2014-15 BASEBALL OFFICIALS STUDY GUIDE
NOTE: In the following questions, F refers to a fielder (F1, F2, etc. refer to the traditional
defensive positions.), B refers to a batter (B1, B2, etc. refer to the proper batting order.), R
refers to a runner (R1 is always the lead runner.) and S refers to a substitute. All situations and
acts are legal, and no errors or mistakes are involved unless otherwise stated.
Question
Number
Question
Answer 1
Answer 2
1. A player may be listed on the lineup card as True.
both the pitcher and as the DH.
2. The position of the pitcher’s feet determines True.
whether he will pitch from the windup or
the set position.
3. If a fair batted ball is touched by an illegal
True.
glove or mitt, the batter will be awarded the
base the umpire judges he would have
reached had the ball not been touched.
False.
4. When required by rule to be worn, batting True.
helmets shall have a non-glare (not mirrorlike) surface and meet the NOCSAE standard
at the time of manufacture.
False.
5. In Louisiana, "speed-up" rules outlined in
the NFHS's Baseball Rules Book shall apply
to all contests.
6. It is required that the head coaches attend
the pre-game conference and verify to the
umpires that all of their players are legally
equipped and that all bats, helmets and
protective equipment are legal.
True.
False.
True.
False.
7. As part of their pre-game duties, umpires
should ascertain from game management
whether a lightning detector and trained
healthcare personnel are available.
True.
False.
8. Any starting player in the game may be
True.
withdrawn and re-entered once, including
the DH, provided he occupies the same spot
in the batting order.
False.
False.
False.
Answer 3
Answer 4
9. As long as there are runners on base, it will True.
be ruled a balk if the pitcher, while holding
the ball and standing on the dirt portion of
the mound, goes to his mouth with the
fingers of his pitching hand, even though he
distinctly wipes them off before touching
the ball with them.
10. If a batted ball hits fair ground or home
True.
plate and then hits the batter or the bat
which is held by the batter while he is in the
batter’s box, the batter will be ruled out.
11. The designated hitter:
False.
False.
Must be
Can only hit Can also be
designated for the
the pitcher.
on the
pitcher.
lineup card
prior to the
start of the
game.
12. 15 minutes after starting time for the game True.
is reached, the visiting coach informs the
plate umpire that he has only 7 players at
the game site but others, caught in traffic,
are on the way. Since the visitors do not
have to put 9 players on the field at that
point, the plate umpire will allow the game
to start and just call outs when those spots
in the batting order come up.
False.
13. An improper batter may be discovered by
True.
either team, but only the defense may
appeal batting out of order.
14. While at bat, B4 attempts to slash at the
Foul ball.
ball, wanting it to pass the pitcher but land
in front of F4, who is playing deep. The ball
lands 10 feet beyond the mound but the
backspin on the ball causes it to dart sharply
to foul territory where it is first touched by
F3. The covering umpire will rule:
False.
Fair ball.
Different
umpires could
rule the play
differently
and be
correct
because it’s a
judgment call
and the rules
do not
properly
cover it.
Must bat
at least
once
before
being
replaced.
15. A runner may never legally return to touch a True.
missed base after the ball has become dead.
False.
16. A run will count when, with 2 outs, R1 at
True.
third steals home before the batter-runner
is thrown out at 1st base on a dropped 3rd
strike.
17. The 3rd base coach's box must be occupied True.
but the 1st base coach's box being occupied
is optional.
18. The lineup cards become official after they True.
have been exchanged, verified and then
accepted by the plate umpire during the pregame conference.
19. Upon proper discovery of a batter using an True.
illegal bat, the defense has the option of
taking the penalty or the result of the play.
False.
20. An appeal must be honored even if the base
missed was after an award.
21. R1 is on 3rd base and R2 is on 1st base when
B8 hits a ground ball between 1st and 2nd
base. F3, who is playing in front of R2, dives
to his right, but cannot make the play. The
ball then strikes R2, who is past F3. F4 is
playing at “double-play depth,” and has no
play on the ball. R1 advances to home, R2
ends up at 2nd base and B8 at 1st base:
False.
True.
False.
False.
False.
R2 is called R1 scores.
out for
interferenc
e, R1 is
returned to
3rd base
and B8 is
placed on
1st base.
22. With 2 outs, B4 bats in place of proper
True.
batter B3, swings at and misses strike three
which eludes F2 and goes to the backstop.
R1, at 3rd base, scores as B4 is safe at 1st
base. The defense then appeals the lineup
infraction. RULING : B3 is called out for the
batting-out-of-order infraction. Since this is
the 3rd out of the inning, R3’s run does not
count. B4 will lead off the next inning.
False.
23. The ball becomes dead after playing action True.
has stopped when a fair batted ball touches
a spectator. The batter and all runners are
awarded 2 bases from their positions on
base at the time of the pitch.
False.
R2 may stay
at 2nd base
and B8 may
stay at 1st
base.
B and C.
24. A foul tip will be ruled when a batted ball
True.
goes directly to the catcher’s glove or hand,
caroms against his protector and then
rebounds into his hand.
25. The DH, batting for the pitcher, may have a True.
courtesy runner for him when he is on base.
False.
26. When the ball is dead, awarded bases need True.
not be touched in their proper order.
False.
27. Substitute Brown enters the game to pinch True.
hit for Green but no one reports this to the
umpire. After Brown singles, the defensive
coach complains that he was an illegal sub
and should be ejected. RULING : Brown's
unannounced substitution and hit are legal.
False.
28. If the starting pitcher does not face 1 batter: He may
return later
in the game
as a
pitcher.
He may
play
another
position,
but cannot
return to
pitch.
False.
29. The ball is dead immediately and the batter True.
is out when he hits the ball fair or foul while
either foot is touching the ground
completely outside the lines of the batter’s
box.
30. It is legal for a team to use a video camera True.
on a tripod manned by a player in uniform
or a tablet computer manned by an
assistant coach as long as they are in the
dugout while the ball is alive.
31. Pitching from the wind-up position, the
True.
pitcher pauses for a couple of seconds with
both hands together above his head.
RULING : This is illegal. After he starts his
movement to pitch, he must continue the
motion without interruption or alteration.
