Little League Softball: Understanding Inning Limits and 'Free Innings'

QuestionI watched a 9-10 yr old girls softball game tonight.  The teams are allowed to play up to 5 innings or a 1 1/2 hour game, with a 5 run max per

Fastpitch Pitching Stance: Foot Placement Rules Explained

QuestionI have understood the rule for the pitchers feet are both to start on the rubber. Do both feet have to make contact with the rubber prior to the de

ASA Softball: Collision at Home Plate - Umpire Responsibility?

QuestionI know that there is no sliding rule in ASA, but what about the runner colliding at home with the catcher who has the ball and is putting on a tag

Softball Scoring: Understanding Close Play Situations & Rule Interpretations

QuestionHi!   Im the scorekeeper for a 12-13 year old girls team in our town rec league.   We had a situation the other day which I t

ASA Baseball Scenario: Understanding Out Rules & Runner Behavior

QuestionHi Mark! First of all, thanks for all the work you do here - your insights are invaluable. I have two questions... 1 out, runner on 1st base. &n

Fastpitch Softball Rules: A Comprehensive Guide for New Parents

QuestionI am new to the game and i want to be there for my daughter to help but i dont understand the rules. can you direct me to a book or website that i

MLB Rule Clarification: Runner Out on Interference After Batter's Strikeout

QuestionIn a previous question from Tom on 6/14/06 regarding dropped third strike with one out and bases loaded, I understand the dead ball and the b/r cal

Game Start Time & Forfeit Rules Clarification

QuestionI have a question about what should be correct. Our games are scheduled to start at 7, 8:30, & 10 PM. In a copy of rules handed out it states: All

Baseball: Runner Out When Hit by Ball?

QuestionIf a ball being thrown in from outfield or being thrown to a baseman touches the runner on her way to a base--is the runner out?  The recipien

Fastpitch Softball Glove Size Regulations: Official Dimensions Explained

QuestionWhat are the legal fastpitch softball glove sizes? What is the biggest size glove you are allowed to have? AnswerHi Jen, fs or sp it makes no diff

ASA 10u Baseball: Stealing Bases with Pitcher in Circle - Rule Clarification

QuestionI am very confused.  We play ASA 10u. I was under the impression that once the pitcher has the ball in the pitchers circle, you could not stea

Legal Pitching Form: Glove Contact and Ball Holding Rules

QuestionI have a girl on my team who has been pitching for about two years presenting the ball the same way in which she brings the ball forward and touche

ASA Baseball Rules: Runner Lead-Off & Foul Territory Clarity

QuestionRich, We do not allow stealing in our league, and yes, I am still stuck in the mud seeking clarity. You would allow a player not wanting to be hi

Understanding ASA Slow Pitch Softball Rules & Regulations

QuestionDear Mark, I hoped to get through a season without having a rule disagreement with an umpire, but could only make if halfway. The league is adult

Co-ed Softball Rules: Batter Over Fence & Subsequent Walk

QuestionWe had a situation on a co-ed team where a male batted and hit the ball over the fence, scoring all runners.  He batted with 2 outs on the boa

Illegal Substitution in DP/Flex Situations: Understanding PONY Rules

QuestionHad this happen this past weekend. PONY rules. Other team using DP / Flex.  DP in the #6 batting position, #3 position has injury and other te

Batter's Box Rules: When Must a Batter Move?

QuestionIf a pitch has been pitched and the catcher lose the ball and a runner is running from second to thrid base. Is the batter required to get out of t

Understanding Slowpitch Pitching Rules & Umpires - ASA Guidelines

Question What is a deep pitch? Should I give signals when its a ball? I see umpires doing this. How do I get a ASA umpire rule book or attend ASA school. I

Baseball Play Analysis: Runner Out on Leaving Base - Umpire Call Questioned

QuestionDr Ambrose         We had runners on 1st & 3rd with one out  on the first pitch to the next batter w

Game Incident: Player Injury and Game Suspension in ASA Slow-Pitch League

QuestionIn a womens ASA slow-pitch league game, a bawe-runner is struck in the face with thrown ball.  The player is injured and requires medical assi