned to third base without an out being recorded.

F

T

Interference

31 Interference can be a physical or verbal act by the offense.32 When a coach physically assists a runner during playing action, interference occurs and a dead ball

occurs33 If in the judgment of the umpire, a runner interferes in any way and prevents a double play anywhere,

the runner who interferes and the runner closest to home both will be called out.34 A runner is on first base and hit by a ground ball that passes the second baseman, who did not touch

the ball. There is no defensive player behind the second baseman who can make a play on the batted ball. The ball hits the runner going to second. The runner is out.

35 If a runner is thrown out when a batter committed interference with the catcher making a throw, the interference is ignored.

T

F

T

F

F

Lineup

36 A team may have as many as twelve starting players in their starting lineup.37 A team is allowed to list a player as a starter when they know they are on the way to the

park.38 A team may begin the game with eight players.39 A player shows up late and is not listed as a starter or substitute on the line-up card. She is

ineligible to play in that game.40 Pam comes to bat in the top of the first inning in the third position in the batting order and is

wearing #8. The official line-up has Pam batting in the third position in the batting order but wearing #17. Pam is out.

T

F

T

F

F

Additional Player, Designated Hitter

41 An additional player can be listed anywhere in the starting line-up.42 An additional player can play any defensive position but must keep the same position

in the batting order.43 A designated hitter (DH) can hit for the pitcher only.44 The name of the defensive player for whom the DH is batting should be listed after the

DH in the same lineup spot.45 A team starts with 10 players (a DH but no APs). Debbie is the DH batting for Pam. Pam

runs for Debbie. Debbie can re-enter and the team plays with 10 players.

T

T

FF

F

Substitutions

46 The first time a team uses an unreported substitute an out should be recorded.47 The second time an unreported substitute is detected results in the head coach being

ejected.48 An illegal substitution results in the immediate ejection of the illegal player and the

head coach.49 Both starters and substitutes are allowed to re-enter the game one time.50 A player leaves the game under the blood rule which forces her team to play short.

For safety purposes, the player is not allowed to re-enter the game.

F

T

T

T

F

Courtesy Runner

51 Pam pinch hits for the shortstop and gets a base hit. Karen subs for Pam as a pinch runner. Later in the inning the pitcher gets on base. Pam can now be a courtesy runner for the pitcher.

52 Pam courtesy runs for the pitcher in the second inning. Pam now is able to courtesy run for the catcher in the third inning.

53 Pam is used as a courtesy runner for the pitcher in the sixth inning and scores. With the game tied in the same inning, Pam is allowed to pinch hit and remain in the game losing her courtesy runner status for the remainder of the game.

54 Pam is the only substitute. Pam is used as a courtesy runner. Karen bats Pam home but is injured sliding safely into second and cannot continue. Pam must substitute immediately for Karen.

55 The leadoff hitter, Amy, strikes out. The next batter, Betty, is knocked unconscious by a wild pitch. Since the team has no eligible substitutions, Amy can replace Karen during this at bat.

F

T

F

T

T

Jewelry

56 Jewelry can be worn as long as it is taped for safety purposes.57 Medical alert bracelets and necklaces are not to be considered jewelry but are

required to be taped to the body.58 Jewelry must be removed by the end of the half inning a warning was given.59 Unadorned devices with no sharp edges or points such as bobby pins, barrettes, and

hair clips no longer than two inches in length, worn to control a player’s hair are legal.60 The second offense for wearing jewelry by a team results in the violator restricted to

the bench for the remainder of the game and the head coach ejected.

F

T

F

T

T

The game is being played with a double first base. The white base is in fair territory and the orange base is in foul territory

61 If a play is being made on the batter-runner at first base and the batter-runner touches only the white portion of the base, the runner is out.

62 A ground ball bounds off the first baseman into foul territory. The first baseman picks up the ball, dives and touches the orange base with the ball in her throwing hand, beating the runner. The runner is out.

63 An uncaught 3rd strike goes to first base side fence. The first baseman catches the throw from the catcher touching only the orange base before the batter runner reaches first. The batter runner is out.

64 The shortstop fields a ground ball and throws directly to first base. The first baseman catches the throw touching only the orange base before the batter runner reaches first. The batter runner is out.