32. If a pinch hitter is used for the DH, the role
of the DH is terminated for the balance of
the game.
True.
False.
False.
False.
False.
He is ejected
from the
game, but
may occupy a
coaching box.
He may no
longer
participate
in the
game.
33. With no outs and R1 at 1st base, B4 hits a
True.
nd
triple. Both R1 and B4 miss 2 base. The
ball is returned to F4 who stands on 2nd
base, telling the base umpire that he wants
to appeal. RULING : If F4 properly appeals
both runners individually, both should be
called out.
34. R1 is at 3rd base with 2 outs when B9 hits a True.
towering pop-up that remains in the dirt
circle. F2, attempting to catch the ball for
the 3rd out, runs into the plate umpire who
was too close in lining up a potential
fair/foul call. The ball drops untouched as
R1 scores and B9 is safe at 1st base.
RULING : The play stands; no “umpire
interference”.
35. With R1 at 3rd base and R2 at 1st base, F1, in True.
contact with the pitching plate, steps
toward 3rd base faking a throw before
turning and throwing to 1st base retiring R2.
RULING : This is an illegal move by the
pitcher and a balk should be called. R1 will
score and R2 goes to 2nd base.
False.
36. The base umpire inadvertently declares
“Foul” on a fly ball that is caught by the right
fielder in fair ground and thrown to 2nd base
to double up the runner who left the base
too soon. The umpires correctly rule that:
The ball
stays live
and in play,
and the
catch is
recorded
along with
the out at
2nd base.
False.
It is a foul
ball and the
ball is
immediatel
y dead.
37. An illegal substitute is a player who reTrue.
enters the game without eligibility to do so
or who re-enters the game in the wrong
position in the batting order.
38. If a runner intentionally interferes with a
True.
throw, the runner is out and the ball is dead
immediately. Other runners return to the
base occupied at the time of the
interference, unless the umpire judged the
interference prevented another out.
False.
False.
False.
It is a fair ball
and the catch
stands, but
the ball is
immediately
dead.
The
offensive
team
coach gets
to decide
which out
will stand.
39. If a player on the bench leaves the bench
area during a fight:
Provided he
did not
participate,
there is no
penalty.
If he made no Both B
threatening and C.
gestures,
there is no
penalty.
40. The starting pitcher for the home team feels
a pull in his elbow during his warm-up
throws, and is not able to face the first
batter of the game.
He is out
for the
duration of
the game
and cannot
return at
any
position.
He may return
to pitch later
in the game if
his coach feels
he is able to
do so.
41.
False.
42.
43.
44.
45.
He is
ejected.
He must
face the
first batter.
If he
cannot
pitch, he
must
intentionall
y walk the
batter.
When a force-play slide interference occurs, True.
the runner is out and the batter could be
called out if the umpire judges a double play
could have been made.
If the temperature is cold, it is permissible True.
for the pitcher to wear a jacket when he
comes to bat.
A pitcher may use a multi-colored glove
True.
provided it does not have any white or gray
on the glove and it is not judged to be
distracting.
The batting order is Abel, Baker, Charles,
True.
Daniel, etc. Abel is the proper batter but
Charles bats instead and hits a double. Abel
then comes to bat and strikes out. Baker
follows and also strikes out. Charles is now
the proper batter but he is on 2nd base.
RULING : The umpire correctly leaves
Charles on base and skips over him in the
batting order to Daniel, now the proper
batter.
A ball.
With R1 at 1st base, B7 holds the bat over
the plate as if to bunt, but does not move it.
The pitch is outside the strike zone. The
umpire should call the pitch:
False.
False.
False.
A strike.
He may
later
return to
play
another
position,
but he
may not
pitch.
46. R1 is on 2nd base and B8 is batting with a full True.
count. F1 fails to come to a proper set
position and delivers ball four. RULING : The
ball is immediately dead, R1 is awarded 3rd
base and B8 sent to 1st base for ball four.
False.
47. There are no runners on base when B1
True.
swings and misses a pitch in the dirt for
strike three. F2 blocks the ball, which then
rolls forward. As he leaves the batter’s box,
B1 kicks the ball into foul territory and is
safe at 1st base. RULING : If the plate umpire
judges the kick to be unintentional, the play
stands and B1 is safe at 1st base.
False.
48. Altering, modifying and/or doctoring a bat is True.
unlawful and may be subject to civil and
criminal action.
49. In Louisiana it is not a requirement that
True.
team personnel serving as base coaches be
attired in their team uniforms.
False.
50. With a runner on 1st base and the ball in the True.
first baseman’s glove, the pitcher places his
feet astride the pitcher’s plate. RULING :
This is a balk.
51. Umpire interference occurs when:
The catcher
hits the
umpire as
he is
throwing
the ball in
an attempt
to retire a
runner.
False.
False.
Any fielder
or runner
runs into an
umpire.
The base
A and C.
umpire is hit
with a fair
batted ball
before it has
been touched
by any fielder
or passed by
any infielder.
52. A coach may have in his possession while in Stopwatch, Stopwatch,
a coach’s box:
smart
tablet
phone with computer
scorekeepi with
ng
scorekeepin
capability, g capability
and the
and stored
rules book. copy of the
rules book.
Stopwatch,
hard copy of
the rules book
and a
scorebook.
Any object
that will
assist the
coach in
his duties.
The move
is legal
only if R2
actually
attempted
to steal
2nd base.
53. If a player who is bleeding must leave the
game for appropriate treatment, the reentry rule is suspended and he may return
to the game regardless of any prior
substitution being made for him.
54. With R1 at 3rd base and R2 at 1st, R2 takes
several hard steps in what turns out to be a
bluff to steal 2nd base. In the set position,
F1, without simulating a pitch, wheels, steps
toward and feints a throw to 2nd while R2 is
taking his steps to 2nd base. The plate
umpire will correctly call:
True.
False.
A balk,
both
runners are
awarded 1
base.
A balk, as A legal move
F1 did not in the given
step back circumstance.
legally from
the pitching
plate
before he
made the
feint.
55. A pitcher may wear a white or gray
compression sleeve on an arm provided it
does not extend below his elbow.
56. The batter's follow through from his swing
contacts the catcher as R1 was standing on
1st base, making no attempt to advance.
