Only players managers and rostered coaches allowed on the field
All game participants must stay in the dugouts
Two adult base coaches allowed One adult in dugout at all times Managers and coaches cannot go on
the field without umpirersquos permission No alcohol or tobacco anywhere All participants must display the
highest standards of conduct and discipline
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
commit any unsportsmanlike act to include but not limited to use of words or actions to incite or attempt to incite spectators
demonstrations use of profanity intimidation tactics remarks reflecting unfavorably
upon any other person or taunting or baiting behavior in any manner not in accordance with the spirit of fair play be in live ball territory (excluding teamrsquos bullpen area) during the
opponentrsquos infield practice prior to the start of the game any member of the coaching staff who was not the head coach (or
designee) leaves the vicinity of the dugout or coaching box to dispute a judgment call by an umpire
be outside the designated dugout (bench) or bullpen area if not a batter runner on-deck batter in the coachrsquos box or one of the nine players on defense
PENALTY The umpire shall eject the offender from the game unless the offense is judged to be of a minor nature The umpire may warn the offender and then eject him if he repeats the offense
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
deliberately throw a bat helmet etc initiate malicious contact on offense or
defense call ldquoTimerdquo or use any command or commit
any act for the purpose of causing a balk or use tobacco or tobacco-like products within
the confines of the field leave their positions or bench area for the
purpose of fighting or physical confrontation PENALTY The umpire shall eject the
offender from the game Failure to comply shall result in game being forfeited
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
A manager or coach who gets ejected MUST leave the game site for the remainder of the game period No hanging around the outfield fence parking lot
concession stand etc Failure to comply is grounds for suspending play
until they leave Ejected player may still remain in the dugout under
adult supervision A manager or coach ejected from a game will also
receive a mandatory suspension for the next scheduled game
Ejections
When thunder is heard andor cloud to ground lightning is seen the thunderstorm is close enough to strike your location with lightning Suspend play immediately
Instruct the managers to move their teams out of the dugouts and away from the field to a place of safety
Notify umpires on nearby fields in case they are not aware of the weather issue then leave the field for a place a safety
Thirty Minute Rule Once play has been suspended wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder is
heard or flash of lightning is witnessed prior to resuming play Any subsequent thunder or lightning after the beginning of the 30-minute count the
clock resets and another 30-minute count begins There are no exceptions to this rule 45 minutes will be the maximum time a game will be suspended if there
are games to be played after the game suspended for inclement weather After 45 minutes delay the game will be suspended cancelled andor considered complete based on the rules for the Division or league involved
NOTE If it is a travel game with teams that have traveled to Plainfield the umpires at their discretion may extend the 45 minute maximum wait time if there are no games scheduled after said game
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
>
Base runners approaching any base will be required to either slide or avoid contact when there is a contested play at those bases Bowling over or plowing into defensive players will not be tolerated The offensive player involved in the interference shall be called out and all base runners must return to the last base touched at the time of the interference Interpretation of the intent and degree of contact rests solely with the umpire
Stopping a game at any point for an injured player is at the sole discretion of the umpire(s) with the safety of the injured player being the determining factor of when play is stopped If play is stopped in the middle of a play the umpire(s) will determine where base runners are to be placed and it is solely at their discretion
Any batter who unintentionally throws a bat whether the ball is batted fair or foul and a safety issue is present the umpire shall call the batter out The ball is a dead ball and all runners returned to the bases occupied prior to the pitch No warning is required
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
>
Players in the game are prohibited from wearing jewelry such as rings watches earrings bracelets necklaces (including cloth or string types) or other hard cosmetic or decorative items Religious and medical-alert medals are not considered jewelry A religious medal must be taped and worn under the uniform A medical-alert medal must be taped and may be visible EXCEPTION Unadorned devices such as bobby pins barrettes and hair clips no
longer than 2 inches may be worn to control a playerrsquos hair
No manager will attempt to stall If a manager attempts to stall the umpire will determine whether the manager will be suspended pending PAC Board of Directors review
Fake Bunt then swing or hit the ball is strictly prohibited The ball is dead the batter is out and all runners returned to the base they occupied at the time of the pitch Both managers are also warned repeat will result in ejection of the head coach SWS is exempt from the above rule per PAC board approval
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
>
Baseball bats are for baseball Must bear the BESR logo or listed approved little league with
BPF of 115rdquo or less no weight restrictions PintoMaverick amp Coach Pitch will be restricted to 2 14 ldquo or
less diameter no weight restrictions Mustang Bronco- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less
diameter no weight restrictions ColtPalamino- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less diameter
with a maximum drop weight of minus 3 and no more than 36rdquo in length Bats should comply with NFHS restrictions and have the BBCOR approved label
Softball bats are for softball All must have ASA logo
Bats may be aluminum wood or composite Use of illegal bats will not be tolerated
Bats (Pg 12)
All players should be in the same uniform Be reasonable in cold weather Donrsquot get too picky
Whatrsquos not allowed Long white sleeves on pitchers Arm and wrist bands on pitchers Frayed or ragged sleeves Jewelry (including rubber bracelets)
Except medical alert stuff
The Uniform
Catcher must wear a catcherrsquos mitt Leeway given at the younger division to use a
fielders mitt First baseman may wear glove or first
Any color but white or grey No attachments Batting glove under fielding glove okay as long as
not distracting
GlovesMitts
Required for all batters base runners players in coachrsquos boxes and bat retrievers
Must be NOCSAE certified Chin straps face guards are optional
Chin Straps mandatory all softball Faceguards required Mustang down in Baseball
and all softball No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals NOTE Warning issued for any player
removing helmet in live ball territory
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Required Chest protector helmet or mask and shin guards
Cup for male catchers Helmet or mask must
Be NOCSAE certified Must have throat guard (even on hockey-style
masks) No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals
SAFETY All non adults must wear a catchers mask when squatting to warm up a pitcher
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
A game will consist of (See matrix back cover) innings or until time limit is reached No inning will be started after (See matrix back cover) Any inning started before this time period must be completed Extra innings will be played if the score tied and the time limit has not been met If the time limit is met and the home team is leading or took the lead and at bat then the game will be called official at the point the time limit is met All regular season in-house softball and baseball games will have a maximum playing time of 15
minutes beyond the divisions time limit Once this time the maximum time is reached the game will stopped and the official game score will be recorded as the results of the last completed inning
Mercy Rule - If a team is leading an opponent by ten (10) or more runs in baseball or twelve (12) or more runs in softball and the minimum number of innings have been played as detailed in the matrix on the back cover (Note - home team does not need to bat in the bottom of inning if leading by ten (10) runs) the game shall be terminated and the team with the ten (10) run lead shall be declared the winner
NOTE- In divisions where a maximum number of runs can be scored in an inning and a team is unable to score enough runs in an inning for the mercy rule not to be invoked their turn at bat should still be completed if they have not reached the minimum innings for Mercy rule Example Team A is a mustang team as leading Team B 16 to 0 going into the 4th inning Team Brsquos at bat should still be completed prior to invoking the Mercy rule provided time limit not yet expired at time it should be called
The Game (Pg 9)
Pitch that is not in the strike zone Pitch that bounces and then goes through
the strike zone Pitch that hits batter but batter does not
attempt to get out of the way An award due to certain pitching infractions
Ball
ldquoLive Ballrdquo Strikes Ball swung at and missed Ball not swung at that passes through the strike
zone Foul tip
ldquoDead Ballrdquo Strikes Foul ball with less than two strikes Foul bunt Touches batter while in the strike zone Batter swings or attempts to bunt and the ball
contacts the batter
Strike
Area over the plate Top batterrsquos arm pits Bottom Top of batterrsquos knees Batter in ldquonaturalrdquo stance
ldquoNaturalrdquo is the position of the batter as he swings the bat
Zone doesnrsquot change when He ducks He steps out of the box He moves way up or way back in
the box
Strike Zone
AGE SPECIFIC STRIKE ZONE FOR PAC GAMES
Upper amp Lower Limits 8U10UPintoMaverick ndash chin to
mid-shin 12UMustang ndash shoulders to mid-
shin 14UBronco ndash arm pits to mid-shin 16UPony ndash letters to upper shin 18UColtPalomino ndash bottom of the
letters to bottom of the knee Inside amp Outside Limits
One ball inside and 1 - 2 balls outside
Strike Zone
Secure possession of ball in hand or glove Ball must be in flight Held firmly before it touches the ground Fielder must show complete control Release must be voluntary and intentional Dropping the ball while in the act of
throwing is okay
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
Ball hits the ground first Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of
glove Fielder uses any part of uniform or
equipment to secure the ball Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder
Falls to the ground Collides with another player Collides with the fence
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first
Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base
Force is removed when Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner) When force is removed runners must be
tagged
Force Play (Pg 13)
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
>
Only players managers and rostered coaches allowed on the field
All game participants must stay in the dugouts
Two adult base coaches allowed One adult in dugout at all times Managers and coaches cannot go on
the field without umpirersquos permission No alcohol or tobacco anywhere All participants must display the
highest standards of conduct and discipline
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
commit any unsportsmanlike act to include but not limited to use of words or actions to incite or attempt to incite spectators
demonstrations use of profanity intimidation tactics remarks reflecting unfavorably
upon any other person or taunting or baiting behavior in any manner not in accordance with the spirit of fair play be in live ball territory (excluding teamrsquos bullpen area) during the
opponentrsquos infield practice prior to the start of the game any member of the coaching staff who was not the head coach (or
designee) leaves the vicinity of the dugout or coaching box to dispute a judgment call by an umpire
be outside the designated dugout (bench) or bullpen area if not a batter runner on-deck batter in the coachrsquos box or one of the nine players on defense
PENALTY The umpire shall eject the offender from the game unless the offense is judged to be of a minor nature The umpire may warn the offender and then eject him if he repeats the offense
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
deliberately throw a bat helmet etc initiate malicious contact on offense or
defense call ldquoTimerdquo or use any command or commit
any act for the purpose of causing a balk or use tobacco or tobacco-like products within
the confines of the field leave their positions or bench area for the
purpose of fighting or physical confrontation PENALTY The umpire shall eject the
offender from the game Failure to comply shall result in game being forfeited
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
A manager or coach who gets ejected MUST leave the game site for the remainder of the game period No hanging around the outfield fence parking lot
concession stand etc Failure to comply is grounds for suspending play
until they leave Ejected player may still remain in the dugout under
adult supervision A manager or coach ejected from a game will also
receive a mandatory suspension for the next scheduled game
Ejections
When thunder is heard andor cloud to ground lightning is seen the thunderstorm is close enough to strike your location with lightning Suspend play immediately
Instruct the managers to move their teams out of the dugouts and away from the field to a place of safety
Notify umpires on nearby fields in case they are not aware of the weather issue then leave the field for a place a safety
Thirty Minute Rule Once play has been suspended wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder is
heard or flash of lightning is witnessed prior to resuming play Any subsequent thunder or lightning after the beginning of the 30-minute count the
clock resets and another 30-minute count begins There are no exceptions to this rule 45 minutes will be the maximum time a game will be suspended if there
are games to be played after the game suspended for inclement weather After 45 minutes delay the game will be suspended cancelled andor considered complete based on the rules for the Division or league involved
NOTE If it is a travel game with teams that have traveled to Plainfield the umpires at their discretion may extend the 45 minute maximum wait time if there are no games scheduled after said game
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
>
Base runners approaching any base will be required to either slide or avoid contact when there is a contested play at those bases Bowling over or plowing into defensive players will not be tolerated The offensive player involved in the interference shall be called out and all base runners must return to the last base touched at the time of the interference Interpretation of the intent and degree of contact rests solely with the umpire
Stopping a game at any point for an injured player is at the sole discretion of the umpire(s) with the safety of the injured player being the determining factor of when play is stopped If play is stopped in the middle of a play the umpire(s) will determine where base runners are to be placed and it is solely at their discretion
Any batter who unintentionally throws a bat whether the ball is batted fair or foul and a safety issue is present the umpire shall call the batter out The ball is a dead ball and all runners returned to the bases occupied prior to the pitch No warning is required
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
>
Players in the game are prohibited from wearing jewelry such as rings watches earrings bracelets necklaces (including cloth or string types) or other hard cosmetic or decorative items Religious and medical-alert medals are not considered jewelry A religious medal must be taped and worn under the uniform A medical-alert medal must be taped and may be visible EXCEPTION Unadorned devices such as bobby pins barrettes and hair clips no
longer than 2 inches may be worn to control a playerrsquos hair
No manager will attempt to stall If a manager attempts to stall the umpire will determine whether the manager will be suspended pending PAC Board of Directors review
Fake Bunt then swing or hit the ball is strictly prohibited The ball is dead the batter is out and all runners returned to the base they occupied at the time of the pitch Both managers are also warned repeat will result in ejection of the head coach SWS is exempt from the above rule per PAC board approval
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
>
Baseball bats are for baseball Must bear the BESR logo or listed approved little league with
BPF of 115rdquo or less no weight restrictions PintoMaverick amp Coach Pitch will be restricted to 2 14 ldquo or
less diameter no weight restrictions Mustang Bronco- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less
diameter no weight restrictions ColtPalamino- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less diameter
with a maximum drop weight of minus 3 and no more than 36rdquo in length Bats should comply with NFHS restrictions and have the BBCOR approved label
Softball bats are for softball All must have ASA logo
Bats may be aluminum wood or composite Use of illegal bats will not be tolerated
Bats (Pg 12)
All players should be in the same uniform Be reasonable in cold weather Donrsquot get too picky
Whatrsquos not allowed Long white sleeves on pitchers Arm and wrist bands on pitchers Frayed or ragged sleeves Jewelry (including rubber bracelets)
Except medical alert stuff
The Uniform
Catcher must wear a catcherrsquos mitt Leeway given at the younger division to use a
fielders mitt First baseman may wear glove or first
Any color but white or grey No attachments Batting glove under fielding glove okay as long as
not distracting
GlovesMitts
Required for all batters base runners players in coachrsquos boxes and bat retrievers
Must be NOCSAE certified Chin straps face guards are optional
Chin Straps mandatory all softball Faceguards required Mustang down in Baseball
and all softball No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals NOTE Warning issued for any player
removing helmet in live ball territory
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Required Chest protector helmet or mask and shin guards
Cup for male catchers Helmet or mask must
Be NOCSAE certified Must have throat guard (even on hockey-style
masks) No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals
SAFETY All non adults must wear a catchers mask when squatting to warm up a pitcher
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
A game will consist of (See matrix back cover) innings or until time limit is reached No inning will be started after (See matrix back cover) Any inning started before this time period must be completed Extra innings will be played if the score tied and the time limit has not been met If the time limit is met and the home team is leading or took the lead and at bat then the game will be called official at the point the time limit is met All regular season in-house softball and baseball games will have a maximum playing time of 15
minutes beyond the divisions time limit Once this time the maximum time is reached the game will stopped and the official game score will be recorded as the results of the last completed inning
Mercy Rule - If a team is leading an opponent by ten (10) or more runs in baseball or twelve (12) or more runs in softball and the minimum number of innings have been played as detailed in the matrix on the back cover (Note - home team does not need to bat in the bottom of inning if leading by ten (10) runs) the game shall be terminated and the team with the ten (10) run lead shall be declared the winner
NOTE- In divisions where a maximum number of runs can be scored in an inning and a team is unable to score enough runs in an inning for the mercy rule not to be invoked their turn at bat should still be completed if they have not reached the minimum innings for Mercy rule Example Team A is a mustang team as leading Team B 16 to 0 going into the 4th inning Team Brsquos at bat should still be completed prior to invoking the Mercy rule provided time limit not yet expired at time it should be called
The Game (Pg 9)
