Down East Umpire Association 2013 2013 Down East Umpire Association Softball TABLE OF CONTENTS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Rule Changes Rule 1. Field and Equipment Rule 2. Definitions Rule 3. Players, Substitutes and Coaches Rule 4. Starting and Ending Game Rule 5. Dead Ball and Suspension of Play Dead-Ball and Delayed Dead-Ball Tables Rule 6. Pitching Rule 7. Batting Rule 8. Batter-Runner and Runner Rule 9. Scoring and Record Keeping Rule 10. Umpiring By State Adoption Points of Emphasis Official NFHS Softball Signals Down East Umpire Association Softball 2012 SOFTBALL RULES CHANGES • 1-3-1 •The color “white” was removed from the list of permissible colors for softballs. All softballs used for competition must now be optic yellow. •1-5-2a •The requirement that the bat knob protrude at a 90-degree angle from the handle was removed. •3-2-5 •Headwear requirements were revised and clarified. Headwear (caps, visors, headbands, ribbons, etc.) may be mixed, but if worn, they must be white, black, beige or school colors (the colors are not required to be the same for team members). The logo may be any color. Flat items, no longer than 2 inches, used to control the hair, such as bobby pins, barrettes and hair clips are permitted. Plastic visors, bandannas and hair-beads are prohibited. •7-4-2 Penalty •A more severe penalty was added when a batter has used an altered or non-approved bat. In addition to an out being called on the batter, the batter and head coach will be ejected from the contest. Down East Umpire Association Softball Editorial Changes •1-5-1c •Clarified that shaving, rolling or artificially warming the bat barrel are prohibited. •Rationale: Recent data indicates a significant improvement to bat performance when bat warmers are used (approximately 2 MPH to batted ball speed). The clarification now clearly states the prohibition in the rule, not just in a Point of Emphasis. •2-4 •The definitions of legal and illegal bats were revised and updated. •Rationale: Clarification for proper penalty administration. •2-5-3; 3-5-6; 7-5 New; 7-4-12; 8-6-15; 8-6-16 New •Several rules were updated and reorganized to clarify offensive interference. •Rationale: The rules indicated were all related, yet inconsistently described/penalized. •3-2-13 NOTE •The Note was revised to clarify that state associations may grant exceptions to NFHS playing rules for participants with disabilities, special needs and/or extenuating circumstances. •Rationale: Clarifies that an individual state association may authorize exceptions to the playing rules to provide reasonable accommodations to individual participants with disabilities and/or special needs or other unique and extenuating circumstances. Such exceptions are not considered rules modifications since they are not general in nature; rather, they are limited to the circumstances of specific individual participants. •8-9-2 New Exception •The courtesy-runner procedure was clarified. •Rationale: Clarified the procedure when the pitcher/catcher on the lineup card is unable to face the first batter in the bottom of the first inning due to injury/disqualification. •10-1-2 New Note •A note was added clarifying the administrative responsibilities of umpires through the completion of required reports. •Rationale: The administrative duties of game officials continues after the game to document actions which occur during the game. This revision illustrates the difference between the game officials’ jurisdiction during the game and other administrative responsibilities such as submitting specific reports after the game. In addition, State Associations may continue to develop and implement policies that allow for review of unusual incidents that occur while the game officials have jurisdiction or after the game. Down East Umpire Association Softball • Rule❒1 Field and Equipment Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 1 THE FIELD Down East Umpire Association Softball LEGAL EQUIPMENT MARKINGS No obstruction Down East Umpire Association Softball No obstruction No obstruction No obstruction No obstruction No obstruction Down East Umpire Association Softball - 60 FEET APART USING A - 12 INCH BALL Down East Umpire Association Softball 43 FEET MEASURED FROM REAR TIP OF HOME PLATE FRONT PITCHER’S PLATE Down East Umpire Association Softball 6 FEET DIAMETER Down East Umpire Association Softball OUTFIELD FENCE 185 FEET – 235 FEET FENCE 6 – 8 FEET HIGH FOUL TERRITORY RECOMMENDED 30 FEET FOUL TERRITORY RECOMMENDED 30 FEET Down East Umpire Association Softball ALL LINES – 2 ½ INCHES WIDE ALL LINES MUST BE WHITE! RUNNING LANE, CATCHER’S BOX, COACHES BOXES, BATTER’S BOXES MUST BE MARKET Down East Umpire Association Softball 8 ½ FEET WIDE AND 10 FEET DEEP 4 FEET IN FRONT 3 FEET IN BACK Down East Umpire Association Softball ON DECK CIRCLES DO NOT HAVE TO BE USED. ON DECK BATTER MUST REMAIN ON TEAM SIDE! Down East Umpire Association Softball MEDIA AREA MUST BE MARKED! MEDIA AREA MUST BE MARKED! Down East Umpire Association Softball ALL BASES MUST BE WHITE BY STATE ADOPTION A DOUBLE FIRST BASE MAY BE USED Down East Umpire Association Softball 17 INCHES ACCROSS Down East Umpire Association Softball 24 INCHES 6 INCHES 43 FEET FROM PLATE; MEASURED FROM REAR TIP OF HOME PLATE TO FRONT PITCHER’S PLATE Down East Umpire Association Softball 12 INCH SOFTBALL BALL COLOR – OPTIC YELLOW OR WHITE MUST HAVE MARK!!! PLAY SIZE Fast Pitch 12” COR .47 max COMPRESSION 375 lbs.max WEIGHT & CIRCUMFERENCE 61/4 to 7 ounces 117/8 to 12¼ inches Down East Umpire Association Softball ANY FIELD DEMENSIONS THAT ARE DISCOVERED TO BE INCORRECT MUST BE FIXED AT TIME OF DISCOVERY!!!!! Down East Umpire Association Softball MAY BE 2 COLORS; COLORS NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH BALL COLOR 14 INCHES HIGH ; 8 INCHES WIDE NO FORGEIN OR STICKY SUBSTANCES IF ILLEGAL MUST BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY!!!! Down East Umpire Association Softball NON APPROVED BAT LIST www.asasoftball.com) NO DINTS, CRACKS, DINGS, RIVETS, PINS, SHARP AREAS, RATTLE, OR ALTERATIONS. MUST HAVE MARK ON BAT Down East Umpire Association Softball STAMP MUST BE PRESENT ON HELMENT AND MASK! NO CRACKS, DENTS, OR SCREWS MISSING! MUST BE WORN BY: BATTER, ON DECK BATTER, BALL SHAGERS UNDER 18 IN LIVE BALL TERRITORY! Down East Umpire Association Softball NO CRACKS, DENTS, OR SCREWS MISSING! STAMP MUST BE PRESENT ON HELMENT! MUST BE WORN BY: CATCHER OR ANY NON-ADULT WARMING UP PITCHER Down East Umpire Association Softball Down East Umpire Association Softball LEGAL TO WEAR ON DEFENSE ONLY!!! EXCEPT THE CATCHER! Down East Umpire Association Softball NO EQUIPMENT IN LIVE BALL TERRITORY!!!! Down East Umpire Association Softball ALL ILLEGAL EQUIPMENT MUST BE REMOVE OR FIXED PRIOR TO GAME TIME!!!! SHEILDS MUST BE CLEAR!!! PENALITY: COACH AND PLAYER DISQUALIFIED!!! Down East Umpire Association Softball Rule❒2 Definitions Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 1 APPEALS – UMPIRE MAKES RULING UPON REQUEST BY COACH OR PLAYER. TYPES: Missing a base, leaving a base, batting order, or attempting to advance to second base after rounding 1st METHODS: LIVE BALL OR DEAD BALL ALL ABOVE CAN BE LIVE BALL OR DEAD BALL EXCEPT BATTING ORDER – DEAD BALL ONLY Must be made before next legal pitch, end of an inning prior to infilders leaving fair territory, on last play of game before umpires leave field of play. NOTE: umpires should not leave the field at end of the game until last infielder leaves fair territory. RUNNERS MAY ADVANCE DURING A LIVE BALL APPEAL! MAY NOT RETURN TO TOUCH A BASE IF REACHED NEXT BASE, LEFT FIELD OF PLAY OR FOLLOWING RUNNER SCORES. Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 2 BALL, BATTED, BLOCKED, DEAD, DELAYED DEAD, FLY, GROUND, PASSED, ROTATION BALL: Playing implements. Term designated for a pitch not a strike. BATTED BALL: Pitch contacted by a bat; fair or foul BLOCKED BALL: live ball pitched, batted or thrown touched or stopped by something not a part of normal play DEAD BALL: A ball not in play. DELAYED DEAD BALL: Rule Violation ruled on after ball becomes dead. FLY BALL: Batted ball that rises an appreciable height above ground. GROUND BALL: Batted ball that bounces on ground; fair or foul PASSED BALL: Pitch by catcher; Runner may advance BALL ROTATION: Determins which ball that is in play Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 3 BASE LINE, PATH 1. BASE LINE: direct line between two separate bases. 2. BASE PATH: Base line; 3 ft on either side; More than 3 ft / OUT 3. NOTE: runner establishes her path when not be played on. SECTION 4 BAT: ALTERED BAT, ILLEGAL BAT, NON-APPROVED BAT 1.ALTERED BAT: leagl bat structurally changed 2.ILLEGAL BAT: bat that doesn’t meet specifications 3.NON-APPROVED BAT: ASA Specifications; www.asasoftball.com SECTION 5 BATTER, BATTER-RUNNER, ON-DECK BATTER 1.BATTER: player of team at bat; occupy either batter’s box 2.BATTER-RUNNER: Player finished time at bat; play ends or put out 3.ON-DECK BATTER: offensive player; on deck circle at team dugout; stay in circle during warm-ups or becomes batter; SECTION 6 BATTER’S BOX Area including lines in which batter is positioned when batting. SECTION 7 BATTING ORDER, OUT OF ORDER 1. BATTING ORDER: Official line-up / batting order/ starters positions 2. BATTING OUT OF ORDER: failing to bat in proper sequence on line-up Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 8 BUNT, ATTEMPTED BUNT, DRAG BUNT 1.BUNT: ball tapped at; not a swing 2.ATTEMPTED BUNT: holding bat or movement to intended to tap ball. Pull back bat or take away from ball is taking the pitch. 3.DRAG BUNT: bunt attempt while running forward in the batter’s box. SECTION 9 CATCH 1.CATCH: secure possession of a batted, pitched or thrown ball. 2.Fielder must prove control; release must be voluntary. 3.During Transfer to throwing hand dropping ball is ruled a catch. 4.It’s a Catch: Secure possession before stepping, touching or falling into dead ball territory or falling over fence and on a fence 5.No catch a. Catch without use of glove, hand in proper place b. Fails to maintain possession for any reason c. Use of uniform or equipment that is displaced d. Touch ball while foot is touching dead ball territory at time. e. Traps ball 6.Ball prevented from touching ground by player’s equipment/body must be securely held by hand or glove Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 10 CATCHER, CATCHER’S BOX 1.CATCHER: player catching pitches; must be in catcher’s box 2.CATCHER’S BOX: 10 ft deep; 8.5 inches wide. SECTION 11 CHECKED SWING Batter stops an attempted hit/slap/bunt; swing carried batt barrekk in front of batter’s body. Bat struck at the ball – judgement SECTION 13 COACHES BOX: 1 coach/ box; restricted to box during pitch SECTION 14 CONFERENCES; CHARGED, PREGAME 1. CHARGED: request to meet with offensive or defensive player 2. PREGAME: meeting involving umpires, head coach &/or captains SECTION 15 CONFINES OF FIELD Field of play, dugout/bench area, warm-up area within view of umpires SECTION 17 DUGOUT (BENCH AREA) Area reserved for team personnel engaged in game SECTION 18 EFFECT Consequence of play or results Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 19 EJECTION Umpire exercises authority to remove team personnel from game SECTION 20 FAIR BALL 1. FAIR BALL: batted ball that: a. settles or touched fair b. Touches or bounds a base c. Touches 1st,2nd, or 3rd base d. While fair touches anybody or anything e. Over fence while fair f. Touches fair beyond a base 2. FAIR FLY: judged according to flight of ball at touch SECTION 21 FAKE TAG Obstruction Call – simulates a tag SECTION 22 FIELD OF PLAY, FAIR, FOUL, DEAD BALL TERRITORY 1. FIELD OF PLAY: area in which ball may be played or fielded legally. 2. FAIR TERRITORY: with-in & including foul lines; plate, lines, & poles 3. FOUL TERRITORY: outside of foul lines 4. DEAD-BALL TERRITORY: area outside normal playing area; Pregame conference Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 23 FIELDERS, INFIELDERS, OUTFIELDERS 1. Any player on the team in field of play 2. Infielders 1st, 2nd, 3rd, ss, P, C 3. Outfielders LF, CF, RF Section 24 force play 1.Force play – runner is forced to run; must advance to next base 2.Force Ends; runner touches next base or following runner is out 3.No force if a batted ball is caught prior to touching ground 4.Force reinstated if runner retreats to any base other than home; may be declared out upon touch of base to which she is forced. SECTION 25 FOUL BALL, FOUL TIP 1.Foul Ball – batted ball that: a. Settled or touch foul b. Bounds outside 1st or 3rd base c. First to hit gound foul beyond 1st and 3rd base d. Touches someone or something in foul territory e. Runner interferes with defense attempt to field a foul ball f. Touches batter or bat while batter is in box g. Goes from bat to catcher’s body or equipment prior to catch 2.Foul Tip – batted ball goes from bat to glove/hand caught; live ball Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 26 GAME, SUSPENDED, CALLED, REGULATION, FORFIETED 1. Suspended game is stop temporarily to be finished later; 2. Called game is ended by umpire 3. Regulation game 7 innings unless shortened by rule 4. Forfeited Game is awarded to opponent of offending team SECTION 27 ILLEGALLY BATTED BALL 1.Illegally batted ball is a pitch contacted by the batter: a. With illegal bat b. Any part of foot on plate at time of contact with ball c. Foot entirely out of batter’s box SECTION 28 IN FLIGHT Ball in flight is batted, thrown or pitched ball that hasn’t touched ground, an object, or person SECTION 29 INFIELD Portion of field that is normally skinned; covered by infielders SECTION 30 INFIELD FLY RULE Fair fly that can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort. Runners on 1st & 2nd or bases loaded. Batter out; live ball; no force; runners may tag Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 31 INNING 3 outs/ team; both teams play offense and defense; inning start on last out SECTION 32 INTERFERENCE (OFFENSE) 1. Physical or verbal act by offense that impedes, hinders, or confuses defense; runner creates malicious contact with fielder 2. Types: equipment, umpire, or spctator SECTION 33 LEAP Pitcher has both feet airborne prior to delivery SECTION 34 LINE DRIVE Batted ball which travel parallel or near ground for most of its flight SECTION 35 OBSTRUCTION (DEFENSE) Any act by the defense tha hinders or impedes a batter’s attempt or runner advancing. Act may be intentional or unintentional. Unless fielder is in possession of ball or making initial play on ball SECTION 37 ON-DECK CIRCLE 5 ft Diameter; safe distance away from home plate Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 38 OUT, FORCE OUT, TAG OUT, PUT OUT 1. OUT: umpire declares offensive player has been retired; 3/tean 2. FORCH OUT: put out in which offensive player is forced to advance. 