Interference should be declared on the
batter and he should be called out.
True.
False.
True.
False.
57. B1 hits a sharp grounder deep to F4’s right. True.
F4 makes a great play on the ball and his
throw to 1st base arrives at the same time as
the speedy B1’s foot touches the bag.
RULING : The base umpire will call the
runner “safe” as, by rule, this was a tie.
False.
58. R1, at 1st base, is stealing on the pitch as B5 True.
swings at a tight inside pitch which hits him
on the wrist. The ball goes past F1 toward
F4 who fields the ball and tosses the ball to
1st base for the apparent out. RULING :
Immediate dead ball, R1 returns to 1st base,
B5 returns to bat and a strike is charged. If
this is his 3rd strike, B5 is declared out.
False.
59. Whenever a batter is struck by a pitch which True.
hits the ground, he will be awarded 1st
base.
60. While video monitoring and replay review is True.
allowed during the game to provide realtime instruction to players, the coach may
not approach or ask that the umpire look at
any call or play to make a game decision.
False.
61. Bats that are altered from the
manufacturer’s original design and
production are illegal.
62. At the pre-game conference, the plate
umpire asks both head coaches if they have
listed all their substitutes on the lineup card.
The home team's head coach states he has
some substitutes but did not have time to
list them on his line-up card. The plate
umpire will:
True.
False.
Start the
game and
tell the
coach he
may add
the
substitutes
as soon as
he can get
the names
to him.
Inform the
head coach
that he
cannot
occupy a
coaching
box for the
balance of
the game.
63. A team playing with 8 players may not
return to 9 players.
64. Neither a line drive nor an attempted bunt
can create an infield-fly situation.
True.
False.
True.
False.
False.
Not accept
the home
team’s lineup
card until all
substitutes
are listed.
The game
cannot begin
until the
umpire has
received
lineup cards
from both
teams.
Inform the
home
team’s
head
coach that
there will
be no
substitutio
ns allowed
for his
team in
the game.
65. With R1 on 1st base and a 2-2 count on the True.
batter, the plate umpire calls a balk on F1
just as he delivers the pitch. The batter hits
the ball over the fence for a home run.
RULING : The ball is dead immediately, R1 is
awarded 2nd base and the batter returns
with the same 2-2 count.
False.
66. Refusal to play because of a contested call
shall result in a suspended game.
67. Umpires are not required to perform pregame equipment checks.
68. R1 is at 1st base when the batter bunts down
the 3rd base line. The ball, in foul territory,
begins to roll toward fair ground when the
pitcher throws his glove and knocks the ball
well toward the dugout. At the time the
glove hit the ball, it was still foul by 3 or 4
inches. The umpire should rule that:
True.
False.
True.
False.
It’s just a
foul ball.
F1 is guilty
of
interferenc
e; the
batter is
awarded 1st
base and R1
is awarded
2nd.
69. B9 is scheduled to be the 3rd batter in the
th
bottom of the 7 inning. Before the inning
starts, the coach approaches the plate
umpire and says that S1 will hit for B9. After
the first two batters reach base, the coach
changes his mind because B9 is a better
bunter than S1. The umpire should rule
that:
S1 was
legally
entered
into the
game and
must hit or
be
substituted
for by S2.
That is a
projected
substitution
and is not
permitted;
B9 is still in
the game.
70. S1 is reported into the game as a pinch
The cast
runner. He has a hard cast on his arm. The must be
umpire should rule that:
legally
padded in
order for
S1 to
participate.
There is no
rule
governing
S1’s cast, so
he is legal
as long as
the umpire
judges that
he is not a
danger.
F1 is guilty of
interference;
the batter is
awarded 2nd
base and R1 is
awarded 3rd.
F1 is guilty
of
interferen
ce; the
batter is
awarded
3rd base
and R1 is
awarded
home.
71. On a deep fly ball that was caught, R1
misses 2nd base on his way to 3rd but
touches it as he safely returns to 1st base.
R1 will be declared out upon proper appeal
at 2nd base.
72. A charged conference is a meeting which
involves the coach or his non-playing
representative and any player(s) of that
team.
73. Just after the ball is returned to F1, the
defensive coach yells from the dugout to
have F6 and F4 switch positions. This is a
charged conference.
74. After being asked by the head coach to
check a bat prior to the start of the game,
the plate umpire rules that it is cracked and
not legal for play. In the 2nd inning, B4
enters the batter’s box with that specific bat
and is discovered when the count is 1-1.
The umpire should declare B4 out and eject
him from the game for entering the batter’s
box with an illegal bat.
True.
False.
True.
False.
True.
False.
True.
False.
75. If the game goes into extra innings, both
teams, while on defense, will be allowed to
take 1 charged conference each inning
without penalty. For each subsequent
conference during the same inning, the
pitcher must be removed as pitcher for the
duration of the game.
76. With a runner on 3rd base, the batter hits a
high pop fly that drifts over foul territory.
The 3rd baseman is accidentally prevented
from catching the ball by the runner on 3rd
base. The umpire will declare:
True.
False.
The runner Foul ball.
at 3rd base
is out.
The batter is
out.
The coach
is
restricted
to the
bench and
the
coaching
box must
remain
unoccupie
d.
77. B1 bunts to the first-base side of the mound True.
where F1 gloves, but misplays the ball
deflecting it into the baseline. B1
accidentally kicks the ball which goes into
the dugout. B1 will be called out for
interference even though F1 deflected the
ball.
78. In the 8TH inning, the coach comes out and True.
replaces his pitcher. 2 batters later, he goes
to the mound to discuss strategy with his
pitcher and catcher. The opposing coach
claims that the pitcher must now be
replaced. RULING : Since the coach replaced
the pitcher on his 1st trip, he still has his 1
allowed conference remaining and does not
have to change pitchers.
False.
79. With 2 outs, R1 is at 3rd base and R2 is at 1st 1 run.
base. The batter hits an inside-the-park
home run. R2 misses 3rd base. R2's
infraction is properly appealed by the
defense. The team at bat scores:
80. Any player who exhibits signs, symptoms or True.
behavior consistent with a concussion shall
be immediately removed from the game
and shall not return to play until cleared by
an appropriate health-care professional.
2 runs.