65 The runner on first is stealing second. After catching a line drive, the shortstop throws directly to first base. The first baseman catches the throw touching only the orange base before the runner returns to first. The runner is out.

F

T

T

F

T

Pitching

66 A pitcher may use tape for protection of an injury on the fingers, hands, wrist, forearm, or elbow provided such tape is neutral in color.

67 A pitcher may wear a first baseman’s mitt when pitching.68 The pitcher must start with both feet on the pitching rubber.69 A pitcher may use no more than two revolutions when using the windmill delivery.70 Preliminary to pitching, the pitcher must take a position with the ball in the glove

or pitching hand, and the hands separated.

T

TF

F

T

Illegal Pitch

71 If a pitcher does not release the pitch within 20 seconds from the time of receiving the ball, an illegal pitch is called.

72 An illegal pitch is a dead ball and the penalty invoked.73 As in catcher’s obstruction, the coach is not given an option of taking the result of the play or

the penalty, if all runners advance one base, and the batter-runner reaches first base when an illegal pitch is called.

74 The penalty for an illegal pitch is a ball on the batter and runners advance only when forced by a trailing runner.

75 The umpire who called the Illegal Pitch shall explain the violation to the pitcher.

F

FT

F

F

From USSSA 2-Umpire Mechanics Manual (MM)

76 Umpire should arrive at the field at least 30 minutes before the game time.77 The Official Umpire Uniform Standard for sanctioned play includes

APPROVED and LICENSED products.78 The Base Umpire always has the first play at first, second and third.79 Each umpire has equal authority to call leaving a base too soon on the pitch.80 The Plate Umpire will move out and up the foul line to make calls on balls

hit fair and/or foul.

T

T

F

T

T

The Base Umpire initial position

81 No runners on base, base umpire should be position 12-15 feet beyond 1st base in foul territory

82 Runner on first base only, base umpire should be half way between first base and second base83 Runner on second base, base umpire takes a position inside the diamond between the pitching

rubber and second base.84 Runners on second and third base, starting position is behind the second basemen to the left?85 Runners on first and third base, base umpire takes position behind and to the right of the

shortstop (between the shortstop and third base)?

F

T

F

F

T

The team at bat has a runner on second base only.

86 If the first play is at first base and there is a throw to third base the Plate Umpire has the call at third base If the first play on a ground ball is at first, the base umpire moves to get an angle for the call the first play and the plate umpire covers third.

87 The base umpire is responsible for the runner tagging at second base on a fly ball.88 Fly ball to left field plate umpire moves to the center of field89 Base umpire takes the batter runner to third base90 If the runner steals third, the proper mechanic for the base umpire is to move up in

the baseline to get closer to third to make the call.

T

T

FT

F

There are runners at second and third with one out. A fly ball is hit to the center fielder and she makes the catch. Both runners tag up to advance but the runner at second leaves before the caught ball is touched. Both runners safely advance to home plate and to third base.

91 Plate umpire has the tag up at third?92 When the ball is delivered, the base umpire should be positioned a few steps to the left of

the third baseman (between the third baseman and the shortstop).93 The Plate Umpire should stay stationary behind Home for a possible play at the plate.94 After the base umpire buttonhooks to get an angle on the tag at second, the base umpire

takes the runner from to second to third for a possible play.95 After a legal appeal, the base umpire calls the runner who started on second out for leaving

early. The run scored by the runner from third does not count since there are now three outs.

T

F

F

T

F

Bases Loaded

96 Plate umpire makes all call from behind the plate.97 On fly balls, the base umpire should get inside the infield and has all the tags.98 On a base hit plate umpire moves towards third base in foul territory, has the

play at home and third base.99 On a ball hit to the infield base umpire has first throw unless it is to home 100 On a ground ball to the pitcher, she throws to catcher who throws to third

baseman. The plate umpire has both force out calls

F

F

T

T

F

1. A bat with one layer of tape over a cone-shaped soft rubber attachment at the knob end of a bat is illegal.

2. An ejected participant shall leave the grounds and have no contact with the umpires or participants in the game unless the ejected participant is a JO player.

3. The manager of the team on defense comes from the dugout to talk with F6. After speaking with F6 the coach informs the Plate Umpire that there will be a pitching change. The Plate Umpire rules this is not a charged conference.