3. TAG OUT: touch the runner with live ball or ball in glove/hand 4. PUTOUT: fielder retiring an offensive player SECTION 39 OUTFIELD Portions of the field beyond the infield SECTION 40 OVERSLIDING, OVERRUNNING, OVERWALKING Runner goes past a base after advancing SECTION 41 PENALTY Loss assessed by umpire for a rule infraction SECTION 42 PINCH HITTER, PINCH RUNNER 1. Pinch Hitter: person inserted to bat. 2. Pinch Runner: person inserted into line-up to run Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 43 PITCH, LEAGL, NO PITCH, QUICK 1. Pitch: live ball legally delivered to the batter 2. Illegal Pitch: violation of pitching rule 3. No Pitch: umpire halts play or nullifies pitch 4. Quick Pitch: Pitch delivered that catches batter unprepared SECTION 44 PITCHER Person designated on line-up card as pitcher to deliver pitch to batter SECTION 45 PITCHER’S 16 FOOT CIRCLE 16 foot circle used for look-back rule; both feet are partially with in circle; SECTION 46 PITCHER’S PIVOT FOOT Pitcher’s pivot foot must be in contact with the ground Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 47 “PLAY BALL”, MAKE A PLAY, INITIAL PLAY 1.“Play Ball”: umpire uses term to start or resume play 2.Make a Play a. Any action by the pitcher that cause a reaction(look-back rule) b. Any action by a fielder attempting to catch/gain control of a batted or thrown ball c. Attempt by a defensive player to retire a runner/batter-runner SECTION 48 RESTRICTED TO THE DUGOUT/BENCH AREA ‘Restricted to the dougout/bench area” indicates a participant has been confined to the dugout/bench area for the remainder of the game for a rule infraction (not a major unsporting act). SECTION 49 RUN Run is scored when an offensive player legally advances to and touches home plate SECTION 50 RUNNER, RETIRED RUNNER 1. Runner: offfensive player who advances to, touching or returning to a base. 2. Retired Runner: player who has scored or has been put out and is still in live-ball territory. Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 51 SLAP HIT 1. Slap Hit: batted ball struck with a short chopping motion rather than with a full swing. 2. Two types of slap hits are: a. Batter takes stance as if to bunt but then either drives the ball into the ground with a short swing or punches it over the infield. b. Batter takes running steps toward the pitcher befor making contact with the pitch SECTION 52 SLIDE: LEGAL, ILLEGAL 1.Legal Slide: feet/head first; feet first one leg and buttock shall be on the ground. Runner shall be within reach of base with hand/foot 2.Illegal Slide: a. Rolling or cross-body slide into fielder b. Raised leg is higher than the fielder’s knee while standing c. Runner goes beyond the base and makes contact with or alters play of the fielder d. Runner tries to injure the fielder. Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 53 SQUEEZE PLAY (F.P.) Squeeze Play: play in which a runner steals home and batter bunts SECTION 54 STARTING PLAYERS 9 or 10 (DP/FLEX) Players submitted to and accepted by the plate umpire at pregame conference SECTION 55 STOLEN BASE Stolen Base: advance of a runner to next base without aid of a base hit, putout, fielding error, passed ball, or wild pitch. Double or triple steal involves 2 or 3 runners SECTION 56 STRIKE, STRIKEOUT, STRIKE ZONE 1.Strike: any pitch that enters strike zone without first touching the ground or is swung at by the batter and missed. May be called by the umpire for specific actions by the batter. 2-8-2, 3-6-19, 7-2-1 and 7-3-1 2.Strikeout: result of a third strike charged to a batter 3.Strike Zone(F.P.): space over home plate which is between the batter’s forward armpit and the top of the knees when the batter assumes a natural batting stance. Any part of the ball passing through the zone is a strike. According to batter’s usual stance. Down East Umpire Association Softball Down East Umpire Association Softball Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 57 SUBSTITUTE, UNREPORTED, ILLEGAL 1.Substitute: player not listed on the lineup as a starter but who may legally replace a starting player. Any player who enter or renters the game; DP when the DP plays defense for the Flex; FLEX when the FLEX plays offense for the DP. 2.Unreported Substitute: is a substitute who has a legal right to participate but has not reported to the umpire prior to participation (3-6-7). All Substitutes must be reported to Umpire. • Note: Courtesy Runner is not a substitute , but must be reported. (8-9-7) 3.Illegal Substitute: player who enters or reenters the game without eligibility to do so; (illegal re-entry) player who reenters the game in wrong position in batting order; FLEX enter the game as a batter or runner in a different postion in the batting order than the DP; or a player who violates the courtesy runner rule. SECTION 58 THREE FOOT RUNNING LANE Three Foot Running Lane: space defined by a line drawn 3 ft from and parallel to the first base line starting halfway between home and first base and extending to first base in foul territory. Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 59 “TIME” OR “TIME-OUT” “Time “: term used by umpire to suspend play. Ball becomes Dead. SECTION 60 TIME AT BAT Time at Bat: period beginning when a batter first enters the batter’s box and continues until she is putout or becomes a batter-runner. EXCEPTION: Batter is not charged a time at bat on a sacrifice hit, hit by pitched ball, award a base on balls, replace before being charged with 2 strikes, replaced with 2 strikes and the substitute does not strike out, or she advances to first base because of obstruction . SECTION 61 TIMING PLAY Timing Play: play when the last out of an inning is not the result of a force out and the exact time of the out may or may not allow a run to score. If a runner touches home base before the last out (not a force) is made, the run would be scored. Runner touches home base on a force or after the last out then no run would be scored. Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 62 TOUCHING Touching: contact with ball, equipment or a person. Applies to a pitched ball touching a batter, batted ball touching the batter or runner, catcher touching the bat, player toucing a base, or ball touching player/non-player. Contact any part of person or clothing SECTION 63 WALK, INTENTIONAL WALK 1. Walk: 4 pitches thrown out of the strike zone awarding batter 1st base. 2. Intentional Walk: request made to the umpire by the defensive coach or catcher, for the putpose of awarding the batter first base. No pitches are thrown. Down East Umpire Association Softball Rule❒3 Players, Substitutes and Coaches Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 1 PLAYERS, POSITIONS 1. Start with 9 or 10 with DP/FLEX (optional) 2. Captains Optional 3. Lineup card; first initial, last name, jersey #, position, batting order and substitutes Penalty: 1st Warning/2nd or more restricted to dugout 4. Fielders designated by position #. See Diagram. 5. All fielders shall be in fair ground at time of pitch except catcher. 6. Players may change to different position any time, except as in 3-32 Note. SECTION 2UNIFORMS, PLAYER EQUIPMENT 1.Uniforms same color or style. State Association Permission 2.Jersey # required; Solid Contrasting Color; ¼ inch border; no players with same # (0 & 00 considered same #) 3.Uniform 1 logo/trademark/reference 2 ¼ inches per item 4.USA Flag 2 x 3 inch max allowed with written state association approval 5.Caps, visors can be mixed; Same Color; no bandana/plastic visors Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 2UNIFORMS, PLAYER EQUIPMENT cont. 6.Sleeves may vary; approximately same length; not ragged/frayed 7.Undergarments: black, white, gray or solid school color a. Upper body and lower body undergarments do not have to match b. Exposed must be same color 8.Uniforms; No dangerous or reflective buttons or ornaments 9.No items on pitching hand, wrist, arm or thighs that may be judge to be distracting to the batter 10.Player shall wear uniform properly as designed by manufacturer PENALTY: remove/correct uniform. Notify coach 11.Shoes required; plastic, nylon, canvas, leather, or synthetic material; soft/hard cleats or metal cleats; Metal Cleats ¾ inch from sole . Note: Metal toe plates permitted. 12.No Jewelry; Religions & Medical-alert medals (not Jewelry) must be taped to body. Exception: Hair control devices 13.½ inch foam or padding closed over guards, casts, braces, splints 14.Any equipment judged to by potentially dangers is illegal PENALTY: Section 2; 3-6-1 Penalty Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 3 SUBSTITUTING 1.Substitute not listed on lineup card may play. 3-1-3 Penalty 2.Sub may enter during dead ball; coach or substitute may report change to umpire. Name/# of player entering/reentering FLEX/DP change; Courtesy Runner Note: Pitcher may return as pitcher 1 time per inning 3.Plate Umpire Record all lineup card changes and report them ot opposing team. Substitute has entered the game when: a. Runner takes place of runner she replaced b. Pitcher steps on pitcher’s plate c. Fielder reaches fielding position d. Batter in batter’s box e. When ball is declared live by plate umpire 4.Sub or Courtesy Runner shall not enter game unreported. 3-6-7 Pen, 8-9-7 5.Anyone my reenter once 6.DP/FLEX option declared at pregame conference 8.No subs; player unable to continue a. Previous batter may run temporary until putout b. Player who could not continue shall be out when due to bat c. Team become Defense. 4-31- g d. A player become available Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 3 SUBSTITUTING cont. 9. Signs of Concussion: Remove player; appendix a 10. Anyone bleeding/bloody shall be directed to leave the game until stop bleeding, body/uniform cleaned; Reentry rule applies SECTION 4 ILLEGAL SUBSTITUTE 1.May be discovered by umpire or either team once ball is live and an illegal substitute has taken position as: a. Runner she replaced or batter in batter’s box b. Pitcher on pitcher’s plate or fielder reaching position c. Courtesy-runner if that violates courtesy-runner rule PENALTY: OUT; Restricted to Dugout 2.Illegal Offensive players discovered: a. In batter’s box; before batter-runner reaches 1st or putout; pitch delivered b. Illegal batter-runner or runner advances, scores or causes play to be made allowing another runner to advance or score and infraction is discovered before next pitch. c. Infraction detected after next pitch d. Game ending play prior to infielders/umpires leaving PENALTY: Out if still on base (2c,2d);Play nullified, outs stand runners return (2b,2d); play stands (2c); all restricted to dugout Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 4 ILLEGAL SUBSTITUTE cont. 3.Illegal defensive player discover before next pitch a. Involved in a play with a batter ball b. Non-batted ball is touched by an illegal sub that leads to runner being putout c. Non-batted ball touched that alters play but no runner putout PENALTIES: 1. RESTRICTED dugout/bench for game; (3a,3b) offense has option;(3c) may award bases; (3a) batter may bat again; (3b,c) No pitch if it is a strike, pitch counts if a ball 2. After a pitch all plays stand but illegal player is restricted to bench 3. Play stand if play doesn’t lead to a putout or alter play. Sub restricted. Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 5 COACHING 1. Pregame conference with head coach. Verify lineup, players/equipment legal PENALTY: Game will not begin 2. Any team member may occupy coaches box 3. Coach wears school uniform or jersey/coaching shirt with shorts or slacks; warm-up suit PENALTY: coach not allowed on field of play until fixed 4. Coach may not physically assist a runner PENALTY: Runner out; ball live 8-6-5 5. Team personnel may be near a base; must vacate any area needed by a fielder. PENALTY: dead ball; runner closes home out; all other runner return 6. Any offensive team member other than runner or retired runner interferes with batted fair or foul fly ball batter out; possible double play, runner closest to home is out. PENALTY: Dead ball; batter and runner out 8-6-16,17,19; 7-4-12 7. Coach may leave bench to attend to a player ill/injured Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 6 BENCH AND FIELD CONDUCT 1. Team must wear or use legal equipment PENALTY: removed/legal; coach and player disqualified 2. No fake tag without ball 3. Shall not carelessly throw a bat 4. After game has start may not hit balls to defense 5. Stand behind catcher while other team is on defense 6. No one outside dugout; unless legally allowed to do so Note: Bench personnel may warm-up between innings 7. Players and subs shall not enter the game unreported 8. Amplifiers or bullhorns prohibited for coaching purposes 9. Team personnel shall not do anything to cause an illegal pitch 10. Only scorekeeping devices are allowed in coach’s box PENALTY: Art. 2-10 team warning, next offender restricted to dugout. Art. 2 fake tag – obstruction; Art. 7 head coach restricted to dugout; Art. 8,9,10 may issue a warning, restrict to dugout 11. No electronic device for coaching purpose during the game 12. Tobacco Prohibited Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 6 BENCH AN D FIELD CONDUCT cont 13.Unsporting Acts shall not be committed a. Word/actions to incite b. Profanity/intimidation/deceitful tactics/baiting /taunting c. Anything not in sprit of the game 14.Team personnel shall not charge and umpire 15.Arguing calls by umpires is prohibited 16.No throwing equipment PENALTY: Art. 11-16 may be an ejection; Warning; Art 11,13 coach may be restricted 17.Shall not intentional remove lines of batter’s box or field of play PENALTY: strike/ball may be called; team warning leading to restriction to dugout if repeated. 