Pitch that is not in the strike zone Pitch that bounces and then goes through
the strike zone Pitch that hits batter but batter does not
attempt to get out of the way An award due to certain pitching infractions
Ball
ldquoLive Ballrdquo Strikes Ball swung at and missed Ball not swung at that passes through the strike
zone Foul tip
ldquoDead Ballrdquo Strikes Foul ball with less than two strikes Foul bunt Touches batter while in the strike zone Batter swings or attempts to bunt and the ball
contacts the batter
Strike
Area over the plate Top batterrsquos arm pits Bottom Top of batterrsquos knees Batter in ldquonaturalrdquo stance
ldquoNaturalrdquo is the position of the batter as he swings the bat
Zone doesnrsquot change when He ducks He steps out of the box He moves way up or way back in
the box
Strike Zone
AGE SPECIFIC STRIKE ZONE FOR PAC GAMES
Upper amp Lower Limits 8U10UPintoMaverick ndash chin to
mid-shin 12UMustang ndash shoulders to mid-
shin 14UBronco ndash arm pits to mid-shin 16UPony ndash letters to upper shin 18UColtPalomino ndash bottom of the
letters to bottom of the knee Inside amp Outside Limits
One ball inside and 1 - 2 balls outside
Strike Zone
Secure possession of ball in hand or glove Ball must be in flight Held firmly before it touches the ground Fielder must show complete control Release must be voluntary and intentional Dropping the ball while in the act of
throwing is okay
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
Ball hits the ground first Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of
glove Fielder uses any part of uniform or
equipment to secure the ball Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder
Falls to the ground Collides with another player Collides with the fence
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first
Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base
Force is removed when Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner) When force is removed runners must be
tagged
Force Play (Pg 13)
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Only players managers and rostered coaches allowed on the field
All game participants must stay in the dugouts
Two adult base coaches allowed One adult in dugout at all times Managers and coaches cannot go on
the field without umpirersquos permission No alcohol or tobacco anywhere All participants must display the
highest standards of conduct and discipline
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
commit any unsportsmanlike act to include but not limited to use of words or actions to incite or attempt to incite spectators
demonstrations use of profanity intimidation tactics remarks reflecting unfavorably
upon any other person or taunting or baiting behavior in any manner not in accordance with the spirit of fair play be in live ball territory (excluding teamrsquos bullpen area) during the
opponentrsquos infield practice prior to the start of the game any member of the coaching staff who was not the head coach (or
designee) leaves the vicinity of the dugout or coaching box to dispute a judgment call by an umpire
be outside the designated dugout (bench) or bullpen area if not a batter runner on-deck batter in the coachrsquos box or one of the nine players on defense
PENALTY The umpire shall eject the offender from the game unless the offense is judged to be of a minor nature The umpire may warn the offender and then eject him if he repeats the offense
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
deliberately throw a bat helmet etc initiate malicious contact on offense or
defense call ldquoTimerdquo or use any command or commit
any act for the purpose of causing a balk or use tobacco or tobacco-like products within
the confines of the field leave their positions or bench area for the
purpose of fighting or physical confrontation PENALTY The umpire shall eject the
offender from the game Failure to comply shall result in game being forfeited
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
A manager or coach who gets ejected MUST leave the game site for the remainder of the game period No hanging around the outfield fence parking lot
concession stand etc Failure to comply is grounds for suspending play
until they leave Ejected player may still remain in the dugout under
adult supervision A manager or coach ejected from a game will also
receive a mandatory suspension for the next scheduled game
Ejections
When thunder is heard andor cloud to ground lightning is seen the thunderstorm is close enough to strike your location with lightning Suspend play immediately
Instruct the managers to move their teams out of the dugouts and away from the field to a place of safety
Notify umpires on nearby fields in case they are not aware of the weather issue then leave the field for a place a safety
Thirty Minute Rule Once play has been suspended wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder is
heard or flash of lightning is witnessed prior to resuming play Any subsequent thunder or lightning after the beginning of the 30-minute count the
clock resets and another 30-minute count begins There are no exceptions to this rule 45 minutes will be the maximum time a game will be suspended if there
are games to be played after the game suspended for inclement weather After 45 minutes delay the game will be suspended cancelled andor considered complete based on the rules for the Division or league involved
NOTE If it is a travel game with teams that have traveled to Plainfield the umpires at their discretion may extend the 45 minute maximum wait time if there are no games scheduled after said game
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
>
Base runners approaching any base will be required to either slide or avoid contact when there is a contested play at those bases Bowling over or plowing into defensive players will not be tolerated The offensive player involved in the interference shall be called out and all base runners must return to the last base touched at the time of the interference Interpretation of the intent and degree of contact rests solely with the umpire
Stopping a game at any point for an injured player is at the sole discretion of the umpire(s) with the safety of the injured player being the determining factor of when play is stopped If play is stopped in the middle of a play the umpire(s) will determine where base runners are to be placed and it is solely at their discretion
Any batter who unintentionally throws a bat whether the ball is batted fair or foul and a safety issue is present the umpire shall call the batter out The ball is a dead ball and all runners returned to the bases occupied prior to the pitch No warning is required
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
>
Players in the game are prohibited from wearing jewelry such as rings watches earrings bracelets necklaces (including cloth or string types) or other hard cosmetic or decorative items Religious and medical-alert medals are not considered jewelry A religious medal must be taped and worn under the uniform A medical-alert medal must be taped and may be visible EXCEPTION Unadorned devices such as bobby pins barrettes and hair clips no
longer than 2 inches may be worn to control a playerrsquos hair
No manager will attempt to stall If a manager attempts to stall the umpire will determine whether the manager will be suspended pending PAC Board of Directors review
Fake Bunt then swing or hit the ball is strictly prohibited The ball is dead the batter is out and all runners returned to the base they occupied at the time of the pitch Both managers are also warned repeat will result in ejection of the head coach SWS is exempt from the above rule per PAC board approval
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
>
Baseball bats are for baseball Must bear the BESR logo or listed approved little league with
BPF of 115rdquo or less no weight restrictions PintoMaverick amp Coach Pitch will be restricted to 2 14 ldquo or
less diameter no weight restrictions Mustang Bronco- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less
diameter no weight restrictions ColtPalamino- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less diameter
with a maximum drop weight of minus 3 and no more than 36rdquo in length Bats should comply with NFHS restrictions and have the BBCOR approved label
Softball bats are for softball All must have ASA logo
Bats may be aluminum wood or composite Use of illegal bats will not be tolerated
Bats (Pg 12)
All players should be in the same uniform Be reasonable in cold weather Donrsquot get too picky
Whatrsquos not allowed Long white sleeves on pitchers Arm and wrist bands on pitchers Frayed or ragged sleeves Jewelry (including rubber bracelets)
Except medical alert stuff
The Uniform
Catcher must wear a catcherrsquos mitt Leeway given at the younger division to use a
fielders mitt First baseman may wear glove or first
Any color but white or grey No attachments Batting glove under fielding glove okay as long as
not distracting
GlovesMitts
Required for all batters base runners players in coachrsquos boxes and bat retrievers
Must be NOCSAE certified Chin straps face guards are optional
Chin Straps mandatory all softball Faceguards required Mustang down in Baseball
and all softball No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals NOTE Warning issued for any player
removing helmet in live ball territory
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Required Chest protector helmet or mask and shin guards
Cup for male catchers Helmet or mask must
Be NOCSAE certified Must have throat guard (even on hockey-style
masks) No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals
SAFETY All non adults must wear a catchers mask when squatting to warm up a pitcher
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
A game will consist of (See matrix back cover) innings or until time limit is reached No inning will be started after (See matrix back cover) Any inning started before this time period must be completed Extra innings will be played if the score tied and the time limit has not been met If the time limit is met and the home team is leading or took the lead and at bat then the game will be called official at the point the time limit is met All regular season in-house softball and baseball games will have a maximum playing time of 15
minutes beyond the divisions time limit Once this time the maximum time is reached the game will stopped and the official game score will be recorded as the results of the last completed inning
Mercy Rule - If a team is leading an opponent by ten (10) or more runs in baseball or twelve (12) or more runs in softball and the minimum number of innings have been played as detailed in the matrix on the back cover (Note - home team does not need to bat in the bottom of inning if leading by ten (10) runs) the game shall be terminated and the team with the ten (10) run lead shall be declared the winner
NOTE- In divisions where a maximum number of runs can be scored in an inning and a team is unable to score enough runs in an inning for the mercy rule not to be invoked their turn at bat should still be completed if they have not reached the minimum innings for Mercy rule Example Team A is a mustang team as leading Team B 16 to 0 going into the 4th inning Team Brsquos at bat should still be completed prior to invoking the Mercy rule provided time limit not yet expired at time it should be called
The Game (Pg 9)
Pitch that is not in the strike zone Pitch that bounces and then goes through
the strike zone Pitch that hits batter but batter does not
attempt to get out of the way An award due to certain pitching infractions
Ball
ldquoLive Ballrdquo Strikes Ball swung at and missed Ball not swung at that passes through the strike
zone Foul tip
ldquoDead Ballrdquo Strikes Foul ball with less than two strikes Foul bunt Touches batter while in the strike zone Batter swings or attempts to bunt and the ball
contacts the batter
Strike
Area over the plate Top batterrsquos arm pits Bottom Top of batterrsquos knees Batter in ldquonaturalrdquo stance
ldquoNaturalrdquo is the position of the batter as he swings the bat
Zone doesnrsquot change when He ducks He steps out of the box He moves way up or way back in
the box
Strike Zone
AGE SPECIFIC STRIKE ZONE FOR PAC GAMES
Upper amp Lower Limits 8U10UPintoMaverick ndash chin to
mid-shin 12UMustang ndash shoulders to mid-
shin 14UBronco ndash arm pits to mid-shin 16UPony ndash letters to upper shin 18UColtPalomino ndash bottom of the
letters to bottom of the knee Inside amp Outside Limits
One ball inside and 1 - 2 balls outside
Strike Zone
Secure possession of ball in hand or glove Ball must be in flight Held firmly before it touches the ground Fielder must show complete control Release must be voluntary and intentional Dropping the ball while in the act of
throwing is okay
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
Ball hits the ground first Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of
glove Fielder uses any part of uniform or
equipment to secure the ball Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder
Falls to the ground Collides with another player Collides with the fence
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first
Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base
Force is removed when Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner) When force is removed runners must be
tagged
Force Play (Pg 13)
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
commit any unsportsmanlike act to include but not limited to use of words or actions to incite or attempt to incite spectators
demonstrations use of profanity intimidation tactics remarks reflecting unfavorably
upon any other person or taunting or baiting behavior in any manner not in accordance with the spirit of fair play be in live ball territory (excluding teamrsquos bullpen area) during the
opponentrsquos infield practice prior to the start of the game any member of the coaching staff who was not the head coach (or
designee) leaves the vicinity of the dugout or coaching box to dispute a judgment call by an umpire
be outside the designated dugout (bench) or bullpen area if not a batter runner on-deck batter in the coachrsquos box or one of the nine players on defense
PENALTY The umpire shall eject the offender from the game unless the offense is judged to be of a minor nature The umpire may warn the offender and then eject him if he repeats the offense
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
deliberately throw a bat helmet etc initiate malicious contact on offense or
defense call ldquoTimerdquo or use any command or commit
any act for the purpose of causing a balk or use tobacco or tobacco-like products within
the confines of the field leave their positions or bench area for the
purpose of fighting or physical confrontation PENALTY The umpire shall eject the
offender from the game Failure to comply shall result in game being forfeited
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
A manager or coach who gets ejected MUST leave the game site for the remainder of the game period No hanging around the outfield fence parking lot
concession stand etc Failure to comply is grounds for suspending play
until they leave Ejected player may still remain in the dugout under
adult supervision A manager or coach ejected from a game will also
receive a mandatory suspension for the next scheduled game
Ejections
When thunder is heard andor cloud to ground lightning is seen the thunderstorm is close enough to strike your location with lightning Suspend play immediately
Instruct the managers to move their teams out of the dugouts and away from the field to a place of safety
Notify umpires on nearby fields in case they are not aware of the weather issue then leave the field for a place a safety
Thirty Minute Rule Once play has been suspended wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder is
heard or flash of lightning is witnessed prior to resuming play Any subsequent thunder or lightning after the beginning of the 30-minute count the
clock resets and another 30-minute count begins There are no exceptions to this rule 45 minutes will be the maximum time a game will be suspended if there
are games to be played after the game suspended for inclement weather After 45 minutes delay the game will be suspended cancelled andor considered complete based on the rules for the Division or league involved
NOTE If it is a travel game with teams that have traveled to Plainfield the umpires at their discretion may extend the 45 minute maximum wait time if there are no games scheduled after said game
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
>
Base runners approaching any base will be required to either slide or avoid contact when there is a contested play at those bases Bowling over or plowing into defensive players will not be tolerated The offensive player involved in the interference shall be called out and all base runners must return to the last base touched at the time of the interference Interpretation of the intent and degree of contact rests solely with the umpire
Stopping a game at any point for an injured player is at the sole discretion of the umpire(s) with the safety of the injured player being the determining factor of when play is stopped If play is stopped in the middle of a play the umpire(s) will determine where base runners are to be placed and it is solely at their discretion
Any batter who unintentionally throws a bat whether the ball is batted fair or foul and a safety issue is present the umpire shall call the batter out The ball is a dead ball and all runners returned to the bases occupied prior to the pitch No warning is required
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
>
Players in the game are prohibited from wearing jewelry such as rings watches earrings bracelets necklaces (including cloth or string types) or other hard cosmetic or decorative items Religious and medical-alert medals are not considered jewelry A religious medal must be taped and worn under the uniform A medical-alert medal must be taped and may be visible EXCEPTION Unadorned devices such as bobby pins barrettes and hair clips no
longer than 2 inches may be worn to control a playerrsquos hair
No manager will attempt to stall If a manager attempts to stall the umpire will determine whether the manager will be suspended pending PAC Board of Directors review
Fake Bunt then swing or hit the ball is strictly prohibited The ball is dead the batter is out and all runners returned to the base they occupied at the time of the pitch Both managers are also warned repeat will result in ejection of the head coach SWS is exempt from the above rule per PAC board approval
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
>
Baseball bats are for baseball Must bear the BESR logo or listed approved little league with
BPF of 115rdquo or less no weight restrictions PintoMaverick amp Coach Pitch will be restricted to 2 14 ldquo or
less diameter no weight restrictions Mustang Bronco- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less
diameter no weight restrictions ColtPalamino- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less diameter
with a maximum drop weight of minus 3 and no more than 36rdquo in length Bats should comply with NFHS restrictions and have the BBCOR approved label
Softball bats are for softball All must have ASA logo
Bats may be aluminum wood or composite Use of illegal bats will not be tolerated
Bats (Pg 12)
All players should be in the same uniform Be reasonable in cold weather Donrsquot get too picky
Whatrsquos not allowed Long white sleeves on pitchers Arm and wrist bands on pitchers Frayed or ragged sleeves Jewelry (including rubber bracelets)
Except medical alert stuff
The Uniform
Catcher must wear a catcherrsquos mitt Leeway given at the younger division to use a
fielders mitt First baseman may wear glove or first
Any color but white or grey No attachments Batting glove under fielding glove okay as long as
not distracting
GlovesMitts
Required for all batters base runners players in coachrsquos boxes and bat retrievers
Must be NOCSAE certified Chin straps face guards are optional
Chin Straps mandatory all softball Faceguards required Mustang down in Baseball
and all softball No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals NOTE Warning issued for any player
removing helmet in live ball territory
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Required Chest protector helmet or mask and shin guards
Cup for male catchers Helmet or mask must
Be NOCSAE certified Must have throat guard (even on hockey-style
masks) No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals
SAFETY All non adults must wear a catchers mask when squatting to warm up a pitcher
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