4. A player is wearing an undershirt with the sleeves frayed all around. The umpire rules the player must remove the undershirt.

5. Team A has not used any defensive conferences in the first seven innings of the game. In the eighth inning Team A is charged with one defensive conference and later that same inning asks for another conference since they have only used one conference in the eight innings. The Plate Umpire denies Team A’s request for the second conference in the eighth inning.

6. With one out and R1 on 2B, B3 hits a ground ball to F6. R1 intentionally hinders F6 who is still able to throw to 1B and retire B3. R1 and B3 are both ruled out.

7. With one out and R1 on 1B, B3 hits a ground ball to F4. F4 tags B3 and immediately throws the ball to F6 who touches 2B prior to R1 getting to the bag. This is a force out on R1 at 2B. 8. (FP Only) In Men’s Fast Pitch, the pitcher’s non pivot foot is stepping forward but not within the 24 inch length of the pitcher’s plate. The Plate Umpire rules this a legal pitch.

9. (FP Only)A pitcher may have an approved manufactured drying agent in their pocket or on their wrist band. 10. In the third inning substitute Jones comes to bat and before a pitch is thrown starter Smith re-enters and bats. Jones enters in the sixth inning to bat for Smith. This is a legal substitution.

11(FP Only)F1 tells the Plate Umpire he wants to walk B2 intentionally. The Plate Umpire tells F1 he must pitch to B2. 12. B1 hits a high fly ball that hits the outfield fence then rebounds and hits F8’s shoulder and deflects over the outfield fence in fair territory. This is a two base award.

13. The coach who is playing 1B requests time to talk to the pitcher. The Plate Umpire charges the defensive team with a conference.

14. A runner shall be declared out when the batter interferes with the catcher’s throw on a pickoff.

15. FP Only) Junior Olympic Girls Fast Pitch 18U Gold is the only classification that pitches from 43 feet.

16. Prior to the pitch the batter must have both feet inside the lines and not touching the lines of the batter’s box.

17. B1 shall be declared out when entering the batter’s box with an illegal bat, or is discovered having used an illegal bat and the infraction is detected before the next pitch.

18. With no outs and R1 on 1B, B2 hits an inside the park home run. R1 misses 3B while B2 touches them all. R1 is called out on a proper appeal. The Plate Umpire nullifies both runs.

19. The portion of 1B in foul territory may be any other color except white.

20. When using the Shorthanded Rule, a team may continue to play with one less player than it started the game with, due to injury or illness.

21. Which of the following is NOT a foul ball? a) The ball bounds or rolls past 1B or 3B on or over foul ground. b) While the ball is over foul territory, a runner interferes with a defensive player attempting to field a batted ball. c) A ball that goes sharply and directly from the bat to the catcher’s glove and is caught by the catcher. d) Hits the pitcher’s plate and rolls untouched into foul territory in front of 1B or 3B.

22. (FP Only) The pitching distance for Girls 18U Gold, 18U A/B and16U A/B is: a) 40 feet b) 42 feet c) 43 feet d) 46 feet

23. A blocked ball is: a) A ball that deflects off loose equipment. b) A live ball. c) A batted ball that goes into the dugout. d) All of the above.

24. Jones listed ninth in the batting order is replaced by a substitute after reaching 1B safely. Later in the game, Jones re-enters as a runner for a teammate listed third in the order at 2B. a) This is an illegal re-entry and Jones is declared out and disqualified. b) This is an illegal re-entry and Jones is called out c) This is an illegal re-entry and Jones is disqualified and replaced by a legal substitute. d) This is legal.

25. B1 enters the batter’s box with a softball bat that has tape wrapped around the knob making it a cone-shaped handle. The Plate Umpire: a) Calls B1 out for the first out of the inning. b) Has no problem with the bat and the game continues. c) Calls B1 out and ejected B1 from the game for using an altered bat. d) Allows B1 to bat and waits for the offended team to protest the use of an illegal bat.