18.Initiating malicious contact is prohibited 19.Team personnel shall not participate in a fight; coach assists to break it up PENALTY: ejected (18-19); Play dead, out unless putout or scored, all runner return, defender ejected 20.Anyone restricted to bench may be ejected for misconduct. Players remain on bench. Coach leave playing area. Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 7 CHARGED CONFERENCES 1 Offensive conference per inning Umpire should deny any subsequent request No conference if attending to an injured player 3 during 7 inning game Extra inning 1 per inning PENALTY: after 3 or 1 in extra innings pitcher shall be removed as pitcher for duration of the game Down East Umpire Association Softball Rule❒4 Starting and Ending Game Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 1 STARTIN A GAME 1.Coach decides if field is playable to start 2.Pregame Conference – 5 min to game time a. No warm-ups b. Home/Visiting team lineups; Verified c. Ground rules d. Verify Player/Equipment Legal 3.Home coach may designate special ground rules; teams must agree or umpire makes a decision. Not to supersede Rule Book a. Field marked b. Ball dead if goes over backstop c. Wild pitch, passed balls, batted balls that passes through a fence apply 8-4-3c d. Dead ball area if difficult to field ball in a spot on the field e. Chalk Live/Dead ball area on unfenced fields 4.Visitors bat first 5.“Play Ball” announce by umpire to start game 6.Umpires have sole judgement on the safety of continued play Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 2 ENDING GAME 1.Team behind has completed its turn at bat in the 7th inning or extra inning unless home team is losing 2.Regulation Game if a. 5 full inning played; 4 ½ home team winning b. Played beyond 5 inning when game is called 3.State Adoption – suspended games 4.If called prior to regulation game: suspended 5.Tied Score stands; State Adoption Rule 6.Tie Breaker may be use by State Adoption Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 3 FORFIETED GAME 1.Forfeited Game when a. Late appearing after umpire call ‘play ball’; state adoption b. Refuse to continue play once games has started c. Delay more than 1 min after umpire calls ‘play ball’ d. Delay tactics e. Willfully violates rules after being warned f. Less than 9 players to start g. Less than 8 players ; Out called in that spot; h. Home team fails to put field in playing conditions when directed by umpire. 2.Score 7 – 0 unless forfeited after # of inning to be a regulation game; score remains the same. Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 4 PROTESTED GAME •It is optional on the part of a state association as to Whether protests are permitted. When allowed, protests are permitted regarding rules one through nine only. When protests are submitted to organizations which do allow the filing, such protest shall be submitted using a prescribed procedure (10-2-3i). All individual and team averages shall be included in the official records, except that no pitcher shall be credited with a victory or a loss in such a game if the game is not completed •Play Off’s must have Protest Committee Down East Umpire Association Softball Rule❒5 Dead Ball and Suspension of Play Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 1 DEAD BALL ART. 1 Activity /Play /Action Ref Award / Penalties Pitch touches Batter 5.1.1a Awarded first / except – no effort to avoid 8.1.2b, 7.3.2, 7-4-8, 7-4-2 Illegally batted ball 5.1.1b Batter is out / runners return 7.4.8, 7.4.2 Ball hit twice in fair or foul territory 5.1.1b Batter is out / runners return 7.4.13, 7.4.13 exception 8.2.6 Uncaught foul ball 5.1.1d Runners return to base occupied at time of pitch 8.3.2 Exception Spectator interference 5.1.1d Umpire judgment – award that nullifies interference 8.4.3l Interference by runner 5.1.1e Interfere is out and all runners return to occupied at time of the play. 8.6.10 Interference by retired runner 5.1.1e Runner closest to home is out – all other runners return to base occupied at the time of play. 8.6.10 Interference by runner ( foul fly) 5.1.1m Interfere is out and runners return to last occupied base. Strike on the batter 8.6.10b Interference by the coach or other team members With a thrown ball 5.1.1g For interference by the coach the runner is out. With other team members rule 3.5.4.5 penalty 8.4.2f Interference by the coach or other team members With a batted ball 5.1.1e Batter / runner is out. If interference prevents a DP runner closest to home is also out. 8.6.16 Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 1 DEAD BALL ART. 1 Activity /Play /Action Ref Award / Penalties Fair batted ball over the fence in flight prevented by spectator or players detached equipment 5.1.1f Award all runners home 8.4.3e-g Fair ball touches spectator, bounces over or lodges in a fence 5.1.1f Award umpires judgment or two bases 8.4.3h,k Fair ball touches a runner or umpire before or after it passes a fielder and another fielder has a play. 5.1.1f Hit runner is out. Batter is awarded first and all other runners return to base last occupied unless forced to advance. 8.1.2a, 8.4.1f, 8.6.11 A thrown ball , not a pitch which becomes blocked 5.1.1g Award all runners two bases from last base reached at the time of the throw. 8.4.3f A pitched ball which becomes blocked 5.1.1g Award all runners one base from the time of the pitch. 8.4.3c Umpire handles live ball, inspect the ball or calls time for any reason. 5.1.1h Runners return to last base they reached or passed. 5.2.1 Fair or Foul ball is caught and the fielder leaves the field of play with one or both feet. 5.1.1i Award all runners one base from the last base reached or passed. Unless it was the third out. Note 8.4.3j A live ball is intentionally kicked, thrown or carried into dead ball territory 5.1.1k Award all runners two bases from the last base reached or passed. 8.4.3k Offensive team calls time or any other command in an effort to cause the opposing pitcher to violate the pitching rules. 5.1.1j No runners may advance. Team warning issued for first offense . Subsequent offenders are ejected. Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 1 DEAD BALL ART. 1 Activity /Play /Action Ref Award / Penalties Infielder intentionally drops a fly ball or line drive with less than two out and base runners. DP ball 5.1.1l Batter runner is out and all other runners return base occupied at the time of the pitch. 8.5.7 Illegal pitch not released or released to a base. 5.1.1p All runners advance one base and batter is awarded a ball. 6.2.7 Penalty 6.2.1, 6.2.2 Base runner leaves the base before pitcher releases the pitch. 6.2.4c No pitch is declared and the runner is out. 6.2.4c, 8.6.18 Quick pitch before the batter has taken position or is off balance. 6.2.4b No pitch is declared 6.2.4b Illegal slide 8.6.13 Runner is out and all other runners return to base occupied prior to infraction. Malicious interference 8.6.14 Runner is out and ejected. All runners return to the base occupied at the time of the interference. Ball hitting loose equipment of the team on defense. 5.1.1g All runners advance two bases. 8.4.3f Penalty Interference by the batter when catcher attempts a putout. 5.1.1q Batter is out. Runners return to the base occupied at the time of the play. 7.4.4 Batter steps backward toward home to avoid be put out. 8.2.8 Batter runner is out and all other runners return to base occupied at the time of the play. 8.2.8 Batter runner fails to advance to first and enters team area. 8.2.4 Batter runner is out. Runners return to the bases occupied at the time of the infraction. 8.2.4 Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 1 DELAYED DEAD BALL ART. 2, 3 & 4 Activity /Play /Action Ref Award / Penalties Illegal Pitch released 5.1.2a The pitch is ruled a ball and runners are awarded one base. If pitch is hit the offensive team has the option of the play or the award . 6.1.1,2,3,4 Penalty Obstruction of the batter by the catcher or fielder 5.1.2b If batter and all runners advance at least one base. If awarded first base runner only advance if forced. 6.4.12, 8.1.1d Intentionally touching batted ball with detached player equipment. 5.1.2c Award of three bases if not reached during the play. 8.4.3e Intentionally touching thrown ball with detached player equipment. 5.1.2c Award or two bases if not made during the play. 8.4.3e Interference on the catcher by the umpire on at thrown ball. 5.1.2c If the runner is not put out, the runner must return to the occupied at the time of the attempted play. 8.5.6 Obstruction 5.1.3 2.36 Award to the base they would have reached had there been no obstruction. Contact with the ball with any illegal mitt or glove 8.8.15 The offensive team can take the result of the play or the penalty. Returning the batter to her at bat with the count prior to the play. 8.8.15c Deliberately removing the helmet in live ball territory 5.1.2e Team warning. Subsequent violators , player and head coach will be restricted to the dugout. 3.6.1 Penalty Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 2 SUSPENSION OF PLAY Time Shall be Called Put the Ball back in play after – time or dead ball Suspension of the Game – Field / Weather or Other; Note: After 30 minutes, the umpire may declare the game ended or, by state association adoption, suspended. when a player, bench personnel or spectator is ordered from the field of play, or player is ordered to secure protective equipment. when an umpire or player is incapacitated, unless injury occurs during a live ball, then time shall not be called until no further advance or putout is possible. NOTE: If necessary, the umpire may suspend play immediately if, in the umpire’s judgment, further play may cause injury or jeopardize a participant’s safety. (10-2-3g) when a player or coach is granted time for a substitution, conference with the pitcher, or for similar cause. when play is suspended for any other cause, including an award of a base after an infraction, inspection of the ball, or the ending of a half-inning. ART. 2 . . . When the ball becomes dead: a. no action by the defense during that time can cause a player to be put out, except a proper dead-ball appeal. (21-3b) b. a runner may not advance, nor return to a base that was not touched or that the runner was not in contact with on a caught fly ball during a live ball if the runner had advanced to or beyond a succeeding base. c. any runner may advance when awarded a base or bases for an act which occurred before the ball became dead. All awarded bases must be touched. (8-1-2, 8-3-11) Two Umpire Signals Time and Dead Ball Delay Dead Ball Put the Ball Back in Play Down East Umpire Association Softball Rule❒6 Pitching Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 1 PITCHING REGULATONS (FP) 1.Pivot Foot on pitcher’s plate; Non-pivot foot in contact or behind. Both within 24-inch length of pitcher’s plate. a. Shoulder must be in line with 1st and 3rd with ball in the glove or hand with hands separated b. Simulate taking a signal from catcher c. Hand together for 1 to 10 seconds. Motionless/moving d. Catcher must be with in the box and ready to receive a pitch to be a pitcher. e. Pitcher must have ball to be on or near pitching plate. f. Pitcher may remove herself from pitching position 1. Step back w/both feet before hands come together 2. Hands together; not windup; step back w/both feet. 3. Either foot may be removed first PENALTY: (Art. 1) Illegal Pitch Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 1 PITCHING REGULATONS (FP) 2.Pitch a. Starts: 1 hand is taken off ball / any motion that is part of windup after hands have been brought together b. Hands together and motion starts; 1 step forward, towards batter. Backwards step allowed prior to hands coming together Exception: 6-1-1f2; Removing from pitcher’s position Notes: 1. Slide not a step 2. Crow Hop & Leap are Illegal. 2-16;2-33 3.Legal delivery underhand motion a. Release forward; past vertical line of body b. Hands below hip; wrist no farther away from body than elbow c. Delivered on throwing arm side; not behind back; not between legs d. Pitch completed with step toward the batter PENALTY: (ART. 2,3,4) Illegal Pitch. Delayed Dead Ball if pitched; Ball on batter; Base runners advance one base(6-2-2 exception) Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 1 PITCHING REGULATONS (FP) 4. Any Windup a. Immediately deliver ball to batter b. No rocker motion; no returning hands to ball c. No stop or reversal of forward motion d. 1 ½ revolution of the arm e. Doesn’t continue to windup after taking a forward step or after ball is released. Note: continuation is any action causing arm to continue past the shoulder PENALTY: (ART. 2,3,4) Illegal Pitch. Delayed Dead Ball if pitched; Ball on batter; Base runners advance one base(6-2-2 exception) Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 2 INFRACTION BY PITCHER (FP) 1. Shall not deliberately drop, roll, bounce or etc to prevent batter from swinging Penalty: Illegal Pitch; Delayed Dead Ball; Ball on Batter; 1 base award to runner on base. 2. Shall not use any substance on pitching hand; shall not be any substance applied by any player; wipe off fingers before contacting the ball; remove distraction items from pitching hand or arm Penalty: Illegal Pitch; Delayed Dead Ball; Ball on Batter; 1 base award to runner on base. EXCEPTION: hit ball coach has option to take play or penalty Note: Delayed Dead Ball Signal and Voiced 3. 