A game will consist of (See matrix back cover) innings or until time limit is reached No inning will be started after (See matrix back cover) Any inning started before this time period must be completed Extra innings will be played if the score tied and the time limit has not been met If the time limit is met and the home team is leading or took the lead and at bat then the game will be called official at the point the time limit is met All regular season in-house softball and baseball games will have a maximum playing time of 15
minutes beyond the divisions time limit Once this time the maximum time is reached the game will stopped and the official game score will be recorded as the results of the last completed inning
Mercy Rule - If a team is leading an opponent by ten (10) or more runs in baseball or twelve (12) or more runs in softball and the minimum number of innings have been played as detailed in the matrix on the back cover (Note - home team does not need to bat in the bottom of inning if leading by ten (10) runs) the game shall be terminated and the team with the ten (10) run lead shall be declared the winner
NOTE- In divisions where a maximum number of runs can be scored in an inning and a team is unable to score enough runs in an inning for the mercy rule not to be invoked their turn at bat should still be completed if they have not reached the minimum innings for Mercy rule Example Team A is a mustang team as leading Team B 16 to 0 going into the 4th inning Team Brsquos at bat should still be completed prior to invoking the Mercy rule provided time limit not yet expired at time it should be called
The Game (Pg 9)
Pitch that is not in the strike zone Pitch that bounces and then goes through
the strike zone Pitch that hits batter but batter does not
attempt to get out of the way An award due to certain pitching infractions
Ball
ldquoLive Ballrdquo Strikes Ball swung at and missed Ball not swung at that passes through the strike
zone Foul tip
ldquoDead Ballrdquo Strikes Foul ball with less than two strikes Foul bunt Touches batter while in the strike zone Batter swings or attempts to bunt and the ball
contacts the batter
Strike
Area over the plate Top batterrsquos arm pits Bottom Top of batterrsquos knees Batter in ldquonaturalrdquo stance
ldquoNaturalrdquo is the position of the batter as he swings the bat
Zone doesnrsquot change when He ducks He steps out of the box He moves way up or way back in
the box
Strike Zone
AGE SPECIFIC STRIKE ZONE FOR PAC GAMES
Upper amp Lower Limits 8U10UPintoMaverick ndash chin to
mid-shin 12UMustang ndash shoulders to mid-
shin 14UBronco ndash arm pits to mid-shin 16UPony ndash letters to upper shin 18UColtPalomino ndash bottom of the
letters to bottom of the knee Inside amp Outside Limits
One ball inside and 1 - 2 balls outside
Strike Zone
Secure possession of ball in hand or glove Ball must be in flight Held firmly before it touches the ground Fielder must show complete control Release must be voluntary and intentional Dropping the ball while in the act of
throwing is okay
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
Ball hits the ground first Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of
glove Fielder uses any part of uniform or
equipment to secure the ball Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder
Falls to the ground Collides with another player Collides with the fence
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first
Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base
Force is removed when Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner) When force is removed runners must be
tagged
Force Play (Pg 13)
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
deliberately throw a bat helmet etc initiate malicious contact on offense or
defense call ldquoTimerdquo or use any command or commit
any act for the purpose of causing a balk or use tobacco or tobacco-like products within
the confines of the field leave their positions or bench area for the
purpose of fighting or physical confrontation PENALTY The umpire shall eject the
offender from the game Failure to comply shall result in game being forfeited
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
A manager or coach who gets ejected MUST leave the game site for the remainder of the game period No hanging around the outfield fence parking lot
concession stand etc Failure to comply is grounds for suspending play
until they leave Ejected player may still remain in the dugout under
adult supervision A manager or coach ejected from a game will also
receive a mandatory suspension for the next scheduled game
Ejections
When thunder is heard andor cloud to ground lightning is seen the thunderstorm is close enough to strike your location with lightning Suspend play immediately
Instruct the managers to move their teams out of the dugouts and away from the field to a place of safety
Notify umpires on nearby fields in case they are not aware of the weather issue then leave the field for a place a safety
Thirty Minute Rule Once play has been suspended wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder is
heard or flash of lightning is witnessed prior to resuming play Any subsequent thunder or lightning after the beginning of the 30-minute count the
clock resets and another 30-minute count begins There are no exceptions to this rule 45 minutes will be the maximum time a game will be suspended if there
are games to be played after the game suspended for inclement weather After 45 minutes delay the game will be suspended cancelled andor considered complete based on the rules for the Division or league involved
NOTE If it is a travel game with teams that have traveled to Plainfield the umpires at their discretion may extend the 45 minute maximum wait time if there are no games scheduled after said game
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
>
Base runners approaching any base will be required to either slide or avoid contact when there is a contested play at those bases Bowling over or plowing into defensive players will not be tolerated The offensive player involved in the interference shall be called out and all base runners must return to the last base touched at the time of the interference Interpretation of the intent and degree of contact rests solely with the umpire
Stopping a game at any point for an injured player is at the sole discretion of the umpire(s) with the safety of the injured player being the determining factor of when play is stopped If play is stopped in the middle of a play the umpire(s) will determine where base runners are to be placed and it is solely at their discretion
Any batter who unintentionally throws a bat whether the ball is batted fair or foul and a safety issue is present the umpire shall call the batter out The ball is a dead ball and all runners returned to the bases occupied prior to the pitch No warning is required
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
>
Players in the game are prohibited from wearing jewelry such as rings watches earrings bracelets necklaces (including cloth or string types) or other hard cosmetic or decorative items Religious and medical-alert medals are not considered jewelry A religious medal must be taped and worn under the uniform A medical-alert medal must be taped and may be visible EXCEPTION Unadorned devices such as bobby pins barrettes and hair clips no
longer than 2 inches may be worn to control a playerrsquos hair
No manager will attempt to stall If a manager attempts to stall the umpire will determine whether the manager will be suspended pending PAC Board of Directors review
Fake Bunt then swing or hit the ball is strictly prohibited The ball is dead the batter is out and all runners returned to the base they occupied at the time of the pitch Both managers are also warned repeat will result in ejection of the head coach SWS is exempt from the above rule per PAC board approval
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
>
Baseball bats are for baseball Must bear the BESR logo or listed approved little league with
BPF of 115rdquo or less no weight restrictions PintoMaverick amp Coach Pitch will be restricted to 2 14 ldquo or
less diameter no weight restrictions Mustang Bronco- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less
diameter no weight restrictions ColtPalamino- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less diameter
with a maximum drop weight of minus 3 and no more than 36rdquo in length Bats should comply with NFHS restrictions and have the BBCOR approved label
Softball bats are for softball All must have ASA logo
Bats may be aluminum wood or composite Use of illegal bats will not be tolerated
Bats (Pg 12)
All players should be in the same uniform Be reasonable in cold weather Donrsquot get too picky
Whatrsquos not allowed Long white sleeves on pitchers Arm and wrist bands on pitchers Frayed or ragged sleeves Jewelry (including rubber bracelets)
Except medical alert stuff
The Uniform
Catcher must wear a catcherrsquos mitt Leeway given at the younger division to use a
fielders mitt First baseman may wear glove or first
Any color but white or grey No attachments Batting glove under fielding glove okay as long as
not distracting
GlovesMitts
Required for all batters base runners players in coachrsquos boxes and bat retrievers
Must be NOCSAE certified Chin straps face guards are optional
Chin Straps mandatory all softball Faceguards required Mustang down in Baseball
and all softball No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals NOTE Warning issued for any player
removing helmet in live ball territory
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Required Chest protector helmet or mask and shin guards
Cup for male catchers Helmet or mask must
Be NOCSAE certified Must have throat guard (even on hockey-style
masks) No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals
SAFETY All non adults must wear a catchers mask when squatting to warm up a pitcher
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
A game will consist of (See matrix back cover) innings or until time limit is reached No inning will be started after (See matrix back cover) Any inning started before this time period must be completed Extra innings will be played if the score tied and the time limit has not been met If the time limit is met and the home team is leading or took the lead and at bat then the game will be called official at the point the time limit is met All regular season in-house softball and baseball games will have a maximum playing time of 15
minutes beyond the divisions time limit Once this time the maximum time is reached the game will stopped and the official game score will be recorded as the results of the last completed inning
Mercy Rule - If a team is leading an opponent by ten (10) or more runs in baseball or twelve (12) or more runs in softball and the minimum number of innings have been played as detailed in the matrix on the back cover (Note - home team does not need to bat in the bottom of inning if leading by ten (10) runs) the game shall be terminated and the team with the ten (10) run lead shall be declared the winner
NOTE- In divisions where a maximum number of runs can be scored in an inning and a team is unable to score enough runs in an inning for the mercy rule not to be invoked their turn at bat should still be completed if they have not reached the minimum innings for Mercy rule Example Team A is a mustang team as leading Team B 16 to 0 going into the 4th inning Team Brsquos at bat should still be completed prior to invoking the Mercy rule provided time limit not yet expired at time it should be called
The Game (Pg 9)
Pitch that is not in the strike zone Pitch that bounces and then goes through
the strike zone Pitch that hits batter but batter does not
attempt to get out of the way An award due to certain pitching infractions
Ball
ldquoLive Ballrdquo Strikes Ball swung at and missed Ball not swung at that passes through the strike
zone Foul tip
ldquoDead Ballrdquo Strikes Foul ball with less than two strikes Foul bunt Touches batter while in the strike zone Batter swings or attempts to bunt and the ball
contacts the batter
Strike
Area over the plate Top batterrsquos arm pits Bottom Top of batterrsquos knees Batter in ldquonaturalrdquo stance
ldquoNaturalrdquo is the position of the batter as he swings the bat
Zone doesnrsquot change when He ducks He steps out of the box He moves way up or way back in
the box
Strike Zone
AGE SPECIFIC STRIKE ZONE FOR PAC GAMES
Upper amp Lower Limits 8U10UPintoMaverick ndash chin to
mid-shin 12UMustang ndash shoulders to mid-
shin 14UBronco ndash arm pits to mid-shin 16UPony ndash letters to upper shin 18UColtPalomino ndash bottom of the
letters to bottom of the knee Inside amp Outside Limits
One ball inside and 1 - 2 balls outside
Strike Zone
Secure possession of ball in hand or glove Ball must be in flight Held firmly before it touches the ground Fielder must show complete control Release must be voluntary and intentional Dropping the ball while in the act of
throwing is okay
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
Ball hits the ground first Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of
glove Fielder uses any part of uniform or
equipment to secure the ball Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder
Falls to the ground Collides with another player Collides with the fence
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first
Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base
Force is removed when Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner) When force is removed runners must be
tagged
Force Play (Pg 13)
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
A manager or coach who gets ejected MUST leave the game site for the remainder of the game period No hanging around the outfield fence parking lot
concession stand etc Failure to comply is grounds for suspending play
until they leave Ejected player may still remain in the dugout under
adult supervision A manager or coach ejected from a game will also
receive a mandatory suspension for the next scheduled game
Ejections
When thunder is heard andor cloud to ground lightning is seen the thunderstorm is close enough to strike your location with lightning Suspend play immediately
Instruct the managers to move their teams out of the dugouts and away from the field to a place of safety
Notify umpires on nearby fields in case they are not aware of the weather issue then leave the field for a place a safety
Thirty Minute Rule Once play has been suspended wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder is
heard or flash of lightning is witnessed prior to resuming play Any subsequent thunder or lightning after the beginning of the 30-minute count the
clock resets and another 30-minute count begins There are no exceptions to this rule 45 minutes will be the maximum time a game will be suspended if there
are games to be played after the game suspended for inclement weather After 45 minutes delay the game will be suspended cancelled andor considered complete based on the rules for the Division or league involved
NOTE If it is a travel game with teams that have traveled to Plainfield the umpires at their discretion may extend the 45 minute maximum wait time if there are no games scheduled after said game
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
>
Base runners approaching any base will be required to either slide or avoid contact when there is a contested play at those bases Bowling over or plowing into defensive players will not be tolerated The offensive player involved in the interference shall be called out and all base runners must return to the last base touched at the time of the interference Interpretation of the intent and degree of contact rests solely with the umpire
Stopping a game at any point for an injured player is at the sole discretion of the umpire(s) with the safety of the injured player being the determining factor of when play is stopped If play is stopped in the middle of a play the umpire(s) will determine where base runners are to be placed and it is solely at their discretion
Any batter who unintentionally throws a bat whether the ball is batted fair or foul and a safety issue is present the umpire shall call the batter out The ball is a dead ball and all runners returned to the bases occupied prior to the pitch No warning is required
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
>
Players in the game are prohibited from wearing jewelry such as rings watches earrings bracelets necklaces (including cloth or string types) or other hard cosmetic or decorative items Religious and medical-alert medals are not considered jewelry A religious medal must be taped and worn under the uniform A medical-alert medal must be taped and may be visible EXCEPTION Unadorned devices such as bobby pins barrettes and hair clips no
longer than 2 inches may be worn to control a playerrsquos hair
No manager will attempt to stall If a manager attempts to stall the umpire will determine whether the manager will be suspended pending PAC Board of Directors review
Fake Bunt then swing or hit the ball is strictly prohibited The ball is dead the batter is out and all runners returned to the base they occupied at the time of the pitch Both managers are also warned repeat will result in ejection of the head coach SWS is exempt from the above rule per PAC board approval
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
>
Baseball bats are for baseball Must bear the BESR logo or listed approved little league with
BPF of 115rdquo or less no weight restrictions PintoMaverick amp Coach Pitch will be restricted to 2 14 ldquo or
less diameter no weight restrictions Mustang Bronco- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less
diameter no weight restrictions ColtPalamino- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less diameter
with a maximum drop weight of minus 3 and no more than 36rdquo in length Bats should comply with NFHS restrictions and have the BBCOR approved label
Softball bats are for softball All must have ASA logo
Bats may be aluminum wood or composite Use of illegal bats will not be tolerated
Bats (Pg 12)
All players should be in the same uniform Be reasonable in cold weather Donrsquot get too picky
Whatrsquos not allowed Long white sleeves on pitchers Arm and wrist bands on pitchers Frayed or ragged sleeves Jewelry (including rubber bracelets)
Except medical alert stuff
The Uniform
Catcher must wear a catcherrsquos mitt Leeway given at the younger division to use a
fielders mitt First baseman may wear glove or first
Any color but white or grey No attachments Batting glove under fielding glove okay as long as
not distracting
GlovesMitts
Required for all batters base runners players in coachrsquos boxes and bat retrievers
Must be NOCSAE certified Chin straps face guards are optional
Chin Straps mandatory all softball Faceguards required Mustang down in Baseball
and all softball No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals NOTE Warning issued for any player
removing helmet in live ball territory
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Required Chest protector helmet or mask and shin guards
Cup for male catchers Helmet or mask must
Be NOCSAE certified Must have throat guard (even on hockey-style
masks) No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals
SAFETY All non adults must wear a catchers mask when squatting to warm up a pitcher
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
A game will consist of (See matrix back cover) innings or until time limit is reached No inning will be started after (See matrix back cover) Any inning started before this time period must be completed Extra innings will be played if the score tied and the time limit has not been met If the time limit is met and the home team is leading or took the lead and at bat then the game will be called official at the point the time limit is met All regular season in-house softball and baseball games will have a maximum playing time of 15
minutes beyond the divisions time limit Once this time the maximum time is reached the game will stopped and the official game score will be recorded as the results of the last completed inning
Mercy Rule - If a team is leading an opponent by ten (10) or more runs in baseball or twelve (12) or more runs in softball and the minimum number of innings have been played as detailed in the matrix on the back cover (Note - home team does not need to bat in the bottom of inning if leading by ten (10) runs) the game shall be terminated and the team with the ten (10) run lead shall be declared the winner
NOTE- In divisions where a maximum number of runs can be scored in an inning and a team is unable to score enough runs in an inning for the mercy rule not to be invoked their turn at bat should still be completed if they have not reached the minimum innings for Mercy rule Example Team A is a mustang team as leading Team B 16 to 0 going into the 4th inning Team Brsquos at bat should still be completed prior to invoking the Mercy rule provided time limit not yet expired at time it should be called