26(FP Only) In Junior Olympic Fast Pitch at the beginning of each half inning or when a pitcher relieves another, not more than one minute may be used to deliver not more than: a) 3 pitches b) 5 pitches c) 1 pitches d) 7 pitches

27. (FP Only) F1 batting in the fourth position in the line-up gets on base. The manager properly puts F5, who is currently batting second, in to courtesy run for F1. This is permissible in which of the following Championships? a) 18 U Gold Fast Pitch b) The Men’s B Fast Pitch c) Men’s 50 and Over Fast Pitch d) None of the above 28. Which of the following are not examples of changing the characteristics of approved equipment: a) icing in a cooler. b) rolling. c) shaving d) heating with a bat sleeve. 29. An exception to the statement that “a runner cannot be called out between the bases they are obstructed” is: a) If they passed another runner. b) If they missed a base and it was properly appealed. c) If they committed an act of interference. d) All of the above.

30. (FP Only) The Designated Player is listed properly in the fourth spot in the batting order and the FLEX is properly listed in the tenth spot. In the third inning it is reported to the Plate Umpire that the DP will now play defense for the FLEX. Which is a true statement? a) This is a legal change and the FLEX is considered to have left the game. b) This is not legal and cannot be done. c) This is a legal change, but can only be done one time per game. d) This is not a legal change because the DP is not allowed to play offense and defense at the same time.

31. Metal cleats are not legal in: a) Men’s Slow Pitch. b) Men’s Fast Pitch. c) Women’s Fast Pitch. d) All Junior Olympic Fast Pitch.

32. With one out and R1 on 3B, R2 on 2B, B4 hits a fly ball that is caught by F7. Both R1 and R2 tag up and score. An appeal is made at 3B and the Plate Umpire declares R1 out for leaving early. a) This is the third out but R2 scores because this is a timing play. b) This is the third out and the defense has the option of making a fourth out appeal to nullify R2’s run. c) This is the third out and no runs score. d) None of the above.

33. With no outs, R1 on 1B and B2 scheduled to bat, B4 comes to bat instead and grounds into a double play. The defense appeals B4 batting out of order. What is the ruling? a) The double play stands and B4 is out for the third out. B5 is the next batter. b) The double play stands and B2 is out for the third out. B3 is the next batter. c) R1 must return to 1B and B4 is out for the second out. B5 is the next batter. d) R1 must return to 1B and B2 is out for the second out. B3 is the next batter.

34. While fielding a ground ball, the ball becomes entangled in F4’s uniform and B1 advances to 3B. What is the call? a) The ball becomes dead and B1 must return to 1B. b) The ball becomes dead and B1 must return to 2B. c) The ball becomes dead and B1 is awarded 3B. d) The ball remains live.

35. B1 has an altered bat that is detected by the Plate Umpire before B1 enters the batter’s box. What is the ruling? a) B1 is called out. b) B1 is disqualified. c) B1 is ejected. d) The bat is removed from the game as a preventive measure. No other penalty.

36. (FP Only) With one out and R1 and 3B, R2 on 2B, B4 hits a ground ball to F6 who is bumped by R2 while advancing to 3B. R1 has not reached home plate at the time of the collision. The umpire should: a) Call a “Delayed Dead Ball” and see how the play develops and apply the penalty after viewing the play. b) Call a “Dead Ball,” rule R2 out, put B4 on 1B and return R1 to 3B. c) Call a “Dead Ball” and rule the B4 out and send R1 and R2 back to 2B and 3B. d) Call a “Dead Ball,” rule R2 out , put B4 on 1B and award R1 Home.

37. With a 0-0 Count, B1 swings and misses a pitch but has time to reset and swing again, making contact the second time with the ball for a base hit. What is the call? a) The first swing resulted in a strike. The ball became dead on the second swing and all actions are nullified. b) The ball remains live and B1 is safe at 1B. c) The ball is dead and B1 is called out. d) The ball is dead and B1 is charged with two strikes.

38. With R1 on 2B and R2 on 1B, the coach asks for time to confer with the runners. When play resumes, the runners have switched bases. The defense brings this to the attention of the umpires. a) The umpire has the runners assume their proper base with no penalty. b) The umpire rules both runners out and ejects the coach for unsportsmanlike behavior. c) The umpire rules both runners out and ejects them for unsportsmanlike behavior. d) The umpire has the runners assume their proper base and ejects the coach for unsportsmanlike behavior.