20 seconds to release next pitch once pitcher has ball Penalty: Ball on batter 4. No pitch declared a. Suspension of play b. Quick pitch c. Runner leaves base too soon d. Attempts to pitch before runner return to their base. e. Time is Called to cause an illegal pitch Penalty: (Aft. 4a-d) Dead Ball; (4e) live ball legal pitch Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 2 INFRACTIONS BY PITCHER (F.P.) 5.1 min; 5 pitches between innings Note: 1. Pitcher returning same half inning no warm-up pitches 2. Umpire may allow more pitches due to weather or injury Penalty: Ball on batter for each pitch in excess of 5. Doesn’t apply if umpire delays the start of play 6.Ball slips from hand during backward or forward motion, it is a pitch. Effect: Ball on batter; runner may advance with liability of being putout; Fielder may retrieve ball if batter has no chance of hitting it EXCEPTION: batter has a chance to swing at pitch; strike is called; live ball if batted 7.Pitcher shall not throw to a base while in contact of pitcher’s plate after having taking a pitching position Note: pitcher may remove herself from pitcher’s plate; 8.Illegal pitch if fielder is in the line of batter’s vision or distracts the batter prior to pitch being released. 9.Shall not deliver a pitcher until fielders are in position Penalty: (Art. 7,8,9) Illegal Pitch; Dead Ball ; Ball; runners may advance Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 3 INFRACTIONS BY CATCHER (F.P.) 1.Inside lines of catcher’s box when pitch is released. Penalty: Illegal Pitch 2.Return ball to pitcher after each pitch; except after a strikeout or putout by catcher or play on a base runner. Penalty: Ball on batter EXCEPTION: Intentional Walk w/o pitching SECTION 5 BALL ROTATION 1. Pitcher may choose any ball to start each half inning unless both ball have not been in the game; bottom of 1st inning pitcher must use an unused ball; 2. Pitcher may request the other ball before throwing a warm-up pitch. Otherwise wait until the ball goes out of play or becomes blocked.. Down East Umpire Association Softball Rule❒7 Batting Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 1 POSITION AND BATTING ORDER 1.Player bats according to her position on lineup card. (4-1-2) Substitute shall take the place of replaced player. Batter follows preceding player. Improper Batter: in box & 1 pitch thrown. May be corrected before being putout or becoming a base runner. 2.After 1st inning, next batter is the batter following the last batter to complete her turn at bat in preceding inning. PENALTIES (Art. 1,2) 1. Batter Out; defense only appeal after at bat completed 2. Runner; Appeal prior to next pitch, infielders leave field proper batter out; Runners return, outs stand, all actions leading to appeal is legal. 3. Legal pitch; improper batter now legal batter. 4. Proper batter called out; next to bat will be player whose name follows that of proper batter. 5. Improper batter become legal batter. Next batter is whose name follows such batter. 6. Several players bat out of order; player’s turn at bat occurs while on base; remains on base but no Out. Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 2 STRIKES, BALLS AND HITS 1.Strike when: a. Pitch enter strike zone not struck at b. Struck at and missed c. Foul less than 2 strikes d. Foul tip or foul on attempted bunt(F.P.) even on 3rd strike. e. Penalty strike (7-3-1) f. Foul ball – batted ball contacts batter while in box g. Dead ball strike 1) Swing and ball hits batter 2) Batter prevents ball from entering strike zone h. Offensive player intentionally removes a line. 2.Ball is declared when pitch not struck at, not in strike zone, illegal pitch or catcher’s / pitcher’s delay EFFECT: Pitch hits plate is a ball unless struck at 3.Foul / fair hit, Bunt (F.P.) touched by bat of batter in box.(220:2-8) EXCEPTION: FOUL TIP Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 3 BATTING INFRACTIONS 1. 10 seconds to enter box; batter shall not delay next pitch PENALTY: strike may be called, declared out strike 3 Effects: 2. Batter shall not permit a pitch to touch her PENALTY: ball or strike unless strike 3 or ball 4 SECTION 4 BATTER IS OUT 1.1 less players than started with; Out when her turn to bat 2.Batter in box w/illegal bat; discover used an illegal bat before next pitch 3.Batter changes batter’s box while pitcher is ready to pitch 4.Batter interferes with catcher: lean over plate, hinders action at plate, hinders attempted play on runner, fails to vacate area for play at plate 5.3rd strike caught 7.Runner on 1st ; 3rd strike with less than 2 outs. Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 4 BATTER IS OUT cont: 7. Runner on 1st ; 3rd strike with less than 2 outs. 8. Batter contact ball with foot outside batter’s box or touching plate 9. Bunt 3rd strike foul 11.Foul caught in flight or spectator interference 12.Interference ; foul ball 13.Hitting a ball second time 14.Throws her bat and interferes with player making a play PENALTY: Section 4 – Batter Out; Art 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,12,13 – Dead Ball; Art 2,6,9,10,11,13 – runners return to last base occupied; Art 2 – put out on play stands; Art. 4,11 – return to base touch at time of the interference. Also 8-6-10 Penalty Down East Umpire Association Softball Rule❒8 Batter-Runner and Runner Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 1 THE BATTER BECOMES A BATTER-RUNNER ART. 1 . . . A batter becomes a batter-runner with the right to attempt to score by advancing to first, second and third and then home plate in the listed order when: a. she legally hits a fair ball. b. (F.P.) the catcher fails to catch the third strike before the ball touches the ground when there are fewer than two outs and first base is unoccupied at the time of the pitch, or anytime there are two outs. c. an intentional base on balls is awarded (S.P.), or a fourth ball is called by the umpire. EFFECTS: 1.(F.P.) The ball is in play unless it has been blocked. d. the catcher or another defensive player obstructs, hinders or prevents the batter from striking or hitting a pitched ball. EFFECTS: The umpire shall give a delayed dead-ball signal. 1.If the batter hits the ball and reaches first base safely and if all other runners 2.have advanced at least one base on the batted ball, catcher obstruction is canceled. All action as a result of the batted ball stands. No option is given. Once a runner has passed a base, the runner is considered to have reached that base (whether missing the base or not) and no options are given. 3.Otherwise, the coach or captain of the team at bat, after being informed by the plate umpire of the obstruction, has the option to take the result of the play, or have the obstruction enforced by awarding the batter first base and advancing all other runners only if forced. e.The catcher or any other fielder shall not: 1.Step on, or in front of home plate without the ball, or 2.On a swing or attempted bunt, touch the batter or her bat with a runner on third base trying to score by means of a squeeze play or a steal. PENALTY: (Art. 1) The runner would be awarded the base on the attempted steal or squeeze. The batter shall also be awarded first base on the obstruction and the ball is dead. ART. 2 . . . A batter is awarded first base when: a. a fair batted ball strikes the person, attached equipment, or clothing of an umpire or a runner. Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 1 THE BATTER BECOMES A BATTER-RUNNER • • • • • • • • • • • • EFFECTS: 1. If, after touching a fielder (including the pitcher), the ball is in play. 2. If, after passing a fielder other than the pitcher, and no other fielder had a chance to make an out, the ball is in play. 3. If before passing a fielder without being touched, the ball is dead. If the runner is hit by the ball while off base and before it has passed an infielder, excluding the pitcher, or if it passes an infielder and another fielder has an opportunity to make an out, the runner is out and the batter-runner is entitled to first base without liability to be put out. Any runner not forced by the batter-runner must return to the base reached prior to the interference. When a fair ball touches a runner who is in contact with a base, the ball is dead or live depending on whether the closest fielder is in front of the base (live) or behind the base (dead). The runner is not out unless she intentionally interferes. 4. If the fair batted ball hits an umpire before passing a fielder other than the pitcher, the ball is dead and the batter-runner is entitled to first base without liability to be put out. b. (F.P.) a pitched ball not swung at nor called a strike touches any part of the batter's person or clothing. It does not matter if the ball strikes the ground before hitting the batter. The batter's hands are not to be considered a part of the bat. PENALTIES: (Art. 2). 1. The ball is dead. The batter is entitled to one base without liability to be put out. If no attempt is made to avoid being hit or there is an obvious attempt to get hit by the pitch, the batter will not be awarded first base unless it is ball four. 2. If the batter is hit anywhere on the body, including on the hands, while swinging at a pitch and hits the ball fair or foul, the ball is dead and a 3. strike called. If it is strike three, the batter is out. SECTION 2 BATTER-RUNNER IS OUT • • • • • • The batter-runner shall be called out when: ART. 1 . . . (F.P.) The catcher drops the third strike and is legally put out prior to reaching first base with two outs or less than two outs and first base is not occupied at the time of the pitch. ART. 2 . . . After hitting a fair ball the batter-runner is legally put out prior to reaching first base. ART. 3 . . . After a fly ball is hit, the ball is caught by a fielder before it touches the ground, any object or person other than a defensive player. EFFECT: (Arts. 1, 2, 3) The ball is in play. ART. 4 . . . The batter-runner fails to advance to first base and enters the team area after a batted fair ball, a base on balls, a hit batter (F.P.), a dropped third strike (F.P.), or catcher obstruction. Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 2 BATTER-RUNNER IS OUT • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • EXCEPTION: (S.P.) The ball is dead on a base on balls, or on a hit batter (F.P.) the ball is dead, the batter-runner is not out and runners cannot advance unless forced. PENALTY: (Art. 4) The ball is dead and the runner(s) must return to the last base touched at the time of the infraction. ART. 5 . . . She runs outside the three-foot (0.91m) lane and, in the judgment of the umpire, interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base (there must be a throw); however, the batter-runner may run outside the three-foot (0.91m) lane to avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball. A runner is considered outside the running lane if either foot is completely outside the lane and in contact with the ground. ART. 6 . . . The batter-runner interferes with a fielder attempting to make an initial play, interferes with a fielder attempting to throw the ball, intentionally interferes with a thrown ball while out of the batter's box, makes contact with a fair batted ball before reaching first base, or (F.P.) interferes with a dropped third strike. If this interference, in the umpire's judgment, is an obvious attempt to prevent a double play, the runner closest to home plate shall be called out. A batterrunner being hit with a thrown ball does not necessarily constitute interference. ART. 7 . . . The batter-runner interferes with a play at home plate in an attempt to prevent an obvious out at home plate. ART. 8 . . . The batter-runner steps back toward home plate to avoid or delay a tag by a fielder. PENALTY: (Arts. 5 through 8) The ball is dead and runner(s) must return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. (Art. 7) The runner is also out. ART. 9 . . . She hits an infield fly. NOTE: When an infield fly is not initially called, the batter-runner is declared out if brought to the umpire’s attention before the next pitch. ART. 10 . . . An infielder intentionally drops a fair fly ball, including a line drive or a bunt, which can be caught with ordinary effort with first; first and second; first and third; or first, second and third bases occupied with fewer than two outs. A trapped ball shall not be considered as having been intentionally dropped. PENALTY: (Art. 10) The ball is dead, and each runner must return to the last base touched at the time of the pitch. If an infield fly is ruled, it has precedence over an intentionally dropped ball. ART. 11 . . . The immediate preceding runner who is not yet out intentionally interferes, in the umpire's judgment, with a fielder who is attempting to catch a thrown ball or throw a ball in an attempt to complete the play on the batter-runner. PENALTY: (Art. 11) Interference is ruled, the ball is dead, the batter-runner and the interfering runner are out, and all other runners are returned to the base last occupied at the time of interference. ART. 12 . . . If a spectator reaches into the field of play and interferes with a fielder's opportunity to catch a fly ball. PENALTY: (Art. 12) The ball is dead, the batter-runner is out and the umpire should award the runners the bases in the umpire's judgment that they would have reached had the interference not occurred. ART. 13 . . . The on-deck batter commits interference or offensive team equipment causes a blocked ball (and interference). PENALTY: (Art. 13) The batter-runner being played on is out. If no play is obvious, no player is out, but runners shall return to the last base touched at the time the ball is declared dead Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 3 TOUCHING BASES IN LEGAL ORDER • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ART. 1 . . . An advancing runner shall touch first, second, third and then home plate in order. ART. 2 . . . When a runner must return to a base while the ball is in play or dead, the runner must touch the base(s) in reverse order. EXCEPTION: On a foul ball. EFFECT: (Arts. 1, 2) Offensive players could be ruled out on a proper appeal