The Game (Pg 9)
Pitch that is not in the strike zone Pitch that bounces and then goes through
the strike zone Pitch that hits batter but batter does not
attempt to get out of the way An award due to certain pitching infractions
Ball
ldquoLive Ballrdquo Strikes Ball swung at and missed Ball not swung at that passes through the strike
zone Foul tip
ldquoDead Ballrdquo Strikes Foul ball with less than two strikes Foul bunt Touches batter while in the strike zone Batter swings or attempts to bunt and the ball
contacts the batter
Strike
Area over the plate Top batterrsquos arm pits Bottom Top of batterrsquos knees Batter in ldquonaturalrdquo stance
ldquoNaturalrdquo is the position of the batter as he swings the bat
Zone doesnrsquot change when He ducks He steps out of the box He moves way up or way back in
the box
Strike Zone
AGE SPECIFIC STRIKE ZONE FOR PAC GAMES
Upper amp Lower Limits 8U10UPintoMaverick ndash chin to
mid-shin 12UMustang ndash shoulders to mid-
shin 14UBronco ndash arm pits to mid-shin 16UPony ndash letters to upper shin 18UColtPalomino ndash bottom of the
letters to bottom of the knee Inside amp Outside Limits
One ball inside and 1 - 2 balls outside
Strike Zone
Secure possession of ball in hand or glove Ball must be in flight Held firmly before it touches the ground Fielder must show complete control Release must be voluntary and intentional Dropping the ball while in the act of
throwing is okay
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
Ball hits the ground first Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of
glove Fielder uses any part of uniform or
equipment to secure the ball Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder
Falls to the ground Collides with another player Collides with the fence
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first
Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base
Force is removed when Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner) When force is removed runners must be
tagged
Force Play (Pg 13)
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
When thunder is heard andor cloud to ground lightning is seen the thunderstorm is close enough to strike your location with lightning Suspend play immediately
Instruct the managers to move their teams out of the dugouts and away from the field to a place of safety
Notify umpires on nearby fields in case they are not aware of the weather issue then leave the field for a place a safety
Thirty Minute Rule Once play has been suspended wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder is
heard or flash of lightning is witnessed prior to resuming play Any subsequent thunder or lightning after the beginning of the 30-minute count the
clock resets and another 30-minute count begins There are no exceptions to this rule 45 minutes will be the maximum time a game will be suspended if there
are games to be played after the game suspended for inclement weather After 45 minutes delay the game will be suspended cancelled andor considered complete based on the rules for the Division or league involved
NOTE If it is a travel game with teams that have traveled to Plainfield the umpires at their discretion may extend the 45 minute maximum wait time if there are no games scheduled after said game
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
>
Base runners approaching any base will be required to either slide or avoid contact when there is a contested play at those bases Bowling over or plowing into defensive players will not be tolerated The offensive player involved in the interference shall be called out and all base runners must return to the last base touched at the time of the interference Interpretation of the intent and degree of contact rests solely with the umpire
Stopping a game at any point for an injured player is at the sole discretion of the umpire(s) with the safety of the injured player being the determining factor of when play is stopped If play is stopped in the middle of a play the umpire(s) will determine where base runners are to be placed and it is solely at their discretion
Any batter who unintentionally throws a bat whether the ball is batted fair or foul and a safety issue is present the umpire shall call the batter out The ball is a dead ball and all runners returned to the bases occupied prior to the pitch No warning is required
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
>
Players in the game are prohibited from wearing jewelry such as rings watches earrings bracelets necklaces (including cloth or string types) or other hard cosmetic or decorative items Religious and medical-alert medals are not considered jewelry A religious medal must be taped and worn under the uniform A medical-alert medal must be taped and may be visible EXCEPTION Unadorned devices such as bobby pins barrettes and hair clips no
longer than 2 inches may be worn to control a playerrsquos hair
No manager will attempt to stall If a manager attempts to stall the umpire will determine whether the manager will be suspended pending PAC Board of Directors review
Fake Bunt then swing or hit the ball is strictly prohibited The ball is dead the batter is out and all runners returned to the base they occupied at the time of the pitch Both managers are also warned repeat will result in ejection of the head coach SWS is exempt from the above rule per PAC board approval
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
>
Baseball bats are for baseball Must bear the BESR logo or listed approved little league with
BPF of 115rdquo or less no weight restrictions PintoMaverick amp Coach Pitch will be restricted to 2 14 ldquo or
less diameter no weight restrictions Mustang Bronco- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less
diameter no weight restrictions ColtPalamino- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less diameter
with a maximum drop weight of minus 3 and no more than 36rdquo in length Bats should comply with NFHS restrictions and have the BBCOR approved label
Softball bats are for softball All must have ASA logo
Bats may be aluminum wood or composite Use of illegal bats will not be tolerated
Bats (Pg 12)
All players should be in the same uniform Be reasonable in cold weather Donrsquot get too picky
Whatrsquos not allowed Long white sleeves on pitchers Arm and wrist bands on pitchers Frayed or ragged sleeves Jewelry (including rubber bracelets)
Except medical alert stuff
The Uniform
Catcher must wear a catcherrsquos mitt Leeway given at the younger division to use a
fielders mitt First baseman may wear glove or first
Any color but white or grey No attachments Batting glove under fielding glove okay as long as
not distracting
GlovesMitts
Required for all batters base runners players in coachrsquos boxes and bat retrievers
Must be NOCSAE certified Chin straps face guards are optional
Chin Straps mandatory all softball Faceguards required Mustang down in Baseball
and all softball No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals NOTE Warning issued for any player
removing helmet in live ball territory
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Required Chest protector helmet or mask and shin guards
Cup for male catchers Helmet or mask must
Be NOCSAE certified Must have throat guard (even on hockey-style
masks) No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals
SAFETY All non adults must wear a catchers mask when squatting to warm up a pitcher
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
A game will consist of (See matrix back cover) innings or until time limit is reached No inning will be started after (See matrix back cover) Any inning started before this time period must be completed Extra innings will be played if the score tied and the time limit has not been met If the time limit is met and the home team is leading or took the lead and at bat then the game will be called official at the point the time limit is met All regular season in-house softball and baseball games will have a maximum playing time of 15
minutes beyond the divisions time limit Once this time the maximum time is reached the game will stopped and the official game score will be recorded as the results of the last completed inning
Mercy Rule - If a team is leading an opponent by ten (10) or more runs in baseball or twelve (12) or more runs in softball and the minimum number of innings have been played as detailed in the matrix on the back cover (Note - home team does not need to bat in the bottom of inning if leading by ten (10) runs) the game shall be terminated and the team with the ten (10) run lead shall be declared the winner
NOTE- In divisions where a maximum number of runs can be scored in an inning and a team is unable to score enough runs in an inning for the mercy rule not to be invoked their turn at bat should still be completed if they have not reached the minimum innings for Mercy rule Example Team A is a mustang team as leading Team B 16 to 0 going into the 4th inning Team Brsquos at bat should still be completed prior to invoking the Mercy rule provided time limit not yet expired at time it should be called
The Game (Pg 9)
Pitch that is not in the strike zone Pitch that bounces and then goes through
the strike zone Pitch that hits batter but batter does not
attempt to get out of the way An award due to certain pitching infractions
Ball
ldquoLive Ballrdquo Strikes Ball swung at and missed Ball not swung at that passes through the strike
zone Foul tip
ldquoDead Ballrdquo Strikes Foul ball with less than two strikes Foul bunt Touches batter while in the strike zone Batter swings or attempts to bunt and the ball
contacts the batter
Strike
Area over the plate Top batterrsquos arm pits Bottom Top of batterrsquos knees Batter in ldquonaturalrdquo stance
ldquoNaturalrdquo is the position of the batter as he swings the bat
Zone doesnrsquot change when He ducks He steps out of the box He moves way up or way back in
the box
Strike Zone
AGE SPECIFIC STRIKE ZONE FOR PAC GAMES
Upper amp Lower Limits 8U10UPintoMaverick ndash chin to
mid-shin 12UMustang ndash shoulders to mid-
shin 14UBronco ndash arm pits to mid-shin 16UPony ndash letters to upper shin 18UColtPalomino ndash bottom of the
letters to bottom of the knee Inside amp Outside Limits
One ball inside and 1 - 2 balls outside
Strike Zone
Secure possession of ball in hand or glove Ball must be in flight Held firmly before it touches the ground Fielder must show complete control Release must be voluntary and intentional Dropping the ball while in the act of
throwing is okay
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
Ball hits the ground first Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of
glove Fielder uses any part of uniform or
equipment to secure the ball Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder
Falls to the ground Collides with another player Collides with the fence
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first
Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base
Force is removed when Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner) When force is removed runners must be
tagged
Force Play (Pg 13)
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
>
Base runners approaching any base will be required to either slide or avoid contact when there is a contested play at those bases Bowling over or plowing into defensive players will not be tolerated The offensive player involved in the interference shall be called out and all base runners must return to the last base touched at the time of the interference Interpretation of the intent and degree of contact rests solely with the umpire
Stopping a game at any point for an injured player is at the sole discretion of the umpire(s) with the safety of the injured player being the determining factor of when play is stopped If play is stopped in the middle of a play the umpire(s) will determine where base runners are to be placed and it is solely at their discretion
Any batter who unintentionally throws a bat whether the ball is batted fair or foul and a safety issue is present the umpire shall call the batter out The ball is a dead ball and all runners returned to the bases occupied prior to the pitch No warning is required
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
>
Players in the game are prohibited from wearing jewelry such as rings watches earrings bracelets necklaces (including cloth or string types) or other hard cosmetic or decorative items Religious and medical-alert medals are not considered jewelry A religious medal must be taped and worn under the uniform A medical-alert medal must be taped and may be visible EXCEPTION Unadorned devices such as bobby pins barrettes and hair clips no
longer than 2 inches may be worn to control a playerrsquos hair
No manager will attempt to stall If a manager attempts to stall the umpire will determine whether the manager will be suspended pending PAC Board of Directors review
Fake Bunt then swing or hit the ball is strictly prohibited The ball is dead the batter is out and all runners returned to the base they occupied at the time of the pitch Both managers are also warned repeat will result in ejection of the head coach SWS is exempt from the above rule per PAC board approval
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
>
Baseball bats are for baseball Must bear the BESR logo or listed approved little league with
BPF of 115rdquo or less no weight restrictions PintoMaverick amp Coach Pitch will be restricted to 2 14 ldquo or
less diameter no weight restrictions Mustang Bronco- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less
diameter no weight restrictions ColtPalamino- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less diameter
with a maximum drop weight of minus 3 and no more than 36rdquo in length Bats should comply with NFHS restrictions and have the BBCOR approved label
Softball bats are for softball All must have ASA logo
Bats may be aluminum wood or composite Use of illegal bats will not be tolerated
Bats (Pg 12)
All players should be in the same uniform Be reasonable in cold weather Donrsquot get too picky
Whatrsquos not allowed Long white sleeves on pitchers Arm and wrist bands on pitchers Frayed or ragged sleeves Jewelry (including rubber bracelets)
Except medical alert stuff
The Uniform
Catcher must wear a catcherrsquos mitt Leeway given at the younger division to use a
fielders mitt First baseman may wear glove or first
Any color but white or grey No attachments Batting glove under fielding glove okay as long as
not distracting
GlovesMitts
Required for all batters base runners players in coachrsquos boxes and bat retrievers
Must be NOCSAE certified Chin straps face guards are optional
Chin Straps mandatory all softball Faceguards required Mustang down in Baseball
and all softball No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals NOTE Warning issued for any player
removing helmet in live ball territory
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Required Chest protector helmet or mask and shin guards
Cup for male catchers Helmet or mask must
Be NOCSAE certified Must have throat guard (even on hockey-style
masks) No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals
SAFETY All non adults must wear a catchers mask when squatting to warm up a pitcher
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
A game will consist of (See matrix back cover) innings or until time limit is reached No inning will be started after (See matrix back cover) Any inning started before this time period must be completed Extra innings will be played if the score tied and the time limit has not been met If the time limit is met and the home team is leading or took the lead and at bat then the game will be called official at the point the time limit is met All regular season in-house softball and baseball games will have a maximum playing time of 15
minutes beyond the divisions time limit Once this time the maximum time is reached the game will stopped and the official game score will be recorded as the results of the last completed inning
Mercy Rule - If a team is leading an opponent by ten (10) or more runs in baseball or twelve (12) or more runs in softball and the minimum number of innings have been played as detailed in the matrix on the back cover (Note - home team does not need to bat in the bottom of inning if leading by ten (10) runs) the game shall be terminated and the team with the ten (10) run lead shall be declared the winner
NOTE- In divisions where a maximum number of runs can be scored in an inning and a team is unable to score enough runs in an inning for the mercy rule not to be invoked their turn at bat should still be completed if they have not reached the minimum innings for Mercy rule Example Team A is a mustang team as leading Team B 16 to 0 going into the 4th inning Team Brsquos at bat should still be completed prior to invoking the Mercy rule provided time limit not yet expired at time it should be called
The Game (Pg 9)
Pitch that is not in the strike zone Pitch that bounces and then goes through
the strike zone Pitch that hits batter but batter does not
attempt to get out of the way An award due to certain pitching infractions
Ball
ldquoLive Ballrdquo Strikes Ball swung at and missed Ball not swung at that passes through the strike
zone Foul tip
ldquoDead Ballrdquo Strikes Foul ball with less than two strikes Foul bunt Touches batter while in the strike zone Batter swings or attempts to bunt and the ball
contacts the batter
Strike
Area over the plate Top batterrsquos arm pits Bottom Top of batterrsquos knees Batter in ldquonaturalrdquo stance
ldquoNaturalrdquo is the position of the batter as he swings the bat
Zone doesnrsquot change when He ducks He steps out of the box He moves way up or way back in
the box
Strike Zone
AGE SPECIFIC STRIKE ZONE FOR PAC GAMES
Upper amp Lower Limits 8U10UPintoMaverick ndash chin to
mid-shin 12UMustang ndash shoulders to mid-
shin 14UBronco ndash arm pits to mid-shin 16UPony ndash letters to upper shin 18UColtPalomino ndash bottom of the
letters to bottom of the knee Inside amp Outside Limits
One ball inside and 1 - 2 balls outside
Strike Zone
Secure possession of ball in hand or glove Ball must be in flight Held firmly before it touches the ground Fielder must show complete control Release must be voluntary and intentional Dropping the ball while in the act of
throwing is okay
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
Ball hits the ground first Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of
glove Fielder uses any part of uniform or
equipment to secure the ball Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder
Falls to the ground Collides with another player Collides with the fence
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first
Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base
Force is removed when Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner) When force is removed runners must be
tagged
Force Play (Pg 13)
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Base runners approaching any base will be required to either slide or avoid contact when there is a contested play at those bases Bowling over or plowing into defensive players will not be tolerated The offensive player involved in the interference shall be called out and all base runners must return to the last base touched at the time of the interference Interpretation of the intent and degree of contact rests solely with the umpire
Stopping a game at any point for an injured player is at the sole discretion of the umpire(s) with the safety of the injured player being the determining factor of when play is stopped If play is stopped in the middle of a play the umpire(s) will determine where base runners are to be placed and it is solely at their discretion
Any batter who unintentionally throws a bat whether the ball is batted fair or foul and a safety issue is present the umpire shall call the batter out The ball is a dead ball and all runners returned to the bases occupied prior to the pitch No warning is required
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
>
Players in the game are prohibited from wearing jewelry such as rings watches earrings bracelets necklaces (including cloth or string types) or other hard cosmetic or decorative items Religious and medical-alert medals are not considered jewelry A religious medal must be taped and worn under the uniform A medical-alert medal must be taped and may be visible EXCEPTION Unadorned devices such as bobby pins barrettes and hair clips no
longer than 2 inches may be worn to control a playerrsquos hair
