Pitching Rules: Does a Pitcher Need to 'Present' the Ball?

QuestionFor high school, does the pitcher have to present the ball before the pitch?  If yes, can you define present please. AnswerThe word present d

Foul Tip vs. Foul Ball in Fastpitch: Understanding the Difference

QuestionHigh school fastpitch. Runner on 1st. New batter. First pitch, runner on 1 attempts to steal second after release of pitch.  Batter swings, ba

NFHS/ASA Rules: Tagging Runners Who Leave Early - Legal Play?

QuestionNFHS or ASA rules: Live ball appeal: Can a defensive player just tag a runner who left a base too early before they retreat to the base they had

Two-Man Umpire Positioning & Mechanics: Bases Loaded Scenario

QuestionTwo Man Mechanics Bases loaded ?no outs Base ump is near second base ?in correct position Home plate umpire says he moved to see the play but as

ASA Slow Pitch Softball: Blocking Home Plate Rules & Obstruction

QuestionSo much confusion on this, can you clarify? For example can a catch stand on home plate with receiving a though? If he does and doest have the ba

Baseball Obstruction Rules: Understanding the Call & Runner's Rights

QuestionBatter hits ball to left field fence, base ump signals obstruction on 1st, runner trying to score is called out on a bang bang play at home. easily

Playing Softball with a Disability: ASA Rules & Options

Questioni have paralysis and have attempted to return to ASA softball.  I am unable to run and just want to play the best I can.  our local rule

HS Softball Interference: Understanding the Rules & Calls

QuestionRunner at 1st, grounder hit to 2nd, runner runs in front of fielder just as ball gets there, fielder bobbled the ball, do we have interference? An

High School Baseball Rule: Helmet Removal and Runner Out - Explanation

QuestionHigh school, girls. Tie game, bottom of 7th, two outs bases empty. Batter hits ball over center field fence for winning run. As she rounds second b

MLB Bunt Play: Was It a Dead Ball Call?

QuestionRunner on first batter bunts home plate calls dead ball ball hit batter out of box, batter is out. Coach appeals to base umpire who over rules says

Softball: Catcher Obstruction Rules Explained - Home Plate

QuestionI have read many times that the catcher cannot impede a runner trying to reach home unless she has the ball.  What remains unclear is, what is

Fastpitch Softball Illegal Pitch: Understanding the Rules & Consequences

QuestionQUESTION: Runner on third. Batter steps in box. Pitcher steps on rubber brings hands together with ball in front of body and pauses. Home plate ump

Softball Balk Explained: Rules, Consequences, and Common Mistakes

QuestionWhat happens if a pitcher ends up with a balk?  What happens to the runners and the batter?  My pitcher was losing her balance and had to

Softball Rule: Runners on 1st & 2nd - Obstruction Scenario

QuestionASA co-ed slow pitch softball. Runners on 1st & 2nd. Base hit to center field. Runner on 2nd rounds 3rd and heads home without hesitation. Runner o

Softball Umpiring: Safety Base Rule & Appeal Procedures

QuestionGood evening Dr. Ambrose. You have added to my umpiring knowledge. My Question is, R2 on 2nd base, BU is situated a little to left and behind the S

Fastpitch Base Running Rules: Close Play Analysis & Umpire Discretion

QuestionQUESTION: Two different questions in regards to fastpitch base running rules. First: Our batter hits a line drive to SS with runners on 1B and 2B n

Base Running & Interference: Analyzing a Close Play in ASA League

QuestionMark, In a recent coed ASA league game, the runner on 2nd base tried to score on a hit to the outfield.  The throw was relayed to home by the

ASA Slow Pitch ASA Rules: Base Award for Out-of-Play Throw

QuestionMens over 40 slow pitch ASA rules.  Runner on first with fly ball to right center.  Ball is caught and fielder attempts throw to first to

Fastpitch Softball Rules: Bat-Ball Contact After Dropped Bat

QuestionThis situation doesnt happen often, but it did come up in a game last night and we were wondering what the details are.   I am attempting to

Batter's Box Rules: Foot Placement and Umpire Authority

QuestionI have a local asa umpire who keeps moving my hitters back of the plate.  When I ask him why he is doing that he keeps telling me the batters