by the defensive team. (2-1) ART. 3 . . . When a runner or batter-runner acquires the right to a base by touching it before being put out, the runner or batter-runner is entitled to hold the base until touching the next base in order or is forced to vacate it for a succeeding runner. ART. 4 . . . When a runner passes a base, she is considered to have touched that base. This also applies to awarded bases. ART. 5 . . . When a runner dislodges a base from its proper position, neither the runner nor the succeeding runner(s) in the same series of plays are compelled to follow a base out of position. EFFECT: (Arts. 3, 4, 5) The ball is in play and runners may advance or return with liability to be put out. ART. 6 . . . A runner shall not run bases in reverse order either to confuse the fielders or to make a travesty of the game. PENALTY: (Art. 6) The ball is dead and the runner is out. ART. 7 . . . Two runners may not legally occupy the same base simultaneously. EFFECT: The runner who first legally occupied the base shall be entitled to it, unless forced to advance. The other runner may be put out by being touched with the ball. ART. 8 . . . Failure of a PRECEDING runner to touch a base or to legally tag up on a caught fly ball, and who is declared out, does not affect the status of a SUCCEEDING runner who touches bases in proper order. If the failure to touch a base in regular order or to legally tag up on a caught fly ball is the third out of the inning, no SUCCEEDING runner may score a run. ART. 9 . . . No runner may return to touch a missed base or one left too soon after a following runner has scored or once she leaves the field of play. ART. 10 . . . Bases left too soon on a caught fly ball must be retouched prior to advancing to awarded bases. ART. 11 . . . Awarded bases must be run legally. Down East Umpire Association Softball • SECTION 4 RUNNERS ENTITLED TO ADVANCE ART. 1 . . . Runners may advance with liability to be put out when: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. • • EFFECT: (Art. 1) The ball is in play. ART. 2 . . . A runner forfeits exemption from liability and may be put out when: a. b. c. • a. forced to vacate a base because the batter was awarded first base. EFFECT: (F.P.) The ball remains in play unless it is blocked. Any runner affected is entitled to one base and may advance farther at their own risk if the ball is in play. (S.P.) The ball is dead. b) • the ball is in play or on awarded bases, the runner fails to touch a base before attempting to make the next base. after overrunning first base, the runner attempts to continue to second base. after dislodging a base, a runner attempts to continue to the next base. ART. 3 . . . A runner is entitled to advance without liability to be put out when: a. • (F.P.) the ball leaves the pitcher's hand on the delivery. (S.P.) a pitched ball is batted. a thrown ball or a fair batted ball is not blocked. a thrown ball hits an umpire. a legally caught fly ball is first touched by any defensive player. a fair ball strikes an umpire or a runner after having passed a fielder other than the pitcher, and provided no other fielder had a chance to make an out, or when a fair batted ball has been touched by a fielder, including the pitcher. the ball gets lodged in a defensive player’s uniform or equipment. a fielder not in possession of the ball or not making an initial play on a batted ball, impedes the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally running bases. Obstructed runners are still required to touch all bases in proper order, or they could be called out on a proper appeal by the defensive team. Should an act of interference occur following any obstruction, enforcement of the interference penalty would have precedence. PENALTY: (Art. 3b) When any obstruction occurs (including a rundown), the umpire will signal a delayed dead ball. The ball will remain live. If the obstructed runner is put out prior to reaching the base that would have been reached had there not been obstruction, a dead ball is called and the obstructed runner and each other runner affected by the obstruction will be awarded the base or bases which would have been reached, in the umpire's judgment, had there not been obstruction. An obstructed runner may not be called out between the two bases where she was obstructed. Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 4 RUNNERS ENTITLED TO ADVANCE • 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. EXCEPTIONS: When an obstructed runner, after the obstruction, safely obtains or returns to the base she would have been awarded, in the umpire's judgment, had there been no obstruction and there is a subsequent play on a different runner, the obstructed runner is no longer protected between the bases where she was obstructed and may be put out. When properly appealed for missing a base or leaving a base before a fly ball was first touched while advancing. If obstruction occurred while a runner was returning to touch the base, she is protected. When committing an act of interference. When passing another runner. When the batter flies out for the third out. When the batter-runner is obstructed between two bases and she flies out. b. c. If the obstructed runner is put out after passing the base she would have reached had there been no obstruction, the obstructed runner will be called out. The ball remains live. When a runner, while advancing or returning to a base, is obstructed by a fielder who neither has the ball nor is attempting to field a batted ball, or a fielder who fakes a tag without the ball, the obstructed runner and each other runner affected by the obstruction, will be awarded the base or bases which would have been reached, in the umpire's judgment, had there been no obstruction. • • PENALTY: (Art. 3c) The ball is dead and all runners are awarded one base only. The batter is awarded first base only on the fourth ball. d. e. • (F.P) a pitcher makes an illegal pitch, providing the offensive coach does not take the result of the play (see 6-2-2 Exception). a fielder intentionally contacts or catches a fair batted, a thrown, or a pitched ball with her cap, helmet, mask, protector, pocket, detached glove or any part of the uniform which is detached from its proper place on their person. PENALTY: (Art. 3e) The batter and runner would be entitled to three bases from the time of the pitch if a batted ball, two bases from the time of the throw if a thrown ball, or one base from the time of the pitch if a pitched ball and in (F.P.) may advance farther at their own risk. If the illegal catch or touch is made on a fair hit ball that, in the judgment of the umpire, would have cleared the outfield fence in flight, the batter-runner shall be awarded four bases. f. • (F.P.) a wild pitch or passed ball lodges in or goes under, over or through the backstop. the ball is in play and is overthrown (beyond the boundary lines) or is blocked by the defense. PENALTY: (Art. 3f) All runners will be awarded two bases, and the award will be governed by the positions of the runners when the ball left the fielder's hand. Runners may return to touch a missed base or base left too soon. If two runners are between the same bases, the award is based on the position of the lead runner. Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 4 RUNNERS ENTITLED TO ADVANCE • 1. 2. 3. 4. EXCEPTIONS: 1. When a fielder loses possession of the ball, such as on an attempted tag, and the ball enters the dead-ball area or becomes blocked, each runner is awarded one base from the last base touched at the time the ball entered the dead-ball area or becomes blocked. When the ball becomes dead, no runner may return to touch a missed base or a base left too soon if she has advanced, touched and remains a base beyond the missed base or the base left too soon. A runner shall not be declared out if a fielder deliberately carries or throws the ball into dead-ball territory to prevent that runner from returning to a missed base or a base left too soon. In this case, the runner(s) may return to a missed base or base left too soon. If the ball becomes blocked due to offensive equipment not involved in the game, the ball is ruled dead and runners are returned to the last base touched at the time of the blocked ball. If the blocked ball prevented the defense from making an out, the runner being played on is called out. If an awarded base is in error, after one pitch is thrown (legal or illegal), the error cannot be corrected. g. h. • PENALTY: (Art. 3h) The ball is dead and all runners are awarded two bases from the time of the pitch. i. • in the judgment of the umpire, a fielder intentionally carries, kicks, pushes or throws a live ball from playable territory into dead-ball territory. PENALTY: (Art. 3j) The ball is dead. Each runner is awarded two bases from the last base touched at the time the fielder entered or the ball was kicked, pushed or thrown into dead-ball territory. k. l. • a live ball is unintentionally carried by a fielder from playable territory into dead-ball territory. A fielder carrying a live ball into the dugout or team area to tag a player is considered to have unintentionally carried it there. PENALTY: (Art. 3i) The ball is dead. Each runner is awarded one base from the last base touched at the time the fielder entered dead-ball territory. j. • a fair batted fly ball strikes the foul pole above the fence level or leaves the playing field in fair territory without touching the ground or going through the fence. It shall entitle the batter-runner to a home run. a fair ball bounces over or rolls under or through a fence or any designated boundary of the playing field. Also, when it deflects off of a defensive player and goes out of play in foul territory, deflects off a runner or umpire and goes out of play after having passed an infielder excluding the pitcher and provided no other fielder had a chance to make an out. there is spectator interference with any thrown or fair batted ball, the ball is dead at the moment of interference. a ball gets lodged in (a) umpire's gear or clothing or (b) in an offensive player's clothing. PENALTY: (Arts. 3k, 3l)The ball is dead and the umpire should award the runners the bases in the umpire's judgment they would have reached. Down East Umpire Association Softball • • • • • • • • • • • • SECTION 5 RUNNER MUST RETURN TO HER BASE A runner must return to the last base legally occupied when: ART. 1 . . . A batted ball is foul. ART. 2 . . . An illegally batted ball is declared by the umpire. ART. 3 . . . A batter, batter-runner or runner is called out for interference. Each other runner shall return to the last base which, in the umpire's judgment, was touched by the runner at the time of the interference. ART. 4 . . . (F.P.) Any part of the batter's person or clothing is touched by a pitched ball that is swung at and missed. ART. 5 . . . (F.P.) A batter is hit by a pitched ball, unless forced to advance because of the batter being awarded first base. PENALTY: (Arts. 1 through 5) The ball is dead. Each runner must return to her base without liability to be put out, except when forced to go to the next base because the batter became a batter-runner. Runners need not touch the intervening bases in returning to their base. ART. 6 . . . (F.P.) The plate umpire or any part of the plate umpire's clothing interferes with the catcher's attempt to throw out a runner stealing, or an attempted pick off play. PENALTY: (Art. 6) This is a delayed dead ball at the time of the interference. If the runner is ruled out, the ball remains live. If the runner is not out, she must return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch. It is not umpire interference if, on a passed ball or wild pitch, the umpire gets hit by a thrown ball from the catcher or if contact is made with the catcher trying to retrieve the ball. The ball would remain live. ART. 7 . . . ( S.P.) Base stealing is not allowed. EFFECT: Each runner may leave a base when a pitched ball is batted, touches the ground or reaches home, but must return to that base immediately after each pitch not hit by the batter. ART. 8 . . . An intentionally dropped ball is ruled. Down East Umpire Association Softball • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • SECTION 6 THE RUNNER IS OUT A runner is out when: ART. 1 . . . Running to any base in regular or reverse order and the runner runs more than three feet (0.91 m) from the base path to avoid being touched by the ball in the hand(s) of a fielder. ART. 2 . . . The ball is in play and while the runner is not in contact with a base, the runner is legally touched with the ball in the hand(s) of a fielder. ART. 3 . . . On a force play, a fielder contacts the base while holding the ball, touches the ball to the base or tags the runner before the runner reaches the base. has been put out. If this was the third out of the inning, any runs scoring prior to the out for passing a preceding runner would count. A runner(s) passing a preceding obstructed runner, as in 8-4-3b Penalty c, is not out. ART. 5 . . . Any offensive team member, other than another runner, physically assists the runner. PENALTY: (Arts. 1 through 5) The ball is in play and the runner is out. ART. 6 . . . The runner leaves a base to advance to another base before a caught fly ball has touched a fielder, provided the ball is returned to the infield and properly appealed. ART. 7 . . . The runner fails to touch the intervening base or bases in regular or reverse order and the ball is returned to the infield and properly appealed. If the runner put out is the batter-runner at first base, or any other runner forced to advance because the batter became a batter-runner, this is a force out. ART. 8 . . . The batter-runner legally overruns first base, attempts to run to second base and is legally touched while off the base. ART. 9 . . . Running or sliding for home plate and the runner fails to touch it, and a fielder properly appeals to the umpire for the decision. PENALTY: (Arts. 6 through 9) These are appeal plays. See 2-1. ART. 10 . . . The runner interferes: a. with a fielder attempting to make the initial play on a fair batted ball. b. with a fielder attempting to field a fly ball over foul territory. c. with a fielder attempting to throw the ball. d. intentionally with a fielder or thrown ball. NOTE: Jumping, hurdling and leaping are all legal attempts to avoid a fielder only if the fielder is lying on the ground. ART. 11 . . . The runner is struck with a fair untouched batted ball while not in contact with a base and before it passes an infielder, excluding the pitcher, or if it passes an infielder and any fielder has an opportunity to make an out. ART. 12 . . . The runner intentionally contacts a fair ball that an infielder has missed. ART. 13 . . . The runner does not legally slide and causes illegal contact and/or illegally alters the actions of the fielder in the immediate act of making a play on her. Runners are never required to slide but, if the runner elects to slide, the slide shall be legal. ART. 14 . . . She remains on her feet and maliciously crashes into a defensive player. Malicious contact supersedes obstruction. PENALTY: (Arts. 10 through 14) The ball is dead and the runner is out. Each other runner must return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. When a runner is called out for interference, the batter-runner is awarded first base and credited with a fielder's choice. If this interference, in the judgment of the umpire, is an obvious attempt to prevent a double play and occurs before the runner is put out, the immediate succeeding runner shall also be called out. If interference occurs by the runner on a foul fly ball, the runner is out and the ball is dead. A foul ball is called in this situation and the batter remains at bat unless it was a bunt attempt with two strikes on the batter (F.P) or it was the third strike (S.P); the batter is also out in these cases. (Art. 14) The runner is also ejected. Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 6 THE RUNNER IS OUT • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ART. 15 . . . The on-deck batter commits interference or offensive team equipment causes a blocked ball (and interference). PENALTY: (Art. 15) The runner being played on is out. If no play is obvious, no player is out, but runners shall return to the last base touched at the time the ball is declared dead. ART. 16 . . . The coach near third base runs in the direction of home plate on or near the baseline while a fielder is attempting to make a play on a batted or thrown ball and thereby draws a throw to home plate. ART. 17 . . . A coach intentionally interferes with a thrown ball while in the coach's box, or interferes with the defensive team's opportunity to make a play on another runner. ART. 18 . . . After being declared out or after scoring, a runner interferes with a defensive player's opportunity to make a play on another runner. A runner continuing to run and drawing a throw may be considered a form of interference. This does not apply to the batter-runner running on the dropped third strike rule. PENALTY: (Arts. 16, 17, 18) The ball is dead and the runner closest to home plate at the time of the interference shall be declared out. Each other runner must return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. ART. 19 . . . Member(s) of the offensive team stand or collect around a base to which a runner is advancing, thereby confusing the fielders and adding to the difficulty of making the play. Members of a team include bat/ball shaggers or any other person authorized to sit on the team's bench. PENALTY: (Art. 19) The ball is dead and the runner is out. Each other runner must return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. ART. 20 . . . (S.P.) The runner fails to keep contact with the base to which they are entitled until a pitched ball is batted, touches the ground, or reaches home plate. ART. 21 . . . (F.P.) The runner fails to keep contact with the base to which the runner is entitled until the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. PENALTY: (Arts. 20, 21) The ball is dead, "no pitch" is declared when applicable, and the runner is out. ART. 22 . . . She abandons a base, enters her team area or leaves the field of play. ART. 23 . . . She positions herself behind and not in contact with a base to get a running start on any fly ball. The ball remains live. ART. 24 . . . Prior to a pitch (legal or illegal) to the next batter, if the runner was discovered having used an illegal bat, she shall be declared out and any runners put out prior to the discovery shall remain out. Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 7 (F.P.) LOOK-BACK RULE • • • • ART. 1 . . . 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 pitcher's circle. (2-45) ART. 2 . . . The runner(s) may stop once, but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base. ART. 3 . . . Once the runner stops at a base for any reason, she will be declared out if she leaves the base. ART. 4 . . . Responsibilities of batter-runner after completing a turn at bat, and while the pitcher has the ball within the 16-foot pitching circle, including a base on balls or a dropped third strike are as follows: a. b. c. d. e. • • A batter-runner who rounds first base toward second base may stop, but then must immediately, without stopping, return to first or attempt to advance to second base. A batter-runner who overruns first base toward right field, turns left and immediately stops, must then return nonstop to first or attempt to advance to second base. A batter-runner who overruns first base toward right field, turns left and moves directly toward second base and stops is committed to second and must attempt to advance non-stop to second base. A batter-runner who overruns first base toward right field, turns left and moves back toward the infield in any direction except directly toward second base is committed to first and must return to first base. A batter-runner who overruns first base toward right field, and turns right, is committed to first base and must return to first base. PENALTY: (Arts. 2, 3, 4) 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. Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 8 RUNNER IS NOT OUT • • • • • • • ART. 1 . . . A runner runs behind or in front of the fielder and outside the base path in order to avoid interfering with a fielder attempting to make the initial play on the ball. ART. 2 . . . A runner does not run in a direct line to a base, provided the fielder in the direct line does not have the ball in her possession. ART. 3 . . . More than one fielder attempts to field a batted ball and the runner comes into contact with the one who, in the judgment of the umpire, could not have made an out. ART. 4 . . . A runner is hit with a fair, untouched batted ball that has passed an infielder, excluding the pitcher, and, in the judgment of the umpire, no other fielder had a chance to make an out. ART. 5 . . . A runner is hit with a fair untouched batted ball over foul territory that, in the judgment of the umpire, no fielder had a chance to make an out. ART. 6 . . . A runner is hit with a fair batted ball after it touches, or is touched by, any fielder, including the pitcher, and the runner could not avoid contact with the ball. ART. 7 . . . A runner is touched while off a base: a. b. • • • • • • • • • • • ART. 8 . . . The defensive team does not request the umpire's decision on an appeal play as in 2-1-4. ART. 9 . . . A batter-runner overruns first base after touching it and returns directly to the base. ART. 10 . . . The runner is not given sufficient time to return to a base. The runner will not be called out for being off base before the pitcher releases the ball. EFFECT: "No pitch" will be called by the umpire and the runner(s) will be permitted to return to the proper base(s) without penalty. ART. 11 . . . She has legally started to advance when the pitcher receives the ball while in the 16-foot circle, or when the pitcher steps into the 16-foot circle with the ball in her possession. ART. 12 . . . The runner stays on the base until a fly ball touches a fielder and then attempts to advance. ART. 13 . . . Hit by a fair batted ball when touching the base, unless the runner intentionally interferes with the ball or a fielder making a play. ART. 14 . . . The runner slides into a base and dislodges it from its proper position. The base is considered to have followed the runner. EFFECT: A runner reaching a base safely will not be out for being off the base if it becomes dislodged. The runner may return without liability to be put out when the base has been replaced. A runner forfeits this exemption if they attempt to advance beyond the dislodged base before it is again in proper position. ART. 15 . . . A fielder makes a play (a pitch by the pitcher is not considered making a play) on a batter, batter-runner or runner while using an illegal glove, and it is discovered before: a. b. c. • • • with a ball not securely held by a fielder. with a hand or glove of a defensive player and the ball is in the other hand. the next pitch (legal or illegal). the pitcher and all infielders have left fair territory and the catcher has left her normal fielding position on the way to the dugout. The umpires have left the field. PENALTY: (Art. 15) The offended coach may have the entire play nullified with each runner returning to her original base and the batter batting over again, assuming the ball and strike count prior to the steal attempt or pitch that was hit; or the offended coach may take the result of the play and disregard the illegal act. ART. 16 . . . A runner legally returns to a base left too soon or missed prior to an appeal being made, or is returning to a base during a dead ball. ART. 17 . . . A runner physically passes an obstructed preceding runner. Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 9 COURTESY RUNNERS • • • • • • • • 1. 2. • • • ART. 1 . . . The team at bat may use a courtesy runner for the pitcher and/or the catcher at any time. Neither the pitcher nor the catcher will be required to leave the game under such circumstances. The same courtesy runner may not run for both the pitcher and the catcher any time during the game. ART. 2 . . . In the top of the first inning only, the pitcher and catcher are identified as those players listed on the lineup as the pitcher and catcher; both must face at least the first batter on defense (one pitch). Thereafter, the pitcher and catcher are identified as the last players who physically played that position on defense. The pitcher or catcher must bat and reach base legally (or earn their way on base) in order to be eligible for a courtesy runner. ART. 3 . . . Players who are currently in the game or have participated in the game in any other playing capacity are ineligible to serve as courtesy runners. ART. 4 . . . A player may not be a substitute for any player in the half inning that she ran as a courtesy runner. EXCEPTION: If an injury or disqualification occurs and no substitutes are available, the courtesy runner must be used as a substitute, and take the place of the injured player. Should the courtesy runner be on base, and is entered as a substitute, the pitcher or catcher for whom the courtesy runner is running, must run in her place. ART. 5 . . . The courtesy runner is not permitted to run as a courtesy runner for the Designated Player (DP), if the DP is only batting, and not playing defense, for the pitcher or the catcher. ART. 6 . . . Once the courtesy runner is designated for that half-inning, the pitcher or catcher for whom she is running may not return to run while that courtesy runner is on base. A courtesy runner shall not run for a courtesy runner. When a legal substitute replaces a courtesy runner, the player for whom she was running has left the game. EXCEPTIONS: Should an injury or disqualification occur to any other offensive player, and no substitutes are available, the courtesy runner must take the place of the player. In this case, the courtesy runner enters as a substitute and the pitcher or catcher for whom the courtesy runner is running, must run in her place. If the courtesy runner is injured or disqualified, the player for whom she is running (pitcher or catcher) may return to run the bases or a legal substitute may be entered. PENALTY: (Arts. 1 through 6) Illegal substitute as in 3-4. ART. 7 . . . A courtesy runner must be reported to the plate umpire. PENALTY: (Art. 7) Unreported substitute as in 3-3-4 and 3-6-7 Penalty. Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 10 DOUBLE FIRST BASE (STATE ASSOCIATION ADOPTION) • ART. 1 . . .The defense must use the white portion and the batter-runner the colored portion when a play is being made on the batter-runner. • PENALTIES (Art. 1): 1. The batter-runner is out when there is a play being made at first base and the batterrunner touches only the white portion provided the defense appeals prior to the batter-runner returning to touch the white or colored base. 2. The batter-runner is out for interference when there is a force play and the batterrunner touches only the white portion and collides with the fielder about to catch a thrown ball while on the white. See Rule 8-2-5 Penalty. 