No manager will attempt to stall If a manager attempts to stall the umpire will determine whether the manager will be suspended pending PAC Board of Directors review
Fake Bunt then swing or hit the ball is strictly prohibited The ball is dead the batter is out and all runners returned to the base they occupied at the time of the pitch Both managers are also warned repeat will result in ejection of the head coach SWS is exempt from the above rule per PAC board approval
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
>
Baseball bats are for baseball Must bear the BESR logo or listed approved little league with
BPF of 115rdquo or less no weight restrictions PintoMaverick amp Coach Pitch will be restricted to 2 14 ldquo or
less diameter no weight restrictions Mustang Bronco- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less
diameter no weight restrictions ColtPalamino- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less diameter
with a maximum drop weight of minus 3 and no more than 36rdquo in length Bats should comply with NFHS restrictions and have the BBCOR approved label
Softball bats are for softball All must have ASA logo
Bats may be aluminum wood or composite Use of illegal bats will not be tolerated
Bats (Pg 12)
All players should be in the same uniform Be reasonable in cold weather Donrsquot get too picky
Whatrsquos not allowed Long white sleeves on pitchers Arm and wrist bands on pitchers Frayed or ragged sleeves Jewelry (including rubber bracelets)
Except medical alert stuff
The Uniform
Catcher must wear a catcherrsquos mitt Leeway given at the younger division to use a
fielders mitt First baseman may wear glove or first
Any color but white or grey No attachments Batting glove under fielding glove okay as long as
not distracting
GlovesMitts
Required for all batters base runners players in coachrsquos boxes and bat retrievers
Must be NOCSAE certified Chin straps face guards are optional
Chin Straps mandatory all softball Faceguards required Mustang down in Baseball
and all softball No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals NOTE Warning issued for any player
removing helmet in live ball territory
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Required Chest protector helmet or mask and shin guards
Cup for male catchers Helmet or mask must
Be NOCSAE certified Must have throat guard (even on hockey-style
masks) No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals
SAFETY All non adults must wear a catchers mask when squatting to warm up a pitcher
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
A game will consist of (See matrix back cover) innings or until time limit is reached No inning will be started after (See matrix back cover) Any inning started before this time period must be completed Extra innings will be played if the score tied and the time limit has not been met If the time limit is met and the home team is leading or took the lead and at bat then the game will be called official at the point the time limit is met All regular season in-house softball and baseball games will have a maximum playing time of 15
minutes beyond the divisions time limit Once this time the maximum time is reached the game will stopped and the official game score will be recorded as the results of the last completed inning
Mercy Rule - If a team is leading an opponent by ten (10) or more runs in baseball or twelve (12) or more runs in softball and the minimum number of innings have been played as detailed in the matrix on the back cover (Note - home team does not need to bat in the bottom of inning if leading by ten (10) runs) the game shall be terminated and the team with the ten (10) run lead shall be declared the winner
NOTE- In divisions where a maximum number of runs can be scored in an inning and a team is unable to score enough runs in an inning for the mercy rule not to be invoked their turn at bat should still be completed if they have not reached the minimum innings for Mercy rule Example Team A is a mustang team as leading Team B 16 to 0 going into the 4th inning Team Brsquos at bat should still be completed prior to invoking the Mercy rule provided time limit not yet expired at time it should be called
The Game (Pg 9)
Pitch that is not in the strike zone Pitch that bounces and then goes through
the strike zone Pitch that hits batter but batter does not
attempt to get out of the way An award due to certain pitching infractions
Ball
ldquoLive Ballrdquo Strikes Ball swung at and missed Ball not swung at that passes through the strike
zone Foul tip
ldquoDead Ballrdquo Strikes Foul ball with less than two strikes Foul bunt Touches batter while in the strike zone Batter swings or attempts to bunt and the ball
contacts the batter
Strike
Area over the plate Top batterrsquos arm pits Bottom Top of batterrsquos knees Batter in ldquonaturalrdquo stance
ldquoNaturalrdquo is the position of the batter as he swings the bat
Zone doesnrsquot change when He ducks He steps out of the box He moves way up or way back in
the box
Strike Zone
AGE SPECIFIC STRIKE ZONE FOR PAC GAMES
Upper amp Lower Limits 8U10UPintoMaverick ndash chin to
mid-shin 12UMustang ndash shoulders to mid-
shin 14UBronco ndash arm pits to mid-shin 16UPony ndash letters to upper shin 18UColtPalomino ndash bottom of the
letters to bottom of the knee Inside amp Outside Limits
One ball inside and 1 - 2 balls outside
Strike Zone
Secure possession of ball in hand or glove Ball must be in flight Held firmly before it touches the ground Fielder must show complete control Release must be voluntary and intentional Dropping the ball while in the act of
throwing is okay
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
Ball hits the ground first Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of
glove Fielder uses any part of uniform or
equipment to secure the ball Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder
Falls to the ground Collides with another player Collides with the fence
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first
Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base
Force is removed when Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner) When force is removed runners must be
tagged
Force Play (Pg 13)
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
>
Players in the game are prohibited from wearing jewelry such as rings watches earrings bracelets necklaces (including cloth or string types) or other hard cosmetic or decorative items Religious and medical-alert medals are not considered jewelry A religious medal must be taped and worn under the uniform A medical-alert medal must be taped and may be visible EXCEPTION Unadorned devices such as bobby pins barrettes and hair clips no
longer than 2 inches may be worn to control a playerrsquos hair
No manager will attempt to stall If a manager attempts to stall the umpire will determine whether the manager will be suspended pending PAC Board of Directors review
Fake Bunt then swing or hit the ball is strictly prohibited The ball is dead the batter is out and all runners returned to the base they occupied at the time of the pitch Both managers are also warned repeat will result in ejection of the head coach SWS is exempt from the above rule per PAC board approval
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
>
Baseball bats are for baseball Must bear the BESR logo or listed approved little league with
BPF of 115rdquo or less no weight restrictions PintoMaverick amp Coach Pitch will be restricted to 2 14 ldquo or
less diameter no weight restrictions Mustang Bronco- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less
diameter no weight restrictions ColtPalamino- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less diameter
with a maximum drop weight of minus 3 and no more than 36rdquo in length Bats should comply with NFHS restrictions and have the BBCOR approved label
Softball bats are for softball All must have ASA logo
Bats may be aluminum wood or composite Use of illegal bats will not be tolerated
Bats (Pg 12)
All players should be in the same uniform Be reasonable in cold weather Donrsquot get too picky
Whatrsquos not allowed Long white sleeves on pitchers Arm and wrist bands on pitchers Frayed or ragged sleeves Jewelry (including rubber bracelets)
Except medical alert stuff
The Uniform
Catcher must wear a catcherrsquos mitt Leeway given at the younger division to use a
fielders mitt First baseman may wear glove or first
Any color but white or grey No attachments Batting glove under fielding glove okay as long as
not distracting
GlovesMitts
Required for all batters base runners players in coachrsquos boxes and bat retrievers
Must be NOCSAE certified Chin straps face guards are optional
Chin Straps mandatory all softball Faceguards required Mustang down in Baseball
and all softball No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals NOTE Warning issued for any player
removing helmet in live ball territory
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Required Chest protector helmet or mask and shin guards
Cup for male catchers Helmet or mask must
Be NOCSAE certified Must have throat guard (even on hockey-style
masks) No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals
SAFETY All non adults must wear a catchers mask when squatting to warm up a pitcher
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
A game will consist of (See matrix back cover) innings or until time limit is reached No inning will be started after (See matrix back cover) Any inning started before this time period must be completed Extra innings will be played if the score tied and the time limit has not been met If the time limit is met and the home team is leading or took the lead and at bat then the game will be called official at the point the time limit is met All regular season in-house softball and baseball games will have a maximum playing time of 15
minutes beyond the divisions time limit Once this time the maximum time is reached the game will stopped and the official game score will be recorded as the results of the last completed inning
Mercy Rule - If a team is leading an opponent by ten (10) or more runs in baseball or twelve (12) or more runs in softball and the minimum number of innings have been played as detailed in the matrix on the back cover (Note - home team does not need to bat in the bottom of inning if leading by ten (10) runs) the game shall be terminated and the team with the ten (10) run lead shall be declared the winner
NOTE- In divisions where a maximum number of runs can be scored in an inning and a team is unable to score enough runs in an inning for the mercy rule not to be invoked their turn at bat should still be completed if they have not reached the minimum innings for Mercy rule Example Team A is a mustang team as leading Team B 16 to 0 going into the 4th inning Team Brsquos at bat should still be completed prior to invoking the Mercy rule provided time limit not yet expired at time it should be called
The Game (Pg 9)
Pitch that is not in the strike zone Pitch that bounces and then goes through
the strike zone Pitch that hits batter but batter does not
attempt to get out of the way An award due to certain pitching infractions
Ball
ldquoLive Ballrdquo Strikes Ball swung at and missed Ball not swung at that passes through the strike
zone Foul tip
ldquoDead Ballrdquo Strikes Foul ball with less than two strikes Foul bunt Touches batter while in the strike zone Batter swings or attempts to bunt and the ball
contacts the batter
Strike
Area over the plate Top batterrsquos arm pits Bottom Top of batterrsquos knees Batter in ldquonaturalrdquo stance
ldquoNaturalrdquo is the position of the batter as he swings the bat
Zone doesnrsquot change when He ducks He steps out of the box He moves way up or way back in
the box
Strike Zone
AGE SPECIFIC STRIKE ZONE FOR PAC GAMES
Upper amp Lower Limits 8U10UPintoMaverick ndash chin to
mid-shin 12UMustang ndash shoulders to mid-
shin 14UBronco ndash arm pits to mid-shin 16UPony ndash letters to upper shin 18UColtPalomino ndash bottom of the
letters to bottom of the knee Inside amp Outside Limits
One ball inside and 1 - 2 balls outside
Strike Zone
Secure possession of ball in hand or glove Ball must be in flight Held firmly before it touches the ground Fielder must show complete control Release must be voluntary and intentional Dropping the ball while in the act of
throwing is okay
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
Ball hits the ground first Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of
glove Fielder uses any part of uniform or
equipment to secure the ball Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder
Falls to the ground Collides with another player Collides with the fence
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first
Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base
Force is removed when Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner) When force is removed runners must be
tagged
Force Play (Pg 13)
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Players in the game are prohibited from wearing jewelry such as rings watches earrings bracelets necklaces (including cloth or string types) or other hard cosmetic or decorative items Religious and medical-alert medals are not considered jewelry A religious medal must be taped and worn under the uniform A medical-alert medal must be taped and may be visible EXCEPTION Unadorned devices such as bobby pins barrettes and hair clips no
longer than 2 inches may be worn to control a playerrsquos hair
No manager will attempt to stall If a manager attempts to stall the umpire will determine whether the manager will be suspended pending PAC Board of Directors review
Fake Bunt then swing or hit the ball is strictly prohibited The ball is dead the batter is out and all runners returned to the base they occupied at the time of the pitch Both managers are also warned repeat will result in ejection of the head coach SWS is exempt from the above rule per PAC board approval
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
>
Baseball bats are for baseball Must bear the BESR logo or listed approved little league with
BPF of 115rdquo or less no weight restrictions PintoMaverick amp Coach Pitch will be restricted to 2 14 ldquo or
less diameter no weight restrictions Mustang Bronco- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less
diameter no weight restrictions ColtPalamino- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less diameter
with a maximum drop weight of minus 3 and no more than 36rdquo in length Bats should comply with NFHS restrictions and have the BBCOR approved label
Softball bats are for softball All must have ASA logo
Bats may be aluminum wood or composite Use of illegal bats will not be tolerated
Bats (Pg 12)
All players should be in the same uniform Be reasonable in cold weather Donrsquot get too picky
Whatrsquos not allowed Long white sleeves on pitchers Arm and wrist bands on pitchers Frayed or ragged sleeves Jewelry (including rubber bracelets)
Except medical alert stuff
The Uniform
Catcher must wear a catcherrsquos mitt Leeway given at the younger division to use a
fielders mitt First baseman may wear glove or first
Any color but white or grey No attachments Batting glove under fielding glove okay as long as
not distracting
GlovesMitts
Required for all batters base runners players in coachrsquos boxes and bat retrievers
Must be NOCSAE certified Chin straps face guards are optional
Chin Straps mandatory all softball Faceguards required Mustang down in Baseball
and all softball No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals NOTE Warning issued for any player
removing helmet in live ball territory
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Required Chest protector helmet or mask and shin guards
Cup for male catchers Helmet or mask must
Be NOCSAE certified Must have throat guard (even on hockey-style
masks) No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals
SAFETY All non adults must wear a catchers mask when squatting to warm up a pitcher
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
A game will consist of (See matrix back cover) innings or until time limit is reached No inning will be started after (See matrix back cover) Any inning started before this time period must be completed Extra innings will be played if the score tied and the time limit has not been met If the time limit is met and the home team is leading or took the lead and at bat then the game will be called official at the point the time limit is met All regular season in-house softball and baseball games will have a maximum playing time of 15
minutes beyond the divisions time limit Once this time the maximum time is reached the game will stopped and the official game score will be recorded as the results of the last completed inning
Mercy Rule - If a team is leading an opponent by ten (10) or more runs in baseball or twelve (12) or more runs in softball and the minimum number of innings have been played as detailed in the matrix on the back cover (Note - home team does not need to bat in the bottom of inning if leading by ten (10) runs) the game shall be terminated and the team with the ten (10) run lead shall be declared the winner
NOTE- In divisions where a maximum number of runs can be scored in an inning and a team is unable to score enough runs in an inning for the mercy rule not to be invoked their turn at bat should still be completed if they have not reached the minimum innings for Mercy rule Example Team A is a mustang team as leading Team B 16 to 0 going into the 4th inning Team Brsquos at bat should still be completed prior to invoking the Mercy rule provided time limit not yet expired at time it should be called
The Game (Pg 9)
Pitch that is not in the strike zone Pitch that bounces and then goes through
the strike zone Pitch that hits batter but batter does not
attempt to get out of the way An award due to certain pitching infractions
Ball
ldquoLive Ballrdquo Strikes Ball swung at and missed Ball not swung at that passes through the strike
zone Foul tip
ldquoDead Ballrdquo Strikes Foul ball with less than two strikes Foul bunt Touches batter while in the strike zone Batter swings or attempts to bunt and the ball
contacts the batter
Strike
Area over the plate Top batterrsquos arm pits Bottom Top of batterrsquos knees Batter in ldquonaturalrdquo stance
ldquoNaturalrdquo is the position of the batter as he swings the bat
Zone doesnrsquot change when He ducks He steps out of the box He moves way up or way back in
the box
Strike Zone
AGE SPECIFIC STRIKE ZONE FOR PAC GAMES
Upper amp Lower Limits 8U10UPintoMaverick ndash chin to
mid-shin 12UMustang ndash shoulders to mid-
shin 14UBronco ndash arm pits to mid-shin 16UPony ndash letters to upper shin 18UColtPalomino ndash bottom of the
letters to bottom of the knee Inside amp Outside Limits
One ball inside and 1 - 2 balls outside
Strike Zone
Secure possession of ball in hand or glove Ball must be in flight Held firmly before it touches the ground Fielder must show complete control Release must be voluntary and intentional Dropping the ball while in the act of
throwing is okay
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
Ball hits the ground first Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of
glove Fielder uses any part of uniform or
equipment to secure the ball Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder
Falls to the ground Collides with another player Collides with the fence
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first
Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base
Force is removed when Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner) When force is removed runners must be
tagged
Force Play (Pg 13)
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
>
Baseball bats are for baseball Must bear the BESR logo or listed approved little league with
BPF of 115rdquo or less no weight restrictions PintoMaverick amp Coach Pitch will be restricted to 2 14 ldquo or
less diameter no weight restrictions Mustang Bronco- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less
diameter no weight restrictions ColtPalamino- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less diameter
with a maximum drop weight of minus 3 and no more than 36rdquo in length Bats should comply with NFHS restrictions and have the BBCOR approved label
Softball bats are for softball All must have ASA logo
Bats may be aluminum wood or composite Use of illegal bats will not be tolerated
Bats (Pg 12)
All players should be in the same uniform Be reasonable in cold weather Donrsquot get too picky
Whatrsquos not allowed Long white sleeves on pitchers Arm and wrist bands on pitchers Frayed or ragged sleeves Jewelry (including rubber bracelets)
Except medical alert stuff
The Uniform
Catcher must wear a catcherrsquos mitt Leeway given at the younger division to use a
fielders mitt First baseman may wear glove or first