81. In order to be legal, a 37-inch bat should
weigh:
No less
than 34
ounces.
No less
than 35
ounces.
82. Knee and ankle braces, unaltered from the True.
manufacturer’s original design and
production, need not be covered or padded
in order to be legally worn.
83. If a pitcher is ambidextrous, he may change True.
from a left-handed pitcher to a righthanded pitcher numerous times while
pitching to one batter.
False.
3 runs.
No runs.
No less than
32 ounces.
A 37-inch
bat is not
a legal bat,
no matter
what it
weighs.
False.
False.
False.
84. A batted ball is ruled fair when the ball:
Lands on
fair ground
after
touching a
player who
was over
foul
ground.
First falls on
foul ground
past 3rd
base, but
settles on
fair ground.
85. Unless the umpire-in-chief rules otherwise, True.
the scorebook of the home team shall be
the official scorebook.
86. In a 10-player lineup, with the DH hitting for True.
the pitcher, the pitcher may only hit or run
for the player in the DH spot in the lineup.
False.
87. From the windup position, F1 begins to
True.
bring his hands up, as if to begin his windup,
and then steps back off the rubber with his
pivot foot and throws to 3rd base in an
attempt to pick off the runner there.
RULING : Balk.
88. It is permissible for the umpires to review
True.
video in certain situations in order to render
the best decision and correct call.
False.
89. A foul tip is a batted ball that goes directly
to the catcher’s hands and is legally caught
by the catcher or any infielder.
True.
False.
90. All bats not made of a single piece of wood True.
shall meet the Batted Ball Coefficient of
Restitution (BBCOR) performance standard,
and such bats shall be labeled with a
silkscreen or other permanent certification
mark.
91. In the 3rd inning, the coach requests his
True.
second time-out of that inning to talk to his
pitcher. That player must now be removed
as pitcher for the duration of the game since
it was the second charged conference of
that inning.
False.
False.
False.
False.
Touches 1st or
3rd base or
touches the
ground
beyond an
imaginary line
between 1st
and 3rd base.
Touches a
bat resting
on foul
ground
and
rebounds
into fair
territory.
92. The home team is using a 9-player line-up.
Early in the 1st inning, F1 is struggling with
his control. He is due up 3rd in the bottom
of the 1st inning but is, instead, sent to the
bullpen to work out the difficulties with
pinch hitter S1 batting for him. The umpire
rules:
93. R1 is on 1st base when the plate umpire calls
a balk just as F1 delivers the pitch. B3 hits
the pitch over the outfield fence for a home
run. The umpire will give the offensive team
the option to ignore the balk and take the
result of the play.
94. A slide is illegal if the runner uses a rolling or
pop-up slide into the fielder.
95. Prior to the start of the 6th inning with the
visiting team leading 6-5, rain causes the
game to be halted. After waiting 45
minutes, the umpires determine that
playing conditions are not safe to continue
the game. This is an official game with the
visiting team winning 6-5.
S1 is now
the DH for
the
remainder
of the
game.
This is a
legal
substitution
and F1 may
return to
pitch.
True.
False.
True.
False.
True.
False.
96. Starting pitcher F1 is struggling to find the True.
umpire’s strike zone and an early lead turns
into a 5-3 deficit. After being removed by
the coach, F1 makes a profanely disparaging
remark to the umpire and is ejected.
RULING : F1 must leave the field out of sight
and sound.
False.
97. In Louisiana, all games, including play-offs
and championships, are "official" after 4½
or 5 innings if stopped for darkness or
weather conditions.
98. Once playing action is over, the defensive
coach may verbally appeal a missed base.
True.
False.
True.
False.
This
substitution is
illegal and F1
may not
return to
pitch.
99. To give the batter an intentional base on
balls:
100. Smith, the #5 hitter, strains his knee sliding
nd
into 2 base on a double play. He is not
able to continue and the team does not
have a substitute available.
The pitcher
must throw
4 pitches
out of the
strike zone.
Smith is
declared
out.
The catcher
or coach
may
request the
award
before the
first pitch
to the
batter.
The ondeck batter
will run for
Smith.
101. Umpires retain authority to eject team
personnel after the completion of a game
while the umpires are still on the field.
True.
False.
102. In Louisiana, only a school-assigned baseball
coach or a player may coach from a coach's
box.
103. The umpire may authorize more than 8
warm-up throws because of:
104. While in the windup position, the pitcher
may throw to an occupied base as long as he
clearly steps toward that base.
True.
False.
Inclement
weather.
True.
An injury.
False.
105. A fielder who catches a ball and, whose
True.
initial momentum carries him several more
yards after which he drops the ball, is
considered to have made the catch for an
out.
106. The LHSAA does not require that balls used True.
in high school competition be stamped with
the NFHS Authenticating Mark.
False.
107. As long as he/she promises not to be in the
way or otherwise interfere with play, a
photographer may select the best position
from which to obtain photos.
False.
True.
False.
The catcher or Both B
coach may
and C.
request the
award on any
ball and strike
count.
The most
recent batter
not on base is
allowed to
run for Smith.
The game
is forfeited
to the
opposing
team.
An ejection.
A, B, and
C.
108. If the player for whom the DH is batting hits The DH
or pinch-runs for the DH:
may no
longer
participate
in the
game.
The DH may
re-enter the
game to hit
for another
player.
The role of
the DH is
terminated
for the game.
The DH
may
return to
play on
defense
for a
player in a
different
batting
position in
the lineup.
109. Which of the following bat component(s)
shall be round, cylindrically symmetric and
smooth?
110. Before the plate umpire puts any dead ball
back in play, he must first ensure that the
pitcher is legally holding the ball while
touching the pitching rubber, the catcher is
in the catcher’s box and the batter is in the
batter’s box.
111. A charged conference will occur if an
assistant coach is granted a time-out to
confer with the first baseman.
112. R1 is on 1st base with no outs when B2 bunts
the ball in the air. Hoping to turn a double
play, F5 intentionally drops the ball. The
umpire should immediately kill the play, call
Handle.
Taper.
Barrel.
All of the
above.
True.
False.
True.
False.
True.
False.
True.
False.
114. R1 is on 1st base and F1 is in the set position. True.
F1 stretches and, without stopping, steps
False.