3. Obstruction is called on the defense when there is a force play on the batter-runner, who touches only the colored portion and collides with the fielder about to catch a thrown ball, while also on the colored portion. See 8-4-3b Penalty. • ART. 2 . . .The defense and the batter-runner may use either the white or colored portion: a. b. c. • On any force out attempt from the foul side of first base. On an errant throw pulling the defense off the base into foul ground. When the defensive player uses the colored portion of the double base, the batter-runner can run in fair territory when the throw is coming from the foul side of first base, and if hit by the thrown ball, it is not interference. If intentional interference is ruled, the runner is out. ART. 3 . . .The batter-runner or runner may touch the white or colored base: a. b. c. d. When advancing on a fair ball hit to the outfield with no play being attempted or when returning to first base. When tagging up on a fly ball. (F.P.) When returning on an attempted pick-off play. When advancing on a base on balls. Down East Umpire Association Softball Rule❒9 Scoring and Record Keeping Down East Umpire Association Softball Rule❒8 Batter-Runner and Runner SECTION 1 THE BATTER BECOMES A BATTER-RUNNER ART. 1 1. with the right to attempt to score by advancing to first, second and third and then home plate in the listed order when: a. she legally hits a fair ball. b. (F.P.) the catcher fails to catch the third strike before the ball touches the ground when there are fewer than two outs and first base is unoccupied at the time of the pitch, or anytime there are two outs. c. an intentional base on balls is awarded (S.P.), or a fourth ball is called by the umpire. EFFECTS: 1. (F.P.) The ball is in play unless it has been blocked. d. the catcher or another defensive player obstructs, hinders or prevents the batter from striking or hitting a pitched ball. EFFECTS: 1. The umpire shall give a delayed dead-ball signal. 2. If the batter hits the ball and reaches first base safely and if all other runners have advanced at least one base on the batted ball, catcher obstruction is canceled. All action as a result of the batted ball stands. No option is given. Once a runner has passed a base, the runner is considered to have reached that base (whether missing the base or not) and no options are given. SECTION 1 THE BATTER BECOMES A BATTER-RUNNER ART. 1 3. Otherwise, the coach or captain of the team at bat, after being informed by the plate umpire of the obstruction, has the option to take the result of the play, or have the obstruction enforced by awarding the batter first base and advancing all other runners only if forced. e. The catcher or any other fielder shall not: 1. Step on, or in front of home plate without the ball, or 2. On a swing or attempted bunt, touch the batter or her bat with a runner on third base trying to score by means of a squeeze play or a steal. PENALTY: (Art. 1) The runner would be awarded the base on the attempted steal or squeeze. The batter shall also be awarded first base on the obstruction and the ball is dead. SECTION 1 THE BATTER BECOMES A BATTER-RUNNER ART. 2 2. A batter is awarded first base when: a. a fair batted ball strikes the person, attached equipment, or clothing of an umpire or a runner. EFFECTS: 1. If, after touching a fielder (including the pitcher), the ball is in play. 2. If, after passing a fielder other than the pitcher, and no other fielder had a chance to make an out, the ball is in play. 3. If before passing a fielder without being touched, the ball is dead. If the runner is hit by the ball while off base and before it has passed an infielder, excluding the pitcher, or if it passes an infielder and another fielder has an opportunity to make an out, the runner is out and the batter-runner is entitled to first base without liability to be put out. Any runner not forced by the batter-runner must return to the base reached prior to the interference. When a fair ball touches a runner who is in contact with a base, the ball is dead or live depending on whether the closest fielder is in front of the base (live) or behind the base (dead). The runner is not out unless she intentionally interferes. SECTION 1 THE BATTER BECOMES A BATTER-RUNNER ART. 1 1. with the right to attempt to score by advancing to first, second and third and then home plate in the listed order when: a. she legally hits a fair ball. b. (F.P.) the catcher fails to catch the third strike before the ball touches the ground when there are fewer than two outs and first base is unoccupied at the time of the pitch, or anytime there are two outs. c. an intentional base on balls is awarded (S.P.), or a fourth ball is called by the umpire. EFFECTS: 1. (F.P.) The ball is in play unless it has been blocked. d. the catcher or another defensive player obstructs, hinders or prevents the batter from striking or hitting a pitched ball. EFFECTS: 1. The umpire shall give a delayed dead-ball signal. 2. If the batter hits the ball and reaches first base safely and if all other runners have advanced at least one base on the batted ball, catcher obstruction is canceled. All action as a result of the batted ball stands. No option is given. Once a runner has passed a base, the runner is considered to have reached that base (whether missing the base or not) and no options are given. SECTION 1 THE BATTER BECOMES A BATTER-RUNNER ART. 1 3. Otherwise, the coach or captain of the team at bat, after being informed by the plate umpire of the obstruction, has the option to take the result of the play, or have the obstruction enforced by awarding the batter first base and advancing all other runners only if forced. e. The catcher or any other fielder shall not: 1. Step on, or in front of home plate without the ball, or 2. On a swing or attempted bunt, touch the batter or her bat with a runner on third base trying to score by means of a squeeze play or a steal. PENALTY: (Art. 1) The runner would be awarded the base on the attempted steal or squeeze. The batter shall also be awarded first base on the obstruction and the ball is dead. SECTION 1 THE BATTER BECOMES A BATTER-RUNNER ART. 2 2. A batter is awarded first base when: a. a fair batted ball strikes the person, attached equipment, or clothing of an umpire or a runner. EFFECTS: 1. If, after touching a fielder (including the pitcher), the ball is in play. 2. If, after passing a fielder other than the pitcher, and no other fielder had a chance to make an out, the ball is in play. 3. If before passing a fielder without being touched, the ball is dead. If the runner is hit by the ball while off base and before it has passed an infielder, excluding the pitcher, or if it passes an infielder and another fielder has an opportunity to make an out, the runner is out and the batter-runner is entitled to first base without liability to be put out. Any runner not forced by the batter-runner must return to the base reached prior to the interference. When a fair ball touches a runner who is in contact with a base, the ball is dead or live depending on whether the closest fielder is in front of the base (live) or behind the base (dead). The runner is not out unless she intentionally interferes. SECTION 2 BATTER-RUNNER IS OUT The batter-runner shall be called out when: 10.infielder intentionally drops a fair fly ball, including a line drive or a bunt, which can be caught with ordinary effort with first; first and second; first and third; or first, second and third bases occupied with fewer than two outs. A trapped ball shall not be considered as having been intentionally dropped. PENALTY: (Art. 10) The ball is dead, and each runner must return to the last base touched at the time of the pitch. If an infield fly is ruled, it has precedence over an intentionally dropped ball. 11.The immediate preceding runner who is not yet out intentionally interferes, in the umpire's judgment, with a fielder who is attempting to catch a thrown ball or throw a ball in an attempt to complete the play on the batter-runner. PENALTY: (Art. 11) Interference is ruled, the ball is dead, the batter-runner and the interfering runner are out, and all other runners are returned to the base last occupied at the time of interference. SECTION 2 BATTER-RUNNER IS OUT The batter-runner shall be called out when: 12.If a spectator reaches into the field of play and interferes with a fielder's opportunity to catch a fly ball PENALTY: (Art. 12) The ball is dead, the batterrunner is out and the umpire should award the runners the bases in the umpire's judgment that they would have reached had the interference not occurred. 13.The on-deck batter commits interference or offensive team equipment causes a blocked ball (and interference). PENALTY: (Art. 13) The batter-runner being played on is out. If no play is obvious, no player is out, but runners shall return to the last base touched at the time the ball is declared dead. SECTION 3 TOUCHING BASES IN LEGAL ORDER 1. An advancing runner must touch bases in order 2. Returning runner must touch bases in reverse order EXCEPTION: On a foul ball. EFFECT: (Arts. 1, 2) Offensive players could be ruled out on a proper appeal by the defensive team. (2-1) 3. Runner or batter-runner acquires the right to a base by touching it before being put out; entitled to hold the base until touching the next base or forced to vacate it for a succeeding runner. 4. Runner passes a base, she is considered to have touched that base. This also applies to awarded bases. 5. Runner dislodges a base; neither the runner nor the succeeding runner(s) in the same series of plays are compelled to follow a base out of position. EFFECT: (Arts. 3, 4, 5) The ball is in play and runners may advance or return with liability to be put out. 6. Runner shall run base in reverse order to confuse the fielders PENALTY: (Art. 6) The ball is dead and the runner is out. SECTION 3 TOUCHING BASES IN LEGAL ORDER 7. Two runners may not legally occupy the same base simultaneously. EFFECT: The runner who first legally occupied the base shall be entitled to it, unless forced to advance. The other runner may be put out by being touched with the ball. 8. Failure of a PRECEDING runner to touch a base or to legally tag up on a caught fly ball, and who is declared out, does not affect the status of a SUCCEEDING runner who touches bases in proper order. If the failure to touch a base in regular order or to legally tag up on a caught fly ball is the third out of the inning, no SUCCEEDING runner may score a run. 9. No runner may return to touch a missed base or one left too soon after a following runner has scored or once she leaves the field of play. 10. Bases left too soon on a caught fly ball must be retouched prior to advancing to awarded bases. 11. Awarded bases must be run legally. SECTION 4 RUNNERS ENTITLED TO ADVANCE Art. 1… Runners may advance with liability to be put out when: EFFECT: (Art. 1) The ball is in play. Ball leaves pitcher’s hand Fly ball touched by a defender Thrown ball Thrown ball hits umpire Ball gets lodged in player’s uniform Fair batted ball Fair batted ball hits an umpire or a runner after a defender made a play on ball SECTION 4 RUNNERS ENTITLED TO ADVANCE ART. 2 . . . A runner forfeits exemption from liability and may be put out when: ball is in play; awarded bases, the runner fails to touch a base before attempting to make the next base. after overrunning first base, the runner attempts to continue to second base. after dislodging a base, a runner attempts to continue to the next base SECTION 4 RUNNERS ENTITLED TO ADVANCE ART. 3 . . . A runner is entitled to advance without liability to be put out when: forced to advance because the batter was awarded first base. a fielder not in possession of ball or not making an initial play on a batted ball, impedes the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally running bases. (F.P.) a wild pitch or passed ball lodges in or goes under, over or through the backstop. PENALTY: (Art. 3c) Dead Ball; runners are awarded 1 base only; batter is awarded 1st only on the fourth ball. PENALTY: (Art. 3b) Obstruction; umpire signal a delayed dead ball. SECTION 4 RUNNERS ENTITLED TO ADVANCE ART. 3 . . . A runner is entitled to advance without liability to be put out when: Illegal pitch; Unless coach takes result of play fielder intentionally contacts or catches a ball with her cap, helmet, mask, protector, pocket, detached glove or any part of the uniform which is detached from its proper place on their person. PENALTY: (Art. 3e) The batter and runner would be entitled to three bases from the time of the pitch if a batted ball, two bases from the time of the throw if a thrown ball, or one base from the time of the pitch if a pitched ball and in (F.P.) may advance farther at their own risk. If the illegal catch or touch is made on a fair hit ball that, in the judgment of the umpire, would have cleared the outfield fence in flight, the batter-runner shall be awarded four bases. SECTION 4 RUNNERS ENTITLED TO ADVANCE ART. 3 . . . A runner is entitled to advance without liability to be put out when: overthrown beyond the boundary lines PENALTY: (Art. 3f) runners awarded 2 bases, at time the ball left the fielder's hand. Runners may return to touch a missed base or base left too soon. If two runners are between the same bases, the award is based on the position of the lead runner. Ball bounces over, rolls under, goes through fence. Fair ball over fence. Hits pole above fence. HOME RUN! PENALTY: (Art. 3h) Dead Ball; runners awarded 2 bases from the time of the pitch. SECTION 4 RUNNERS ENTITLED TO ADVANCE ART. 3 . . . A runner is entitled to advance without liability to be put out when: Ball carried into dead ball area. PENALTY: (Art. 3i) Dead Ball; runners 1 base at the time the fielder entered dead-ball territory. Intentionally Carried, kicked or thrown ball into dead ball area. PENALTY: (Art. 3j) Dead Ball; runners awarded 2 bases at the time the fielder entered or the ball was kicked, pushed or thrown into dead-ball territory a ball gets lodged in (an) umpire's gear or clothing or (b) in an offensive player's clothing. Spectator Interference PENALTY: (Arts. 3k, 3l)Dead Ball; umpire should award the runners the bases in the umpire's judgment they would have reached. SECTION 5 RUNNER MUST RETURN TO HER BASE 1.Foul Ball 2.Illegal Batted Ball 3.batter, batter-runner or runner is called out for interference. Each other runner shall return to the last base which, in the umpire's judgment, was touched by the runner at the time of the interference. 