Any color but white or grey No attachments Batting glove under fielding glove okay as long as
not distracting
GlovesMitts
Required for all batters base runners players in coachrsquos boxes and bat retrievers
Must be NOCSAE certified Chin straps face guards are optional
Chin Straps mandatory all softball Faceguards required Mustang down in Baseball
and all softball No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals NOTE Warning issued for any player
removing helmet in live ball territory
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Required Chest protector helmet or mask and shin guards
Cup for male catchers Helmet or mask must
Be NOCSAE certified Must have throat guard (even on hockey-style
masks) No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals
SAFETY All non adults must wear a catchers mask when squatting to warm up a pitcher
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
A game will consist of (See matrix back cover) innings or until time limit is reached No inning will be started after (See matrix back cover) Any inning started before this time period must be completed Extra innings will be played if the score tied and the time limit has not been met If the time limit is met and the home team is leading or took the lead and at bat then the game will be called official at the point the time limit is met All regular season in-house softball and baseball games will have a maximum playing time of 15
minutes beyond the divisions time limit Once this time the maximum time is reached the game will stopped and the official game score will be recorded as the results of the last completed inning
Mercy Rule - If a team is leading an opponent by ten (10) or more runs in baseball or twelve (12) or more runs in softball and the minimum number of innings have been played as detailed in the matrix on the back cover (Note - home team does not need to bat in the bottom of inning if leading by ten (10) runs) the game shall be terminated and the team with the ten (10) run lead shall be declared the winner
NOTE- In divisions where a maximum number of runs can be scored in an inning and a team is unable to score enough runs in an inning for the mercy rule not to be invoked their turn at bat should still be completed if they have not reached the minimum innings for Mercy rule Example Team A is a mustang team as leading Team B 16 to 0 going into the 4th inning Team Brsquos at bat should still be completed prior to invoking the Mercy rule provided time limit not yet expired at time it should be called
The Game (Pg 9)
Pitch that is not in the strike zone Pitch that bounces and then goes through
the strike zone Pitch that hits batter but batter does not
attempt to get out of the way An award due to certain pitching infractions
Ball
ldquoLive Ballrdquo Strikes Ball swung at and missed Ball not swung at that passes through the strike
zone Foul tip
ldquoDead Ballrdquo Strikes Foul ball with less than two strikes Foul bunt Touches batter while in the strike zone Batter swings or attempts to bunt and the ball
contacts the batter
Strike
Area over the plate Top batterrsquos arm pits Bottom Top of batterrsquos knees Batter in ldquonaturalrdquo stance
ldquoNaturalrdquo is the position of the batter as he swings the bat
Zone doesnrsquot change when He ducks He steps out of the box He moves way up or way back in
the box
Strike Zone
AGE SPECIFIC STRIKE ZONE FOR PAC GAMES
Upper amp Lower Limits 8U10UPintoMaverick ndash chin to
mid-shin 12UMustang ndash shoulders to mid-
shin 14UBronco ndash arm pits to mid-shin 16UPony ndash letters to upper shin 18UColtPalomino ndash bottom of the
letters to bottom of the knee Inside amp Outside Limits
One ball inside and 1 - 2 balls outside
Strike Zone
Secure possession of ball in hand or glove Ball must be in flight Held firmly before it touches the ground Fielder must show complete control Release must be voluntary and intentional Dropping the ball while in the act of
throwing is okay
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
Ball hits the ground first Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of
glove Fielder uses any part of uniform or
equipment to secure the ball Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder
Falls to the ground Collides with another player Collides with the fence
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first
Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base
Force is removed when Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner) When force is removed runners must be
tagged
Force Play (Pg 13)
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Baseball bats are for baseball Must bear the BESR logo or listed approved little league with
BPF of 115rdquo or less no weight restrictions PintoMaverick amp Coach Pitch will be restricted to 2 14 ldquo or
less diameter no weight restrictions Mustang Bronco- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less
diameter no weight restrictions ColtPalamino- will be restricted to 2 58 ldquo or less diameter
with a maximum drop weight of minus 3 and no more than 36rdquo in length Bats should comply with NFHS restrictions and have the BBCOR approved label
Softball bats are for softball All must have ASA logo
Bats may be aluminum wood or composite Use of illegal bats will not be tolerated
Bats (Pg 12)
All players should be in the same uniform Be reasonable in cold weather Donrsquot get too picky
Whatrsquos not allowed Long white sleeves on pitchers Arm and wrist bands on pitchers Frayed or ragged sleeves Jewelry (including rubber bracelets)
Except medical alert stuff
The Uniform
Catcher must wear a catcherrsquos mitt Leeway given at the younger division to use a
fielders mitt First baseman may wear glove or first
Any color but white or grey No attachments Batting glove under fielding glove okay as long as
not distracting
GlovesMitts
Required for all batters base runners players in coachrsquos boxes and bat retrievers
Must be NOCSAE certified Chin straps face guards are optional
Chin Straps mandatory all softball Faceguards required Mustang down in Baseball
and all softball No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals NOTE Warning issued for any player
removing helmet in live ball territory
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Required Chest protector helmet or mask and shin guards
Cup for male catchers Helmet or mask must
Be NOCSAE certified Must have throat guard (even on hockey-style
masks) No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals
SAFETY All non adults must wear a catchers mask when squatting to warm up a pitcher
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
A game will consist of (See matrix back cover) innings or until time limit is reached No inning will be started after (See matrix back cover) Any inning started before this time period must be completed Extra innings will be played if the score tied and the time limit has not been met If the time limit is met and the home team is leading or took the lead and at bat then the game will be called official at the point the time limit is met All regular season in-house softball and baseball games will have a maximum playing time of 15
minutes beyond the divisions time limit Once this time the maximum time is reached the game will stopped and the official game score will be recorded as the results of the last completed inning
Mercy Rule - If a team is leading an opponent by ten (10) or more runs in baseball or twelve (12) or more runs in softball and the minimum number of innings have been played as detailed in the matrix on the back cover (Note - home team does not need to bat in the bottom of inning if leading by ten (10) runs) the game shall be terminated and the team with the ten (10) run lead shall be declared the winner
NOTE- In divisions where a maximum number of runs can be scored in an inning and a team is unable to score enough runs in an inning for the mercy rule not to be invoked their turn at bat should still be completed if they have not reached the minimum innings for Mercy rule Example Team A is a mustang team as leading Team B 16 to 0 going into the 4th inning Team Brsquos at bat should still be completed prior to invoking the Mercy rule provided time limit not yet expired at time it should be called
The Game (Pg 9)
Pitch that is not in the strike zone Pitch that bounces and then goes through
the strike zone Pitch that hits batter but batter does not
attempt to get out of the way An award due to certain pitching infractions
Ball
ldquoLive Ballrdquo Strikes Ball swung at and missed Ball not swung at that passes through the strike
zone Foul tip
ldquoDead Ballrdquo Strikes Foul ball with less than two strikes Foul bunt Touches batter while in the strike zone Batter swings or attempts to bunt and the ball
contacts the batter
Strike
Area over the plate Top batterrsquos arm pits Bottom Top of batterrsquos knees Batter in ldquonaturalrdquo stance
ldquoNaturalrdquo is the position of the batter as he swings the bat
Zone doesnrsquot change when He ducks He steps out of the box He moves way up or way back in
the box
Strike Zone
AGE SPECIFIC STRIKE ZONE FOR PAC GAMES
Upper amp Lower Limits 8U10UPintoMaverick ndash chin to
mid-shin 12UMustang ndash shoulders to mid-
shin 14UBronco ndash arm pits to mid-shin 16UPony ndash letters to upper shin 18UColtPalomino ndash bottom of the
letters to bottom of the knee Inside amp Outside Limits
One ball inside and 1 - 2 balls outside
Strike Zone
Secure possession of ball in hand or glove Ball must be in flight Held firmly before it touches the ground Fielder must show complete control Release must be voluntary and intentional Dropping the ball while in the act of
throwing is okay
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
Ball hits the ground first Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of
glove Fielder uses any part of uniform or
equipment to secure the ball Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder
Falls to the ground Collides with another player Collides with the fence
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first
Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base
Force is removed when Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner) When force is removed runners must be
tagged
Force Play (Pg 13)
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
All players should be in the same uniform Be reasonable in cold weather Donrsquot get too picky
Whatrsquos not allowed Long white sleeves on pitchers Arm and wrist bands on pitchers Frayed or ragged sleeves Jewelry (including rubber bracelets)
Except medical alert stuff
The Uniform
Catcher must wear a catcherrsquos mitt Leeway given at the younger division to use a
fielders mitt First baseman may wear glove or first
Any color but white or grey No attachments Batting glove under fielding glove okay as long as
not distracting
GlovesMitts
Required for all batters base runners players in coachrsquos boxes and bat retrievers
Must be NOCSAE certified Chin straps face guards are optional
Chin Straps mandatory all softball Faceguards required Mustang down in Baseball
and all softball No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals NOTE Warning issued for any player
removing helmet in live ball territory
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Required Chest protector helmet or mask and shin guards
Cup for male catchers Helmet or mask must
Be NOCSAE certified Must have throat guard (even on hockey-style
masks) No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals
SAFETY All non adults must wear a catchers mask when squatting to warm up a pitcher
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
A game will consist of (See matrix back cover) innings or until time limit is reached No inning will be started after (See matrix back cover) Any inning started before this time period must be completed Extra innings will be played if the score tied and the time limit has not been met If the time limit is met and the home team is leading or took the lead and at bat then the game will be called official at the point the time limit is met All regular season in-house softball and baseball games will have a maximum playing time of 15
minutes beyond the divisions time limit Once this time the maximum time is reached the game will stopped and the official game score will be recorded as the results of the last completed inning
Mercy Rule - If a team is leading an opponent by ten (10) or more runs in baseball or twelve (12) or more runs in softball and the minimum number of innings have been played as detailed in the matrix on the back cover (Note - home team does not need to bat in the bottom of inning if leading by ten (10) runs) the game shall be terminated and the team with the ten (10) run lead shall be declared the winner
NOTE- In divisions where a maximum number of runs can be scored in an inning and a team is unable to score enough runs in an inning for the mercy rule not to be invoked their turn at bat should still be completed if they have not reached the minimum innings for Mercy rule Example Team A is a mustang team as leading Team B 16 to 0 going into the 4th inning Team Brsquos at bat should still be completed prior to invoking the Mercy rule provided time limit not yet expired at time it should be called
The Game (Pg 9)
Pitch that is not in the strike zone Pitch that bounces and then goes through
the strike zone Pitch that hits batter but batter does not
attempt to get out of the way An award due to certain pitching infractions
Ball
ldquoLive Ballrdquo Strikes Ball swung at and missed Ball not swung at that passes through the strike
zone Foul tip
ldquoDead Ballrdquo Strikes Foul ball with less than two strikes Foul bunt Touches batter while in the strike zone Batter swings or attempts to bunt and the ball
contacts the batter
Strike
Area over the plate Top batterrsquos arm pits Bottom Top of batterrsquos knees Batter in ldquonaturalrdquo stance
ldquoNaturalrdquo is the position of the batter as he swings the bat
Zone doesnrsquot change when He ducks He steps out of the box He moves way up or way back in
the box
Strike Zone
AGE SPECIFIC STRIKE ZONE FOR PAC GAMES
Upper amp Lower Limits 8U10UPintoMaverick ndash chin to
mid-shin 12UMustang ndash shoulders to mid-
shin 14UBronco ndash arm pits to mid-shin 16UPony ndash letters to upper shin 18UColtPalomino ndash bottom of the
letters to bottom of the knee Inside amp Outside Limits
One ball inside and 1 - 2 balls outside
Strike Zone
Secure possession of ball in hand or glove Ball must be in flight Held firmly before it touches the ground Fielder must show complete control Release must be voluntary and intentional Dropping the ball while in the act of
throwing is okay
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
Ball hits the ground first Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of
glove Fielder uses any part of uniform or
equipment to secure the ball Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder
Falls to the ground Collides with another player Collides with the fence
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first
Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base
Force is removed when Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner) When force is removed runners must be
tagged
Force Play (Pg 13)
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Catcher must wear a catcherrsquos mitt Leeway given at the younger division to use a
fielders mitt First baseman may wear glove or first
Any color but white or grey No attachments Batting glove under fielding glove okay as long as
not distracting
GlovesMitts
Required for all batters base runners players in coachrsquos boxes and bat retrievers
Must be NOCSAE certified Chin straps face guards are optional
Chin Straps mandatory all softball Faceguards required Mustang down in Baseball
and all softball No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals NOTE Warning issued for any player
removing helmet in live ball territory
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Required Chest protector helmet or mask and shin guards
Cup for male catchers Helmet or mask must
Be NOCSAE certified Must have throat guard (even on hockey-style
masks) No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals
SAFETY All non adults must wear a catchers mask when squatting to warm up a pitcher
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
A game will consist of (See matrix back cover) innings or until time limit is reached No inning will be started after (See matrix back cover) Any inning started before this time period must be completed Extra innings will be played if the score tied and the time limit has not been met If the time limit is met and the home team is leading or took the lead and at bat then the game will be called official at the point the time limit is met All regular season in-house softball and baseball games will have a maximum playing time of 15
minutes beyond the divisions time limit Once this time the maximum time is reached the game will stopped and the official game score will be recorded as the results of the last completed inning
Mercy Rule - If a team is leading an opponent by ten (10) or more runs in baseball or twelve (12) or more runs in softball and the minimum number of innings have been played as detailed in the matrix on the back cover (Note - home team does not need to bat in the bottom of inning if leading by ten (10) runs) the game shall be terminated and the team with the ten (10) run lead shall be declared the winner
NOTE- In divisions where a maximum number of runs can be scored in an inning and a team is unable to score enough runs in an inning for the mercy rule not to be invoked their turn at bat should still be completed if they have not reached the minimum innings for Mercy rule Example Team A is a mustang team as leading Team B 16 to 0 going into the 4th inning Team Brsquos at bat should still be completed prior to invoking the Mercy rule provided time limit not yet expired at time it should be called
The Game (Pg 9)
Pitch that is not in the strike zone Pitch that bounces and then goes through
the strike zone Pitch that hits batter but batter does not
attempt to get out of the way An award due to certain pitching infractions
Ball
ldquoLive Ballrdquo Strikes Ball swung at and missed Ball not swung at that passes through the strike
zone Foul tip
ldquoDead Ballrdquo Strikes Foul ball with less than two strikes Foul bunt Touches batter while in the strike zone Batter swings or attempts to bunt and the ball
contacts the batter
Strike
Area over the plate Top batterrsquos arm pits Bottom Top of batterrsquos knees Batter in ldquonaturalrdquo stance
ldquoNaturalrdquo is the position of the batter as he swings the bat
Zone doesnrsquot change when He ducks He steps out of the box He moves way up or way back in
the box
Strike Zone
AGE SPECIFIC STRIKE ZONE FOR PAC GAMES
Upper amp Lower Limits 8U10UPintoMaverick ndash chin to
mid-shin 12UMustang ndash shoulders to mid-
shin 14UBronco ndash arm pits to mid-shin 16UPony ndash letters to upper shin 18UColtPalomino ndash bottom of the
letters to bottom of the knee Inside amp Outside Limits
One ball inside and 1 - 2 balls outside
Strike Zone
Secure possession of ball in hand or glove Ball must be in flight Held firmly before it touches the ground Fielder must show complete control Release must be voluntary and intentional Dropping the ball while in the act of
throwing is okay
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
Ball hits the ground first Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of
glove Fielder uses any part of uniform or
equipment to secure the ball Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder
Falls to the ground Collides with another player Collides with the fence
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first
Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base
Force is removed when Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner) When force is removed runners must be
tagged
Force Play (Pg 13)
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Required for all batters base runners players in coachrsquos boxes and bat retrievers
Must be NOCSAE certified Chin straps face guards are optional
Chin Straps mandatory all softball Faceguards required Mustang down in Baseball
and all softball No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals NOTE Warning issued for any player
removing helmet in live ball territory
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Required Chest protector helmet or mask and shin guards
Cup for male catchers Helmet or mask must
Be NOCSAE certified Must have throat guard (even on hockey-style
masks) No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals
SAFETY All non adults must wear a catchers mask when squatting to warm up a pitcher