B2 out and return R1 to 1st base.
113. R1, running on the pitch, has touched and
nd
passed 2 base before the fair batted ball
bounces over the outfield fence. The
umpire should send R1 home on the 2-base
award since R1 touched 2nd base before the
ball cleared the fence.
and throws to 1st base in an attempt to pick
off the runner. This play is legal even
though F1 did not make a 1-second pause
before he threw the ball.
115. Courtesy runners may be used for the
True.
pitcher and/or catcher but only after 2 outs.
False.
116. If a runner falls down rounding 3rd base, the True.
coach may help him to his feet, but the
coach may not push him to the next base
False.
nor pull him back to 3rd base.
117. With 1 out, R1 is at 3rd base and R2 is at 1st True.
base. B6 hits a fly ball deep to right field
which is caught by F9. R1 tags and scores
but R2, running on the pitch, has to return
to 1st base. F9’s rifle throw doubles off R2
for the 3rd out just after R1 crosses home
plate. RULING : The plate umpire correctly
rules that R2’s out was a “force-play” out so
R1’s run does not count.
118. With R1 on 3rd base and 1 out, B3 hits a high This is
fly ball that F9 catches in foul territory. R1 legal, no
problem.
legally tags and scores. Before the next
pitch, it is determined that F9’s glove has
been sprayed with a substance that creates
a “tacky” condition.
False.
The offense
has the
option of
taking the
play or
having the
catch
nullified
and treated
as a foul
ball. R1
would be
returned to
3rd base
and F9
must
replace the
illegal glove
immediatel
y.
This is an
illegal glove.
Award B3
three bases
and score R1.
This is an
illegal
glove.
Eject F9
and the
head
coach.
119. From the set position, the “time of the
pitch” is:
When the
pitcher
starts any
movement
prior to
delivering
the pitch.
120. B1, wearing #21 on his uniform but listed as True.
#3 on the lineup card, gets a base hit in the
When the
pitcher
comes set
with the
ball in both
hands.
False.
3RD inning. The defensive coach appeals to
the umpire that B1 is batting out of order.
Being on top of his game, the plate umpire
correctly informs the coach that the battingout-of-order rule only requires that the
name be in the proper order. B1’s at-bat is
legal.
121. In the 5TH inning, starting pitcher F1 is
True.
replaced by S1. The catcher then indicates
to the plate umpire that his team wants to
grant an intentional base on balls to the
current batter after which, S1 is replaced by
S2. RULING : This is legal since S1 has faced
the necessary one batter.
False.
122. With R1 on 1st base, B3 swings and misses
the pitch for strike one. His follow-through
hits the catcher, interfering with his throw
False.
to 2nd base attempting to put out R1 who is
ruled safe. RULING : B3 is called out for his
interference and R1 is returned to 1st base.
True.
When the
pitcher’s nonpivot foot
passes behind
the back edge
of the
pitcher’s
plate.
When the
pitcher,
after
coming to
a
complete
and
discernible
stop,
starts any
movement
with
arm(s)
and/or
leg(s) that
commits
him to
pitch.
123. R1 is advancing to score when F7 throws
True.
home. F2 completely blocks home plate
with his lower leg/knee while juggling and
attempting to secure the ball to tag R1. The
contact prevents R1 from touching the
plate. R1 is then tagged by F2 after he has
caught the ball. RULING : Legal defensive
play since F2 had to be in that position in
order to make the play.
False.
124. Going into the top of the 5TH inning, the
score is 5-5. The visiting team scores a run
True.
False.
Forfeit the
game to
the
opposing
team.
Allow the
last player
not on base
to finish the
at-bat.
and has a runner on 2nd base with 2 outs
when a heavy rain halts play. After an
hour’s wait, the umpires rule that the field
cannot be made safe to play. The plate
umpire rules this a “suspended game” to be
continued at a later date from the point of
interruption with the visitors leading 6-5, a
runner on 2nd base and 2 outs. This ruling is
correct.
125. With no substitutes available, B9 fouls a
pitch that hits him in the face. B9 is injured
and cannot continue to play. The plate
umpire will:
126. In the bottom of the 6th inning, B7, the right True.
fielder, gets a base hit. The coach goes to
the plate umpire and tells him B7 will be his
pitcher in the top of the 7th inning and
wants to put in a courtesy runner for him so
he can begin warming up in the bullpen.
Since B7 will be the new pitcher, the plate
umpire will allow the courtesy runner for
B7.
127. A defensive conference, held in fair
True.
territory, is concluded when the coach
crosses the foul line.
False.
False.
Call B9 out
and allow the
game to
continue. An
out will be
declared each
time B9’s spot
in the line-up
comes to bat.
Call B9 out
and end
the game
the next
time B9 is
to bat.
128. It would be a balk if the pitcher, after having True.
his entire non-pivot foot pass behind the
perpendicular plane of the back edge of the
pitcher’s plate, attempted to pick off the
False.
runner at 1st base.
129. Obstruction of the batter is only ignored if
True.
False.
130. The strike zone is that space over home
True.
plate, the top of which is halfway between
the batter’s shoulders and the waistline, and
the bottom being the knees, when he
assumes his natural batting stance.
False.
131. Each player shall be numbered on the back True.
with a plain Arabic style number at least 8”
high and of a solid color contrasting with the
color of the jersey.
132. A dead-ball appeal can only be made by a
True.
defensive player with the ball.
133. An appeal may be made after the 3rd out as True.
long as it is made properly and the resulting
False.
st
the batter-runner reaches 1 base and all
other runners advance at least 1 base.
False.
False.
appeal is an apparent 4th out.
134. It is an immediate dead ball if the plate
umpire interferes with the catcher who is
attempting to throw out a runner and that
runner must return to his original base.
True.
False.
135. In the top of the 3rd inning, the offensive
True.
coach requests a time-out in order to confer
with his batter. The defensive coach
immediately hustles to the mound for a
quick word with his pitcher. Upon seeing
this, the offensive coach claims that a
defensive conference should be charged.
The plate umpire correctly disagrees, stating
that as long as the defensive coach does not
delay the game after the original time-out
ends, no conference will be charged.
False.
136. The first-base coach leaves the vicinity of his The umpire
coaching box to argue a close call at 1st
shall
base.
instruct the
coach to
return to
the
coaching
box.