39. A throw from left field draws F2 into the base path of R1. R1 does not slow down or alter their path to home plate. The ball arrives just before R1, causing contact between F2 and R1. F2 drops the ball and R1 scores. The contact was neither intentional nor flagrant. a) R1 is out for not avoiding F2. b) R1 is safe at home plate. c) F2 was guilty of obstruction and R1 was protected to home. d) R1 is out for not avoiding F2 and is ejected.

40. B1 hits a fair ball that ricochets off F3 into foul territory. F3 retrieves the ball and now B1 and F3 are side-by-side running to 1B. F3 reaches the portion of the double base in foul territory before B1 touches the white portion. What is the ruling? a) B1 is safe at 1B. b) F3 is guilty of obstruction and B1 is protected to 1B. c) The umpire should rule the batted ball foul. d) B1 is out at 1B.

41. (FP Only) In a Two Umpire System with a runner on 2B only, the Base Umpire should start behind and off the 2B side of the short stop.

42. In the 2 Umpire System, when the Plate Umpire covers 3B, the Base Umpire should rotate in and cover the plate.

43. As a Plate Umpire, we watch the ball from the pitcher’s hand to the catcher’s glove or ground. This is “Tracking” the ball.

44. In the Two Umpire System the Base Umpire is responsible for the lead runner's tag-up when there are multiple runners on base.

45. On a batted ball the plate umpire should always exit to the right of the catcher when trailing the batter-runner.

46. If a pitcher has started the pitch and the batter holds up a hand requesting “time” the umpire should: a) Grant time and call a “no pitch.” b) Grant time and call the pitch a “ball” or “strike” depending on the location of the pitch. c) Grant time, come around the catcher and clean off home plate to allow the batter time to get re-set. d) Not grant time and allow the batter to swing and take the result of that swing.

47. The starting position for the Base Umpire in a Two Umpire System with no runners on base in SP and FP is: a) In SP is off the Second Baseman, on the 1B side of the Second Baseman and in FP is on the foul line, 18-21 feet behind 1B. b) Is on the foul line, 18-21 feet behind 1B. c) Is off the Second Baseman on the 1B side of the Second Baseman. d) Is off the Second Baseman on the 2B side of the Second Baseman.

48. When a batted ball hits the batter’s foot while the batter is in the box the umpire should: a) Raise both hands above the head and call “dead ball.” b) Raise both hands above the head and call “dead ball” to stop the action and verbalize “Foul Ball.” c) Raise both hands above the head and call “dead ball” to stop the action and verbalize “batter is out.” e) Allow play to continue.

49. Positioning for a tag play. The proper position for a tag play is: a) At a 90 degree angle from the base LINE, 10-12 feet from the play. b) At a 90 degree angle from the base PATH, 18 feet from the play. c) At a 90 degree angle from the base PATH, 10-12 feet from the play. d) At a 90 degree angle to the path of the runner, just short of the base they are trying to reach at a depth of 10-12 feet.

50. The Inside/Outside Theory involves these simple concepts: a) If the ball is hit inside the diamond, stay outside the diamond. b) If the ball is hit outside the infield, move inside the infield. c) Keep all four elements in front of you. d) All of the above.

6. Runner going home and catcher had ball but bat was laying on ground. Runner collided with catcher without sliding, catcher dropped ball and was hurt. Umpire ruled that since bat was laying there, she didn’t have to slide.

7. Umpire warned catcher after getting hit by 3 missed balls that she would be ejected if it happened again.

8.Ball hit front of HP and bounced back towards pitcher and was called a strike.

9. Fast pitcher hit batter in helmet with pitch and umpire said that it ‘barely” grazed her and wouldn’t allow IB.

10. Slow pitcher bounced and rolled ball to batter and batter didn’t budge but was awarded 1B.

11. Umpires wearing hat backwards.

12. Umpire not moving from behind HP to make calls the entire game.

13. Umpire not removing mask entire game.

14. “ Ball High.” “ Ball Low.” “Ball outside.” Etc. entire game.

Questions

2010 rules interpretation meeting

Documents

batter runner

usssa rule changesrule

courtesy runner

batterrunner touches

usssa rule changes2

injured runner

rule violation

white portion