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
A game will consist of (See matrix back cover) innings or until time limit is reached No inning will be started after (See matrix back cover) Any inning started before this time period must be completed Extra innings will be played if the score tied and the time limit has not been met If the time limit is met and the home team is leading or took the lead and at bat then the game will be called official at the point the time limit is met All regular season in-house softball and baseball games will have a maximum playing time of 15
minutes beyond the divisions time limit Once this time the maximum time is reached the game will stopped and the official game score will be recorded as the results of the last completed inning
Mercy Rule - If a team is leading an opponent by ten (10) or more runs in baseball or twelve (12) or more runs in softball and the minimum number of innings have been played as detailed in the matrix on the back cover (Note - home team does not need to bat in the bottom of inning if leading by ten (10) runs) the game shall be terminated and the team with the ten (10) run lead shall be declared the winner
NOTE- In divisions where a maximum number of runs can be scored in an inning and a team is unable to score enough runs in an inning for the mercy rule not to be invoked their turn at bat should still be completed if they have not reached the minimum innings for Mercy rule Example Team A is a mustang team as leading Team B 16 to 0 going into the 4th inning Team Brsquos at bat should still be completed prior to invoking the Mercy rule provided time limit not yet expired at time it should be called
The Game (Pg 9)
Pitch that is not in the strike zone Pitch that bounces and then goes through
the strike zone Pitch that hits batter but batter does not
attempt to get out of the way An award due to certain pitching infractions
Ball
ldquoLive Ballrdquo Strikes Ball swung at and missed Ball not swung at that passes through the strike
zone Foul tip
ldquoDead Ballrdquo Strikes Foul ball with less than two strikes Foul bunt Touches batter while in the strike zone Batter swings or attempts to bunt and the ball
contacts the batter
Strike
Area over the plate Top batterrsquos arm pits Bottom Top of batterrsquos knees Batter in ldquonaturalrdquo stance
ldquoNaturalrdquo is the position of the batter as he swings the bat
Zone doesnrsquot change when He ducks He steps out of the box He moves way up or way back in
the box
Strike Zone
AGE SPECIFIC STRIKE ZONE FOR PAC GAMES
Upper amp Lower Limits 8U10UPintoMaverick ndash chin to
mid-shin 12UMustang ndash shoulders to mid-
shin 14UBronco ndash arm pits to mid-shin 16UPony ndash letters to upper shin 18UColtPalomino ndash bottom of the
letters to bottom of the knee Inside amp Outside Limits
One ball inside and 1 - 2 balls outside
Strike Zone
Secure possession of ball in hand or glove Ball must be in flight Held firmly before it touches the ground Fielder must show complete control Release must be voluntary and intentional Dropping the ball while in the act of
throwing is okay
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
Ball hits the ground first Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of
glove Fielder uses any part of uniform or
equipment to secure the ball Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder
Falls to the ground Collides with another player Collides with the fence
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first
Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base
Force is removed when Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner) When force is removed runners must be
tagged
Force Play (Pg 13)
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Required Chest protector helmet or mask and shin guards
Cup for male catchers Helmet or mask must
Be NOCSAE certified Must have throat guard (even on hockey-style
masks) No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals
SAFETY All non adults must wear a catchers mask when squatting to warm up a pitcher
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
A game will consist of (See matrix back cover) innings or until time limit is reached No inning will be started after (See matrix back cover) Any inning started before this time period must be completed Extra innings will be played if the score tied and the time limit has not been met If the time limit is met and the home team is leading or took the lead and at bat then the game will be called official at the point the time limit is met All regular season in-house softball and baseball games will have a maximum playing time of 15
minutes beyond the divisions time limit Once this time the maximum time is reached the game will stopped and the official game score will be recorded as the results of the last completed inning
Mercy Rule - If a team is leading an opponent by ten (10) or more runs in baseball or twelve (12) or more runs in softball and the minimum number of innings have been played as detailed in the matrix on the back cover (Note - home team does not need to bat in the bottom of inning if leading by ten (10) runs) the game shall be terminated and the team with the ten (10) run lead shall be declared the winner
NOTE- In divisions where a maximum number of runs can be scored in an inning and a team is unable to score enough runs in an inning for the mercy rule not to be invoked their turn at bat should still be completed if they have not reached the minimum innings for Mercy rule Example Team A is a mustang team as leading Team B 16 to 0 going into the 4th inning Team Brsquos at bat should still be completed prior to invoking the Mercy rule provided time limit not yet expired at time it should be called
The Game (Pg 9)
Pitch that is not in the strike zone Pitch that bounces and then goes through
the strike zone Pitch that hits batter but batter does not
attempt to get out of the way An award due to certain pitching infractions
Ball
ldquoLive Ballrdquo Strikes Ball swung at and missed Ball not swung at that passes through the strike
zone Foul tip
ldquoDead Ballrdquo Strikes Foul ball with less than two strikes Foul bunt Touches batter while in the strike zone Batter swings or attempts to bunt and the ball
contacts the batter
Strike
Area over the plate Top batterrsquos arm pits Bottom Top of batterrsquos knees Batter in ldquonaturalrdquo stance
ldquoNaturalrdquo is the position of the batter as he swings the bat
Zone doesnrsquot change when He ducks He steps out of the box He moves way up or way back in
the box
Strike Zone
AGE SPECIFIC STRIKE ZONE FOR PAC GAMES
Upper amp Lower Limits 8U10UPintoMaverick ndash chin to
mid-shin 12UMustang ndash shoulders to mid-
shin 14UBronco ndash arm pits to mid-shin 16UPony ndash letters to upper shin 18UColtPalomino ndash bottom of the
letters to bottom of the knee Inside amp Outside Limits
One ball inside and 1 - 2 balls outside
Strike Zone
Secure possession of ball in hand or glove Ball must be in flight Held firmly before it touches the ground Fielder must show complete control Release must be voluntary and intentional Dropping the ball while in the act of
throwing is okay
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
Ball hits the ground first Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of
glove Fielder uses any part of uniform or
equipment to secure the ball Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder
Falls to the ground Collides with another player Collides with the fence
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first
Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base
Force is removed when Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner) When force is removed runners must be
tagged
Force Play (Pg 13)
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
A game will consist of (See matrix back cover) innings or until time limit is reached No inning will be started after (See matrix back cover) Any inning started before this time period must be completed Extra innings will be played if the score tied and the time limit has not been met If the time limit is met and the home team is leading or took the lead and at bat then the game will be called official at the point the time limit is met All regular season in-house softball and baseball games will have a maximum playing time of 15
minutes beyond the divisions time limit Once this time the maximum time is reached the game will stopped and the official game score will be recorded as the results of the last completed inning
Mercy Rule - If a team is leading an opponent by ten (10) or more runs in baseball or twelve (12) or more runs in softball and the minimum number of innings have been played as detailed in the matrix on the back cover (Note - home team does not need to bat in the bottom of inning if leading by ten (10) runs) the game shall be terminated and the team with the ten (10) run lead shall be declared the winner
NOTE- In divisions where a maximum number of runs can be scored in an inning and a team is unable to score enough runs in an inning for the mercy rule not to be invoked their turn at bat should still be completed if they have not reached the minimum innings for Mercy rule Example Team A is a mustang team as leading Team B 16 to 0 going into the 4th inning Team Brsquos at bat should still be completed prior to invoking the Mercy rule provided time limit not yet expired at time it should be called
The Game (Pg 9)
Pitch that is not in the strike zone Pitch that bounces and then goes through
the strike zone Pitch that hits batter but batter does not
attempt to get out of the way An award due to certain pitching infractions
Ball
ldquoLive Ballrdquo Strikes Ball swung at and missed Ball not swung at that passes through the strike
zone Foul tip
ldquoDead Ballrdquo Strikes Foul ball with less than two strikes Foul bunt Touches batter while in the strike zone Batter swings or attempts to bunt and the ball
contacts the batter
Strike
Area over the plate Top batterrsquos arm pits Bottom Top of batterrsquos knees Batter in ldquonaturalrdquo stance
ldquoNaturalrdquo is the position of the batter as he swings the bat
Zone doesnrsquot change when He ducks He steps out of the box He moves way up or way back in
the box
Strike Zone
AGE SPECIFIC STRIKE ZONE FOR PAC GAMES
Upper amp Lower Limits 8U10UPintoMaverick ndash chin to
mid-shin 12UMustang ndash shoulders to mid-
shin 14UBronco ndash arm pits to mid-shin 16UPony ndash letters to upper shin 18UColtPalomino ndash bottom of the
letters to bottom of the knee Inside amp Outside Limits
One ball inside and 1 - 2 balls outside
Strike Zone
Secure possession of ball in hand or glove Ball must be in flight Held firmly before it touches the ground Fielder must show complete control Release must be voluntary and intentional Dropping the ball while in the act of
throwing is okay
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
Ball hits the ground first Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of
glove Fielder uses any part of uniform or
equipment to secure the ball Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder
Falls to the ground Collides with another player Collides with the fence
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first
Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base
Force is removed when Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner) When force is removed runners must be
tagged
Force Play (Pg 13)
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Pitch that is not in the strike zone Pitch that bounces and then goes through
the strike zone Pitch that hits batter but batter does not
attempt to get out of the way An award due to certain pitching infractions
Ball
ldquoLive Ballrdquo Strikes Ball swung at and missed Ball not swung at that passes through the strike
zone Foul tip
ldquoDead Ballrdquo Strikes Foul ball with less than two strikes Foul bunt Touches batter while in the strike zone Batter swings or attempts to bunt and the ball
contacts the batter
Strike
Area over the plate Top batterrsquos arm pits Bottom Top of batterrsquos knees Batter in ldquonaturalrdquo stance
ldquoNaturalrdquo is the position of the batter as he swings the bat
Zone doesnrsquot change when He ducks He steps out of the box He moves way up or way back in
the box
Strike Zone
AGE SPECIFIC STRIKE ZONE FOR PAC GAMES
Upper amp Lower Limits 8U10UPintoMaverick ndash chin to
mid-shin 12UMustang ndash shoulders to mid-
shin 14UBronco ndash arm pits to mid-shin 16UPony ndash letters to upper shin 18UColtPalomino ndash bottom of the
letters to bottom of the knee Inside amp Outside Limits
One ball inside and 1 - 2 balls outside
Strike Zone
Secure possession of ball in hand or glove Ball must be in flight Held firmly before it touches the ground Fielder must show complete control Release must be voluntary and intentional Dropping the ball while in the act of
throwing is okay
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
Ball hits the ground first Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of
glove Fielder uses any part of uniform or
equipment to secure the ball Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder
Falls to the ground Collides with another player Collides with the fence
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first
Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base
Force is removed when Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner) When force is removed runners must be
tagged
Force Play (Pg 13)
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
ldquoLive Ballrdquo Strikes Ball swung at and missed Ball not swung at that passes through the strike
zone Foul tip
ldquoDead Ballrdquo Strikes Foul ball with less than two strikes Foul bunt Touches batter while in the strike zone Batter swings or attempts to bunt and the ball
contacts the batter
Strike
Area over the plate Top batterrsquos arm pits Bottom Top of batterrsquos knees Batter in ldquonaturalrdquo stance
ldquoNaturalrdquo is the position of the batter as he swings the bat
Zone doesnrsquot change when He ducks He steps out of the box He moves way up or way back in
the box
Strike Zone
AGE SPECIFIC STRIKE ZONE FOR PAC GAMES
Upper amp Lower Limits 8U10UPintoMaverick ndash chin to
mid-shin 12UMustang ndash shoulders to mid-
shin 14UBronco ndash arm pits to mid-shin 16UPony ndash letters to upper shin 18UColtPalomino ndash bottom of the
letters to bottom of the knee Inside amp Outside Limits
One ball inside and 1 - 2 balls outside
Strike Zone
Secure possession of ball in hand or glove Ball must be in flight Held firmly before it touches the ground Fielder must show complete control Release must be voluntary and intentional Dropping the ball while in the act of
throwing is okay
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
Ball hits the ground first Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of
glove Fielder uses any part of uniform or
equipment to secure the ball Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder
Falls to the ground Collides with another player Collides with the fence
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first
Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base
Force is removed when Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner) When force is removed runners must be
tagged
Force Play (Pg 13)
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Area over the plate Top batterrsquos arm pits Bottom Top of batterrsquos knees Batter in ldquonaturalrdquo stance
ldquoNaturalrdquo is the position of the batter as he swings the bat
Zone doesnrsquot change when He ducks He steps out of the box He moves way up or way back in
the box
Strike Zone
AGE SPECIFIC STRIKE ZONE FOR PAC GAMES
Upper amp Lower Limits 8U10UPintoMaverick ndash chin to
mid-shin 12UMustang ndash shoulders to mid-
shin 14UBronco ndash arm pits to mid-shin 16UPony ndash letters to upper shin 18UColtPalomino ndash bottom of the
letters to bottom of the knee Inside amp Outside Limits
One ball inside and 1 - 2 balls outside
Strike Zone
Secure possession of ball in hand or glove Ball must be in flight Held firmly before it touches the ground Fielder must show complete control Release must be voluntary and intentional Dropping the ball while in the act of
throwing is okay
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
Ball hits the ground first Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of
glove Fielder uses any part of uniform or
equipment to secure the ball Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder
Falls to the ground Collides with another player Collides with the fence
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first
Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base
Force is removed when Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner) When force is removed runners must be
tagged
Force Play (Pg 13)
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
AGE SPECIFIC STRIKE ZONE FOR PAC GAMES
Upper amp Lower Limits 8U10UPintoMaverick ndash chin to
mid-shin 12UMustang ndash shoulders to mid-
shin 14UBronco ndash arm pits to mid-shin 16UPony ndash letters to upper shin 18UColtPalomino ndash bottom of the
letters to bottom of the knee Inside amp Outside Limits
One ball inside and 1 - 2 balls outside
Strike Zone
Secure possession of ball in hand or glove Ball must be in flight Held firmly before it touches the ground Fielder must show complete control Release must be voluntary and intentional Dropping the ball while in the act of
throwing is okay
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
Ball hits the ground first Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of
glove Fielder uses any part of uniform or
equipment to secure the ball Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder
Falls to the ground Collides with another player Collides with the fence
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first
Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base
Force is removed when Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner) When force is removed runners must be
tagged
Force Play (Pg 13)
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Secure possession of ball in hand or glove Ball must be in flight Held firmly before it touches the ground Fielder must show complete control Release must be voluntary and intentional Dropping the ball while in the act of
throwing is okay
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
Ball hits the ground first Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of
glove Fielder uses any part of uniform or
equipment to secure the ball Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder
Falls to the ground Collides with another player Collides with the fence
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first
Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base
Force is removed when Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner) When force is removed runners must be
tagged
Force Play (Pg 13)
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Ball hits the ground first Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of
glove Fielder uses any part of uniform or
equipment to secure the ball Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder
Falls to the ground Collides with another player Collides with the fence
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first
Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base
Force is removed when Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner) When force is removed runners must be
tagged
Force Play (Pg 13)
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first
Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base
Force is removed when Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner) When force is removed runners must be
tagged
Force Play (Pg 13)
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
A person may only be tagged With the ball while holding it With the glove while the ball is in it With the hand while the ball is in it
A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove
Tag (Pg 15)
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Foul lines bases and plate are in Fair Territory Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base Ball touched in fair territory regardless of
fielders position
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory
Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory
Ball touched in foul territory regardless of persons position
Ball which touches anything ldquoforeign to natural ground in foul territory before first base or third base
Batted ball that hits batter while in the box
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcherrsquos hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch
A Foul Tip is a Strike Ball is Live and in play runners may run
Umpires Do not call ldquoFoul Ballrdquo