Both the
assistant
coach and
the head
coach are
immediatel
y ejected.
The assistant
coach and the
head coach
shall be
restricted to
the bench for
the remainder
of the game.
Only the
assistant
coach is
restricted
to the
bench for
his action.
137. An ejected coach:
May
remain in
the dugout
area but
cannot
coach any
player.
May
continue to
coach from
the bench if
he is the
only coach
for the
team at the
game.
May be reinstated as a
coach of the
team if he is
truly contrite
for his
actions.
138. R1, at 1st base, attempts to steal 2nd base.
The pitcher legally makes a spin move and
throws to unoccupied 2nd base to easily
True.
False.
Shall leave
the
vicinity of
the
playing
area
immediate
ly and
cannot
have any
further
contact
with the
team.
True.
False.
True.
False.
True.
False.
True.
False.
retire R1. The 3rd base coach argues that
the pitcher cannot throw to an unoccupied
base. The umpire correctly rules that the
throw is legal and the out stands.
139. The 2-base award for a fair batted ball
bouncing over the outfield fence will be
determined by the runners' positions at the
time of the pitch.
140. With a runner on 1st base, if the pitcher is in
set position both of his feet must be
completely within the 24-inch width of the
pitcher's plate.
141. Both coaching boxes must be occupied by
the team that is at bat.
142. At the time of the pitch, all fielders shall be
on fair ground except the catcher, who shall
be in the catcher’s box.
143. The ball remains live and in play when the
umpire gives the “Do Not Pitch Signal.”
True.
144. Pitching regulations begin when the pitcher True.
takes his sign from the catcher.
145. From the windup position, the pitcher must True.
hold the ball in his gloved hand.
146. R1, on 1st base, advances past 2nd base
3rd base.
during a deep fly ball which is caught. He
retreats to 1st base and is between 1st and
2nd base when F8 throws the ball which gets
past F3 and goes directly into the dugout.
R1 will be awarded:
147. Behind 2-0, the visiting team goes ahead on
a grand slam home run in the top of the 7 TH
inning. The home team scores 1 run in the
bottom of the 7TH inning and there are 2
outs when lightning and rain make
continuation of the game impossible. The
game is:
148. After the head coach has verified to the
plate umpire that all his team’s equipment is
legal, B9 hits a bases-loaded home run with
RD
2 outs in the 3 inning. While he is circling
the bases, F2 hands the bat to the plate
umpire to examine the barrel. It is
discovered that the bat’s end cap has been
removed and the bat has been stuffed with
ping-pong balls. The plate umpire correctly
rules the bat illegal, calls B9 for the 3rd out,
cancels all runs scored and, if this is the 1st
violation of the rule, restricts the head
coach to the bench for the duration of the
game.
False.
False.
False.
2nd base.
Declared a Declared
suspended over and
game.
the visitors
win.
True.
False.
149. Any player who exhibits signs, symptoms or True.
behaviors consistent with a concussion
(such as loss of consciousness, headache,
dizziness, confusion or balance problems)
shall be immediately removed from the
game and shall not return to play until
cleared by an appropriate health-care
professional.
False.
1st base.
Declared over
and the home
team wins 20.
Home
plate.
150. The bases are loaded when the batter takes True.
ball 4. The high outside pitch sails past the
catcher and lodges in the backstop fence.
The plate umpire correctly declares the ball
dead and advances the batter and all
runners 2 bases – 1 base for the base on
balls and 1 base for the ball going out of
play.
151. There are 2 outs when R1 attempts to steal True.
home. B2 swings and misses the pitch for
strike 2. On B2’s follow-through, he releases
his bat which strikes F2 in the facemask.
RULING : The ball is immediately dead and
R1 is declared out. B2 will lead off the next
inning.
False.
152. With 1 out, a runner on 2nd base who is not True.
moving on the pitch, and a 1-0 count, the
batter attempts to hit the pitch to right
field. The catcher reaches out for the ball
and obstructs the batter, causing him to foul
off the pitch. Since the batter and all
runners did not advance at least 1 base on
the play, there is no option. The batter will
False.
False.
be placed at 1st base and the runner will be
awarded 3rd base.
153. If a batter crouches or leans over to make
his shoulder line lower, the umpire will
determine height by what would be the
batter’s normal stance when he swings at
the pitch.
154. A player may not run as a courtesy runner
for the pitcher or the catcher and then be
used as a substitute for another player in
that half-inning unless an injury, illness or
ejection occurs and no other runners are
available.
155. To be considered in fair territory, a fielder
must have both feet touching the ground in
fair territory.
156. Caps and shoes are required equipment.
157. Even when the ball is dead, awarded bases
must be touched in their proper order.
True.
False.
True.
False.
True.
False.
True.
True.
False.
False.
158. It is a delayed dead ball when interference is True.
committed by a runner or a retired runner.
False.
159. With the bases empty, the pitcher drops the True.
ball during his delivery. The ball rolls to a
stop in front of the plate. The plate umpire
should properly declare a no-pitch and start
again.
160. R1 is on 2nd base. F2 obstructs the batter
True.
False.
False.
who hits the ball and reaches 1st base safely.
R1, not running on the pitch, comes around
attempting to score but is thrown out at the
plate. Since the batter and all runners
advanced at least 1 base, F2’s obstruction
ignored. R1’s advance past 3rd base was at
his own risk and his out stands.
161. With runners at 2nd and 3rd bases and 1 out, True.
the infield is playing in to prevent the
False.
runner on 3rd from scoring. The sharply hit
ground ball goes up the middle, passing F1,
F4 and F6. There is no other infielder in
position to make a play on the ball. The
nd
batted ball hits the runner standing on 2
base. RULING : The runner at 2nd base is not
out and the ball remains live and in play.
162. While in the dugout, the coach will be
allowed to use the video capability of his
"smart phone" to correct a flaw in his
pitcher's delivery to the plate.
163. The pitcher places his pivot foot on the
pitching plate with the toe of the pivot foot
in front of a line through the front edge of
the plate and the heel of his pivot foot
behind the back edge. His non-pivot foot is
in front of a line extending through the front
edge of the pitching plate.
True.
False.