4.Pitch ball struck at and ball hits batter’s person or clothing 5.Unless forced to advance by batter being awarded 1st PENALTY: (Arts. 1 through 5) The ball is dead. Each runner must return to her base without liability to be put out, except when forced to go to the next base because the batter became a batter-runner. Runners need not touch the intervening bases in returning to their base. 6.Plate umpire interference with the catcher’s throw PENALTY: (Art. 6) This is a delayed dead ball at the time of the interference. If the runner is ruled out, the ball remains live. If the runner is not out, she must return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch. It is not umpire interference if, on a passed ball or wild pitch, the umpire gets hit by a thrown ball from the catcher or if contact is made with the catcher trying to retrieve the ball. The ball would remain live. 8.Intentionally dropped ball ruled SECTION 6 RUNNER IS OUT WHEN 1.Running to any base in regular or reverse order and the runner runs more than three feet (0.91 m) from the base path to avoid being touched by the ball in the hand(s) of a fielder. 2.The ball is in play and while the runner is not in contact with a base, the runner is legally touched with the ball in the hand(s) of a fielder. 3.On a force play, a fielder contacts the base while holding the ball, touches the ball to the base or tags the runner before the runner reaches the base. 4.The runner physically passes a preceding runner before that runner has been put out. If this was the third out of the inning, any runs scoring prior to the out for passing a preceding runner would count. A runner(s) passing a preceding obstructed runner, as in 8-4-3b Penalty c, is not out. 5.Any offensive team member, other than another runner, physically assists the runner. PENALTY: (Arts. 1 through 5) The ball is in play and the runner is out. 6.runner leaves a base to advance to another base before a caught fly ball has touched a fielder, provided the ball is returned to the infield and properly appealed. SECTION 6 RUNNER IS OUT WHEN 7.runner fails to touch the intervening base or bases in regular or reverse order and the ball is returned to the infield and properly appealed. If the runner put out is the batter-runner at first base, or any other runner forced to advance because the batter became a batter-runner, this is a force out. 8.The batter-runner legally overruns first base, attempts to run to second base and is legally touched while off the base. 9.Running or sliding for home plate and the runner fails to touch it, and a fielder properly appeals to the umpire for the decision. PENALTY: (Arts. 6 through 9) These are appeal plays. See 2-1. 10.The runner interferes: a. with a fielder attempting to make the initial play on a fair batted ball. b. with a fielder attempting to field a fly ball over foul territory. c. with a fielder attempting to throw the ball. d. intentionally with a fielder or thrown ball. NOTE: Jumping, hurdling and leaping are all legal attempts 11.runner is struck with a fair untouched batted ball while not in contact with a base and before it passes an infielder, excluding the pitcher, or if it passes an infielder and any fielder has an opportunity to make an out SECTION 6 RUNNER IS OUT WHEN 15.on-deck batter commits interference or offensive team equipment causes a blocked ball (and interference). PENALTY: (Art. 15) The runner being played on is out. If no play is obvious, no player is out, but runners shall return to the last base touched at the time the ball is declared dead. 16.The coach near third base runs in the direction of home plate on or near the baseline while a fielder is attempting to make a play on a batted or thrown ball and thereby draws a throw to home plate. 17.A coach intentionally interferes with a thrown ball while in the coach's box, or interferes with the defensive team's opportunity to make a play on another runner. 18.After being declared out or after scoring, a runner interferes with a defensive player's opportunity to make a play on another runner. A runner continuing to run and drawing a throw may be considered a form of interference. This does not apply to the batter-runner running on the dropped third strike rule. PENALTY: (Arts. 16, 17, 18) The ball is dead and the runner closest to home plate at the time of the interference shall be declared out. Each other runner must return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. SECTION 6 RUNNER IS OUT WHEN 19.Member(s) of the offensive team stand or collect around a base to which a runner is advancing, thereby confusing the fielders and adding to the difficulty of making the play. Members of a team include bat/ball shaggers or any other person authorized to sit on the team's bench. PENALTY: (Art. 19) The ball is dead and the runner is out. Each other runner must return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. 21.(F.P.) The runner fails to keep contact with the base to which the runner is entitled until the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. PENALTY: (Arts. 20, 21) The ball is dead, "no pitch" is declared when applicable, and the runner is out. 22.She abandons a base, enters her team area or leaves the field of play. 23.She positions herself behind and not in contact with a base to get a running start on any fly ball. The ball remains live. 24.Prior to a pitch (legal or illegal) to the next batter, if the runner was discovered having used an illegal bat, she shall be declared out and any runners put out prior to the discovery shall remain out. SECTION 7 (F.P.) LOOK – BACK RULE 1.LIVE BALL – Pitcher has Possession of ball within 16ft circle; batter-runner has touched 1st or been declared out 2.Runner may stop once; must immediately return or advance 3.Runner that stops at a base will be declared out for leaving 4.Batter-runner; including base on ball or dropped 3rd strike a. Round 1st and stop once b. c. d. e. batter-runner who overruns 1st, turns left and immediately stops, must return non-stop to 1st or attempt to advance. overruns 1st toward right field, turns left and moves directly toward 2nd and stops is committed and must attempt to advance non-stop to 2nd. overruns first base toward right field, turns left and moves back toward the infield in any direction except directly toward 2nd base is committed to 1st and must return to 1st. A batter-runner who overruns 1st toward right field, and turns right, is committed to 1stand must return to first base. PENALTY: (Arts. 2, 3, 4) Dead Ball;"No pitch“ if applicable; 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 SECTION 8 RUNNER IS NOT OUT 1.Runner runs behind/in-front fielder and out of base line to avoid fielder making initial play on the ball. 2.Runner doesn’t run in a direct line to a base provided the fielder does not have the ball in the direct line. 3.More than one fielder attempts to field a ball; runner comes in contact w/fielder; in umpire’s judgment could not have made and out. 4.Batted ball passes a fielder other than pitcher and no other fielder could have made a play; ball hits runner 5.Runner is hit by a foul ball; judged not to be interference 6.Runner hit by a batted ball after a fielder has touch it 7.Runner touched while of base: a. Ball not securely held by a fielder b. With a hand or glove with ball in other hand 8.No appeal has been requested by defense 9.Overruns 1st;returns directly to the base 10.Runner doesn’t get time to return to a base; “NO PITCH!” SECTION 8 RUNNER IS NOT OUT 11. Runner as start to advance prior to ball and player in circle 12. Runner stays on base until fly ball touches a fielder then advances. 13. Runner hit by a fair batted ball while touching a base; unless interferes with the ball or fielder making a play 14. Runner slides and dislodges a base Effect: runner may return unless attempting to advance 15. Fielder makes a play while using an illegal glove on batter, batterrunner, runner and discovered before: a. Next pitch b. Pitcher & all infielders have left fair territory ; catcher have left fielding position towards dugout c. Umpires have left the field PENALTY: (Art. 15) The offended coach may have the entire play nullified with each runner returning to her original base and the batter batting over again, assuming the ball and strike count prior to the steal attempt or pitch that was hit; or the offended coach may take the result of the play and disregard the illegal act. 16. Runner returns to a base left too soon prior to an appeal or returning to a base during a dead ball 17. Runner physically passes an obstructed preceding runner SECTION 9 COURTESY RUNNER (S) 1.For pitcher and/or catcher while at bat anytime; 1 runner for each position 2.Pitcher/Catcher listed on line-up or physially played the position in previous inning. 3.Must be a legal substitute that has not played 4.A player may not be a runner and sub in same half inning Exception: injury, no other subs; pitcher/cater must run 5.DP must be pitcher/catcher to use a runner 6.Must sub for pitcher/catcher to change courtesy runner Exception: 1. Due to an injury or disqualification courtesy runner must be used as a sub; pitcher/catcher runs 2. Courtesy runner injured; pitcher/catcher runs or sub for pitcher/catcher PENALTY: (Arts. 1 through 6) Illegal substitute as in 3-4. 7.Must be reported to plate umpire PENALTY: (Art. 7) Unreported substitute as in 3-3-4 and 3-6-7 Penalty Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 10 DOUBLE FIRST BASE Defense must use white bag Batter – Runner must use colored portion of base Defense / batter-runner may use either base if play forces them to use opposite bag Batter-runner or runner may use white or colored base when no play is being made or going back into / tag up at first base Down East Umpire Association Softball 1 RUN FOR LEGALLY TOUCHING 1ST, 2ND, 3RD & HOME EXCEPTION: 3RD OUT IS MADE ON FORCE OR BEFORE RUNNER SCORES ON APPEAL. Down East Umpire Association Softball HOME TEAM THE OFFICIAL SCOREBOOK Down East Umpire Association Softball Rule ❒10 Umpiring Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 1 GENERAL: ART. 1, 2,3, 1 OR 2 BASE UMPIRE(S) PLATE IF ONLY 1 Jurisdiction 1 umpire with-in confines Ends by leave field of play Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 1 GENERAL: ART. 4,5,6 PROHIBITED PROHIBITED IN VICINITY Decision to eject player / non-players is final!!!! Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 2 PLATE UMPIRE 1. BEHIND HOME PLATE/CATCHER a. CALL AND COUNT BALLS, STRIKES b. SIGNAL FAIR/FOUL c. MAKE DECISIONS REGARDING BATTER d. MAKE DECISIONS NOT RESERVED FOR BASE UMPIRE. 2. FORFIET GAME; JURISDICTION OVER RULES NOT COVERED BY THE BOOK 3. Duties: a. Pregame Conference, Inspect Equipment & field, designate official scorekeeper b. Play Ball Signal to start/resume game; Call time to stop game. c. Eject/Restrict players/coaches to dugout d. Announce/record substitute e. Call game due to conditions f. Enforce rules g. Make finial decisions not covered in rules h. Forfeit game Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 2 PLATE UMPIRE cont. g. Make finial decisions not covered in rules h. Forfeit game i. Report all situations: protest, suspended, etc Exception: Last play of game j. Record all conferences / warnings k. Remove player exhibiting signs of a concussion l. Penalize for equipment violations m.Rectify any situations in which an umpire’s decision has place either team in jeopardy n. Correct scorekeeping errors Down East Umpire Association Softball SECTION 3 FIELD UMPIRE 1. ASSIST PLATE UMPIRE; Make calls on base except those reserved by plate umpire; call time, illegal pitches, defacement of ball, fair/foul, unsporting acts, 2. Only 1 field umpire; all plays at 1st and 2nd unless umpire chase; 3rd when plate umpire can’t cover 3. Concurrent jurisdiction with all umpires SECTION 4 EQUIPMENT AND APPREAL 1. PLATE: Mask w/ throat protector; chest protector 2. Powder Blue Shirt, Heather Gray Pants (CHARCOL GRAY DOWN EAST UMPIRES) Blue pullover jacket / knit sweater, cap, navy ball bags. Shoes, socks, and belt shall be black. Undershirt white 3. Cast, splints and braces must be padded. Down East Umpire Association Softball SOFTBALL RULES BY STATE ASSOCIATION ADOPTION • 1-1-2 Note • • 1-2-1 Note 1-3-6 Note • 3-2-1 • 3-3-7 (S.P.): • • 4-2-3 4-2-3 Note 2: • 4-2-6 • 4-3-1a • 4-4-1 • 5-2-1b Note: By state association adoption (S.P.), the pitching distance shall be 50’ when using a 12-inch ball. A double first base is permitted. (8-10) By state association adoption, an 11-inch softball shall be used in girls slow pitch. (1-1-2a) State associations may, on an individual basis, permit a player to participate while wearing a different style uniform for religious reasons. By state association adoption, a team may use an 11th player called an Extra Player, EP. By state association adoption, game-ending procedures may be determined. By state association adoption, the number of innings for one or both games in a doubleheader may be scheduled for five innings. Current state association gameending procedures still apply. By state association adoption, the tie-breaker procedure may be instituted at a point in the game specified by the state association. State associations are authorized to specify the time frame and/or circumstances before a forfeit will be declared for a late arrival by one of the teams. It is optional on the part of a state association as to whether protests are permitted. After 30 minutes, the umpire may declare the game ended or by state association adoption, suspended. Down East Umpire Association Softball 2012 POINTS OF EMPHASIS 1.Pitching 2.Legal Apparel and Equipment 3.On-Deck Batter/Location A. DO NOT PITCH Signal toward pitcher B. PLAY BALL Verbally calls “Play ball” E. STRIKE/OUT F. INFIELD FLY Fist to hammer at 90 degrees Verbally call “Infield fly” C. TIME OUT/FOULBALL/ DEAD BALL Verbally calls “Time,” “Foul ball” or “Dead ball G. SAFE Verbally call “Safe” D. DELAYED DEAD BALL Extend left arm out, fist with palm down (or out) H. FAIR BALL Point to fair territory with hand closest to infield. No verbal call I. FOUL TIP Fingers touch together, chest high, followed by strike call. K. HOME RUN Right fist in the air, rotate counterclockwise J. COUNT Left hand indicates balls, followed by strikes on the right hand. Verbally give count. L. DOUBLE First two fingers in the air