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
>
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Rule is to prevent defense from getting a ldquocheaprdquo double play
Situation Less than two outs Runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
Ball may be caught by an infielder using ldquoordinary effortrdquo
Can be an outfielder positioned near the infield who catches it
NOTE See Matrix for what divisions this applies
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule is in force they call ldquoInfield Flyrdquo when the ball reaches its apex
When called the batter is out and the force is immediately removed
If caught runners must tag up If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk Due to the requirement of ldquoordinary effortrdquo the
infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire and there is no option for an appeal
Infield Fly
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
>
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
When the batter is being given an intentional base on balls the manager or catcher informs the home plate umpire anytime during the at bat Player will be given first base and any forced
runners will advance one base Ball is dead at this time
NOTE- See Matrix for if allowed by division
Intentional Walks
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
In House batrsquos using continuous batting order for all games
We use free defensive substitutions Courtesy Runner for pitcher or catcher
anytime but mandatory for catcher with 2 outs and is last batted out
Injured player are skipped without penalty If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the last out will pinch run
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Base coaches may be placed one near first and the other near third base
Base coaches may be Eligible players in uniform with helmet A team manager or coach
Both base coaches may be composed of a manager or coach as long as at least one other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
Remain within the base coaches box Talk ONLY to members of their own team
Base Coaches
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
If a runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run will count if
The player touches first second third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning
Run will NOT count if third out is An out of the batter-runner before touching first base A force out An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases
Play Timing
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out the
run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out the
run does NOT count In a close call the plate umpire MUST
inform the official scorekeeper if the run counts
Timing Play
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
In a game where ten (10) or more players are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and not recorded as an out In a game where nine (9) batters are listed to bat a player not able to bat due to an injury sustained during the game will be skipped in the batting order and recorded as an out
Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with eight (8) players and the ninth spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out
Replacement players from another team are allowed to prevent a forfeit They can only play outfield and bat last in the batting order Commissioner must approve or the opposing manager
If a team does not have or falls to or below 8 players the game is forfeited This is enforced at the start of the official game start time
Minimum Players
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Batter gets hit by pitch Plate umpire interferes with the catcherrsquos throw An illegal pitch is committed Illegally batted ball (fair or foul) Foul ball not caught Runner interferes with fielder A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher When an umpire calls ldquoTimerdquo
Dead Ball
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Runner gets obstructed while defense is making a play on him
Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager coach player requests it AND the
umpire grants it Someone gets seriously injured Severe weather Umpire wants to clean off
the plate or secure a base Donrsquot call ldquoTimerdquo when it isnrsquot needed Always call ldquoPlayrdquo to resume the game
When to call time
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
The Batter
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line is OK Foot over the line is NOT OK
Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher gets in Set Position If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call a
Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire shall
call a strike without the need for a thrown pitch The ball is a dead ball after the strike is called
The Batter
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
First base is empty AND there is less than two outs There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped third strike and one of the following conditions exist
There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
Applies only to Bronco and above 12u and above see Matrix
Dropped Third Strike
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Other than the obvious reasons the following conditions result in the batter begin out Bunting foul on a third strike Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless
a fielder had a chance to field it) outside the batters box
Batter swings at a third strike but the ball hits his hand wrist arm etc
An infield fly is called
Batter is Out
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
>
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher
is ready to pitch He interferes with a play The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batterrsquos box
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
If defense appeals before Improper Batter completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter should simply come to the plate and assume the count
If defense appeals after Improper Batter completes his at-bat Proper Batter is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
The defense must make appeal before the first pitch to the next batter
Batting out of Order
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
If defense fails to appeal Improper Batterrsquos at-bat counts Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter The offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers SHHHH
Batting out of Order
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Four ldquoballsrdquo have been called Batter gets hit by pitch unless
He swung at the pitch He doesnrsquot try to avoid the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone
Fielder interferes with batter A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
The batter becomes a runner when A fair ball is hit An uncaught third strike occurs and
Nobody is on first First base is occupied with two outs
Batter canrsquot advance after leaving dirt area toward around home plate clearly going to dugout
Not interference if batter runs when he shouldnrsquot
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Break 5 Minutes
>
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
RuleThe Runner
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
When two runners are on base itrsquos not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
If fielder tags both point to runner who is out to prevent confusion
Two Runners on Base
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
>
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Have to determine Who threw the ball If an infielder was it an ldquoinitialrdquoplay (pg 15) or
ldquosubsequentrdquo play Where were the runners
If ldquoinitialrdquo play by infielder two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases)
Any other two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of
play
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runnerrsquos progress and Doesnrsquot have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
A fake tag is Obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner being played upon or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction Softball- There is no rule on at least the next base the
rule is only to place at the base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner
Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play umpire awards bases IF ANY that
nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection
Obstruction (Pg 15)
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
>
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
The not-so-obvious runner is out when he Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path Doesnrsquot slide or avoid contact with a fielder
waiting to make a tag Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesnrsquot return (must be
appealed)
Runner is Out
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
>
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference
Exception Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch
Interference
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Umpire interference only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing
out a base runner Itrsquos NOT umpire interference if
Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner
Interference
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a
player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases and penalties
Itrsquos NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries
Interference
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielderrsquos throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home
with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner
Runner Interference
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it He violates the runnerrsquos lane
Except for coachrsquos assistance ball is dead
Runner Interference
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)
Runner Interference
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
>
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
>
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
What constitutes a viable appeal Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesnrsquot return
How does the defense appeal Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being ldquoclear and unmistakablerdquo
Appeal
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Who can appeal Any defensive player Not the manager or coach
When can the defense appeal When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play attempted play or
illegal pitch or balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory
Successive appeals are allowed
Appeal
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
If there are two outs and upon appeal a preceding runner is deemed the third out no runners following the preceding runner shall score
If the third out is the result of a Force Play neither preceding nor following runners shall score
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are ldquoreadyrdquo until the pitch is released Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live
Penalty If leaving early runner is declared out and immediate dead ball no pitch to batter all other runners return to base at time of pitch Only one runner may be called out on a play
NOTE 10U this is a dead ball and warning not an out
Leaving Base Early Softball
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Must wait until the ball reaches the catcher to leave base
Umpire must judge the ldquovaluerdquo of the hit Runners advance no further no matter what
happens during the play If batter reaches on an error nobody gets
more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield no runs will score Read the book examples
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready
You need to touch all bases either forwards and backwards
Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in dead ball territory If fielder stays on his feet ball is Live
Double-first base procedures Defense uses white batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other batter must use white
Rules
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
RuleThe Pitcher
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Preliminary position Pivot foot On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot In front behind or to the side of the
rubber Hands Can be together or apart
If apart pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch
Pitching motion Free foot Step to the back or side Pivot foot Pivot to the side staying in contact Hands Brought together and lifted up Free foot Step forward
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
To disengage pitcher must back with his pivot foot first
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners Nothing Runners Balk (Bronco or above)
1 warning per pitcher at Bronco level
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Preliminary position (Stretch) Pivot foot On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart
Intermediate position (going to Set) Free foot brought closer to pivot foot (optional) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop
Pitching motion Lift and step forward with free foot
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
To disengage pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging
Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot
Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no runners
A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch when he Starts his pitching motion then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when he Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together separates them then
brings them together again Balk penalty
Immediate dead ball runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base ignore if all
runners advance otherwise enforce balk
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcherrsquos plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcherrsquos plate Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate Prior to pitching the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and
third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands separated While in this position the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the
catcher After completing ldquobrdquo above the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the
body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball The hands may be motionless or moving
The pitcher shall not be considered to be in pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcherrsquos box and in position to receive the pitch
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcherrsquos plate without having possession of the ball
The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows before the hands come together the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos
plate with both feet when the hands are together and no part of the windup motion has been made the
pitcher may legally step back from the pitcherrsquos plate with both feet either foot may be removed first
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together
Once the hands are brought together and are in motion the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together The step backward may end before or after the hands come together
NOTE Towards is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcherrsquos plate (See Figure 6-1)
the pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24-inch length Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcherrsquos plate is illegal
NOTES It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot in any direction on the pitcherrsquos plate
provided contact is maintained Techniques such as the ldquocrow hoprdquo and ldquothe leaprdquo are illegal
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
A legal delivery shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion The release of the ball and the follow-through of
the hand and wrist must be forward past the vertical line of the body
The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or between the legs
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
The pitcher may use any windup desired provided no motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to
the batter the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which after having the ball in
both hands in pitching position she removes one hand from the ball takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body
the pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion
the pitcher does not make more than 1frac12 clockwise revolutions of the arm in the windmill pitch The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip
the pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released
NOTE Continuation of the windup is considered any action that after the ball is released causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Any infraction of the Pitching Regulations result in an illegal pitch
It is a delayed dead ball PENALTY The ball is dead at the end of
playing action if the ball is pitched A ball is called on the batter and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out (10u and 12 u see grid on back cover)
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
>
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
The look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live the batter runner has touched first base or has been declared out and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle
The runner(s) may stop once but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base
Once the runner stops at a base for any reason she will be declared out if she leaves the base
PENALTY The ball is dead No pitch is declared when applicable and the runner is out If two runners or more are off their bases when one is called out the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched Only one runner may be called out
EXCEPTION The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play) the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16-foot circle or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
>
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning the second visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound of players that may participate see matrix If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach itrsquos a visit If the adult talks to another defensive player itrsquos
a visit It is not a visit
If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager or coach is checking on an injury In Juniors or above if the manager replaces the pitcher
Pitcher Conference
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
PLAINFIELD INDEPENDENT UMPIRES
Slide 2
Coach Bench Field Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pg 10) (2)
Ejections
Inclement Weather (Pg 11)
Slide 8
Safety Concerns (Pg 11)
Slide 10
Safety Concerns (Pg 11) (2)
Slide 12
Bats (Pg 12)
The Uniform
GlovesMitts
Batting Helmets (Pg 12)
Catcherrsquos Gear (Pg12)
The Game (Pg 9)
Ball
Strike
Strike Zone
Strike Zone (2)
What is a Catch (Pg 14)
What is NOT a Catch (Pg 14)
Force Play (Pg 13)
Tag (Pg 15)
Fair BallFair Territory (Pg 14)
Foul BallFoul Territory (Pg 14)
Foul Tip (Pg 14)
Slide 30
Infield Fly (Pg 15)
Infield Fly
Slide 33
Intentional Walks
Continuous Batting Order (pg 9)
Base Coaches
Play Timing
Timing Play
Minimum Players
Dead Ball
When to call time
The Batter
The Batter
Dropped Third Strike
Batter is Out
Slide 46
Illegal Batter Action (Pg 15)
Batting out of Order
Batting out of Order (2)
Batter Gets First (Pg 14)
Batter to Runner
Break 5 Minutes
Rule The Runner
Two Runners on Base
Slide 55
Ball Thrown Out of Play (Pg 19-20)
Obstruction (Pg 15)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (2)
Obstruction (Pg 15) (3)
Slide 60
Runner is Out
Slide 62
Interference
Interference (2)
Interference (3)
Runner Interference
Runner Interference (2)
Runner Interference (3)
Slide 69
Slide 70
Appeal
Appeal (2)
Failure to Touch or Retouch a base
Leaving Base Early Softball
Mustang Leaving Base Early (Pg 23)
Rules
Rule The Pitcher
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17
The Windup (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17
The Set (Baseball) Pg 17 (2)
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18
BalkIllegal Pitch (Baseball) Pg 18 (2)
Pitching Regulations (Softball) Pg 24
About the Pitch(Softball) Pg 24
A Legal Delivery(Softball) Pg 25
Wind-up(Softball) Pg 25
Illegal Pitches (Softball) Pg 25
Slide 89
Look Back Rule (Pg 25)
Slide 91
Pitcher Conference
Other Pitching Rules
MATRIX REVIEW BACK OF BOOK
Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter Warm- up Pitches determined by Matrix When bases are unoccupied the pitcher