This is a
This is a
legal wind- legal set
up position. position.
This is an
illegal pitching
position.
164. With the bases loaded and 1 out, B1 hits a
True.
False.
st
ground ball to F3, who steps on 1 base and
throws to F6, who tags R3 heading to 2nd
base. Since the force on all runners was
removed when F3 touched 1st base, R1's run
will count if he touches home plate before
the 3rd out is made.
165. An infield fly is a fair fly ball that:
Is declared Includes an Is caught only None of
only when attempted by an
the above.
there is 1 bunt.
infielder.
out and the
bases are
loaded.
166. R1, on 1st base with no outs, is stealing
when B6 hits a fly ball to centerfield. R1
does not see F8 drop the ball and as he
True.
False.
B6, the
proper
batter, is
declared
out for the
batting
order
violation.
B7 will
come to
bat next.
True.
R1 is
The out on R2 A, B, and
returned to will stand.
C.
rd
3 base.
retreats back toward 1st base, B6 passes him
by 2 steps with both runners ending up on
1st base. RULING : B6 will be called out and
R1 will be at 1st base with 1 out.
167. R1 is on 3rd base and R2 is on 1st base with
no outs. B7 bats in B6's spot in the batting
order and hits a ground ball to F4 who
tosses the ball to F6 to retire R2. F6 then
throws to first to retire B7 for the double
play as R1 scores. The defense properly
appeals the batting out of order.
168. Runners on 1st and 3rd bases with no outs.
B5 hits a grounder to F6 who throws to F4
for the double-play attempt. 1st base runner
R2 slides illegally into 2nd base and
interference is called. The umpire should
call both the runner from 1st base and the
batter-runner out. The 3rd base runner, R1,
will score if he touches the plate prior to the
interference.
False.
169. The score is tied after 7 innings and the
True.
game heads into extra innings. The home
team has used only 1 of its allotted charged
conferences. Going into extra innings, they
will now have 3 charged conferences
available to them: the 2 from regulation play
plus 1 for each extra inning.
False.
170. R1 is on 1st base with 1 out. B8 swings and
True.
False.
171. Prior to the pitch with R1 on 2nd base, B8
True.
makes contact with the catcher while taking
practice swing. RULING : The ball is
immediately dead – no penalty.
172. R1 is on 3rd base with 2 outs. F1 contacts
True.
the pitching rubber in the wind-up position
with his glove hand in front of his body and
his pitching hand by his side. As he brings
his pitching hand to his glove hand, R1 takes
off for home. F1 steps legally off the rubber
with his pivot foot and throws to F2 to tag
out R1. RULING : Legal play – R1 is out if
tagged.
False.
173. With the bases loaded, B4 hits a one-hopper True.
to F5, who throws to the plate. The throw is
off line and hits B4’s bat that had been
tossed away from the plate by the umpire.
RULING : In this case, the bat is considered
part of the playing field – the ball remains
live.
174. Jewelry is not allowed to be worn by any
True.
players. However, a player may wear a
religious medal provided it is taped down
under his uniform.
False.
misses the pitch for the 3rd strike. The pitch
hits the ground and B8 starts running to 1 st
base while R1 heads to 2nd base. F2,
confused, picks up the ball and attempts to
throw out B8 but the ball hits him in the
back while he is legally in the running lane
and rolls toward the fence in foul territory.
The plate umpire should declare R1 out for
B8’s interference since B8 was not entitled
to try for 1st base because it was occupied at
the time of the pitch.
False.
False.
175. If a runner misses a base and is on or
beyond a succeeding base when the ball
becomes dead:
He will be
declared
out
immediatel
y by the
umpire.
He may
legally
return to
touch the
missed base
provided he
does so
immediatel
y.
176. Umpire jurisdiction begins when the
umpires arrive in the parking lot prior to the
game.
177. During the pre-game meeting with the
coaches, both teams shall remain in their
dugouts or bullpen areas until this meeting
is ended.
178. S1, an unreported substitute, bats for B2
instead of B3. While S1 is at bat, his coach
realizes S1 is not batting for the correct
player. S1 became a legal substitute for B2
when he entered the batter’s box and the
ball became live.
179. With the bases loaded and 1 out, B5 hits a
line drive to the right-field fence. R1 and R2
both score, but R3 is thrown out at home.
True.
False.
True.
False.
True.
False.
No runs
score.
1 run
scores.
B5 safely arrives at 3rd base but missed 1st
base. The defense properly appeals B5’s
missing 1st base.
180. It is a “delayed dead ball” when:
181. An “illegal substitute” is:
The umpire The umpire
handles a interferes
live ball.
with the
catcher
attempting
to throw.
He cannot
return to the
missed base
and is subject
to being
declared out
upon proper
and successful
appeal.
The
defense
must wait
until the
ball is
made live
to appeal.
2 runs score.
A fair batted
ball touches
an umpire
before it
passes any
fielder other
than the
pitcher.
A player
A player
A player who
who enters who enters violates the
the game the game courtesy
without
without
runner rule.
eligibility to reporting.
do so.
The
umpire
inadverten
tly
declares
“Foul
ball.”
A and C.
182. For a catch to be ruled completed, a fielder
must have possession for a minimum of 3
steps before the ball is dropped.
True.
False.
183. F9, using a first baseman’s mitt, makes a
True.
spectacular catch to end the inning. The
opposing coach protests that F9 cannot use
the mitt and that the out should be nullified
False.
and his batter be awarded 3rd base. The
plate umpire correctly tells the coach that
there is no restriction on what glove/mitt is
used by a fielder as long as it is legal.
184. The home coach shall decide whether the
field or other conditions are suitable for
starting the game. After the game starts,
the umpires become the sole judges as to
whether conditions are fit for play.
True.
False.
185. If 2 runners are on the same base at the
True.
same time on a force situation and both are
tagged, the runner who got there last shall
be declared out.
186. When a balk is called, a ball will be credited True.
to the batter.
187. It is legal for the same player to courtesy run True.
for both the pitcher and the catcher.
False.
188. R1 is on 2nd base when B1 hits a slow roller True.
fielded by F3 charging in just inside the foul
False.
False.
False.
line. In order to give R1 time to go to 3rd
base, B1 stops and retreats from F3 toward
home plate. The plate umpire calls B1 out
for running the bases in reverse. This is a
correct ruling.
189. The location of a fly ball when it is touched, True.
in relation to fair/foul ground, determines
whether it is a "fair" or "foul" ball.
False.
190. With no lights on it's field, the home team
wants to play a doubleheader but is
concerned about losing sunlight. It
proposes that both games be 5 innings.
This is
This is
permissible permissible
.
if 1 game is
at least 7
innings.
191. If a fair batted ball is touched by an illegal
glove or mitt, the batter will be awarded 3
True.
False.
192. With a runner on 3rd base, the batter hits a
high pop fly that drifts over foul territory.
The 3rd baseman is accidentally prevented
from catching the ball by the head coach in
the coach's box. The umpire will declare:
Foul ball.
The runner The batter is
at 3rd base out.
is out.
193. A fielder will be considered to have legally
made a catch of a ball in flight when:
He has
secured the
ball in his
cap.
The batted
ball in flight
caromed
off a runner
and was
secured by
the fielder
before
touching
the ground.
This is not
legal. Two 7inning games
shall
constitute a
doubleheader
.
bases if he fails to reach 3rd base.
Otherwise, the ball remains live and in play.
194. With R1 on 1st base and 1 out, B1 hits a high R1 is out at B1 is out
because of
pop-up to shallow center field. F8 camps
2nd base
the
under the ball and then intentionally drops and B1 is
it. F8 then throws to F6, who tags 2nd base out at 1st intentional
drop and
for an apparent force-out. F6 then throws base.
the ball is
to F3 to retire B1, who did not run because
dead.
he was angry he popped the ball up.
The coach
is
restricted
to the
bench and
the
coaching
box must
remain
unoccupie
d.
He has the
He has
ball in his
secured
glove for 2
possession
steps before in foul
accidentally ground
dropping the and then
ball.
steps with
both feet
into his
dugout.
B1 is out and
R1 is returns
to 1st base
because of
the
intentional
drop.
195. Runners are on 1st & 2nd bases with no outs True.
when B3 pops up into the infield. The
umpire properly declares it an infield fly. F5
camps under the ball, but then loses sight of
it at the last minute in the sun. The ball hits
F5's glove and deflects into dead-ball
territory. RULING : The infield-fly rule
remains in effect since F5 was camped
under the ball. B3 is out and both runners
are awarded 2 bases.
False.
196. B2 should be up at bat but B3, an improper
batter, is up instead with a 1-2 count:
The
improper
batter will
be declared
out and the
proper
batter will
then come
to bat.
Only the
defense
may appeal
or discover
the
infraction.
197. After the pitcher legally contacts the
True.
pitcher’s plate, he may turn his shoulders to
check runners from either the windup or set
positions.
198. The pitcher, with both arms at his side in the True.
wind-up position, first moves his glove hand
to a position in front of his chest, stops, and
then brings his pitching hand into the glove.
This is a legal move.
False.
199. R1 is diving back to 1st base on a pick-off
1st base.
attempt when he is obstructed and tagged
out. He will be awarded:
200. A runner is never required to slide into a
True.
base, but if he elects to do so, it must be a
legal slide.
201. Whenever a player is incapacitated during True.
play, regardless of how serious it is, the
umpire cannot call “Time” and suspend play
until no further advance or put-out is
possible.
2nd base.
The proper
batter may
replace the
improper
batter and
assume the 12 count.
False.
False.
False.
3rd base.
The
improper
batter
should be
declared
out and
restricted
to the
bench for
the
duration
of the
game.
202. Even though the plate umpire is designated True.
as umpire-in-chief, he cannot, by rule,
overturn a call by the base umpire(s) unless
asked for help by the umpire who made the
call.
203. If a player who has been in the game returns True.
as a courtesy runner, he shall be called out
upon discovery and restricted to the bench
for the duration of the game.
False.
204. Either umpire has the authority to forfeit
True.
the game.
205. The pitcher may not wear a red glove.
True.
206. R1, running with the pitch on a deep fly ball R1 is
to left field, touches 2nd base and nears 3rd declared
st
out.
when the ball is caught. R1 returns to 1 ,
False.
missing 2nd base but touching 1st. The throw
from the left fielder gets by the first
baseman and goes into the dugout. R1 is
awarded 3rd base and touches 2nd and 3rd.
The defense appeals his miss of 2nd base
when he was returning to 1st base. The
umpire will rule that:
207. With 2 outs, the runner from 3rd base is off 1 run will
with the pitch as the batter grounds back to score – This
is a “time”
the pitcher. The runner crosses the plate
play.
before the out is recorded at 1st base.
208. When the proper batter is called out
because he failed to bat in turn, the next
batter shall be:
False.
False.
The appeal
on R1 is
denied, as
his touching
of 2nd base
while
advancing
to 3rd on
the award
corrected
the
previous
infraction.
No runs will
score since
this was the
rd
3 out of
the inning
by the
batterrunner
before he
touched 1st
base.
The proper The batter The batter
The batter
batter who who batted whose name the
should
improperly. follows the
opposing
have
proper batter team
batted.
thus called
chooses.
out.
209. With a 2-2 count, R1 steals 2nd base as B2
swings and tips the ball directly toward the
catcher. It first hits his chest protector and
rebounds directly into his glove. RULING :
True.
False.
Foul tip, the batter is out and R1 stays at 2 nd
base.
210. An unreported substitute is a legal player.
True.
False.
211. The ball becomes dead immediately when a True.
batted ball touches or is touched by a
spectator.
212. R1, on 2nd base, attempts to steal 3rd after
True.
F1 has legally paused in the set position. F1
then steps directly toward 3rd base and
throws to F5 who tags the runner out.
RULING : This is a balk – R1 will be awarded
3rd base.
213. In the bottom of the 4TH inning, S1 comes up True.
to pinch hit for B6. Upon checking his lineup
card, the plate umpire sees that S1 is not
listed as a possible substitute and correctly
prohibits S1 from entering the game.
False.
False.
False.
214. The coach is expected to be a role model for True.
civility and sportsmanship to his players.
False.
215. The game officials retain clerical authority
True.
over the contest through the completion of
any reports, including those imposing
disqualification.
False.