Force Out vs. Tag Out: Understanding Softball Double Play Rules (ASA)

QuestionHi Dr. Ambrose ?my question is: 1 out ?runner on 1st ?Batter hits sharp one hopper to first baseman ?runner on first is in contact with the bag ?ba

Fastpitch Game Scorekeeping Error: Ball Four Confusion

QuestionQUESTION: Hi Tom, this happened on a mens fastpitch game. None down, no runners on. Count is 3 and 2 on the batter but the electronic scoreboard in

Baseball Re-entry Rules: Is This Play Legal?

QuestionThis happened in a Hs game. Another player bats for the pitcher and the starting pitcher re-enters and pitches two more innings. Then the same play

Fast Pitch Base Running Rules: Early Departure and Umpire Decisions

QuestionGirl on 2nd leaves base before pitcher releases ball, batter hits single to left on pitch, girl on second scores and batter is thrown out trying to

NCAA Softball: Was That a Hit, Fielder's Choice, or Sacrifice Bunt?

QuestionNCAA Womens Fastpitch Softball Game. 1 out.  Runners on 2nd and 3rd. Batter receives suicide bunt signal from coach. Batter successfully bunt

Softball Mercy Rule Scoring: Understanding Final Scores

QuestionWhat is the correct final score of a softball game that ends via mercy rule..? Team A is winning 9-0. Bottom 5th, bases loaded. Girl hits a bomb (b

Understanding Runner Passing in Baseball: ASA Rule & Play Calling

QuestionR1 on 2nd and R2 on first, Texas leaguer hit over head of the SS & falls for a hit and runner R2 who is running passes R1 who is a few feet towards

College Softball Prospects for Average High School Players: D3 & NAIA

QuestionI have a sophmore daughter who plays highschool softball. Just an average player.  Great defense player.  She is only 51. Hard worker on

Calculating Earned Runs in High School Softball: A Step-by-Step Guide

QuestionBatter 1 lead off double Batter 2 Bunts E4 Batter 1 Scores Batter 2 advances to 2nd on E4 Batter 2 advances to 3rd on PB Batter 3 Base Hit Scores B

High School Baseball Play: Glove Used in Tag Attempt - Is the Runner Out?

QuestionThis was a High School game...this happened just after the centerfielder has fallen down after a catch: The second baseman is making a play on the

Softball Base Stealing Rules for Ages 7-11: Can a Player Advance?

QuestionQUESTION: we are a part of little league. i was wondering if a player is stealing 2nd on a catchers missed ball can the go to third if the ball is

ASA Softball: Outfield Positioning Rules for 10U Games

QuestionJust curious, I coach 10U Girls Softball.  Is there an ASA rule that states that the outfield players must be in the grass or a certain distan

Softball Interference: Bat Contact & Fair Territory Rules

QuestionBatter bunts the ball fair but the ball rolls into the bat that was used which is down on the ground in fair territory.  Is the batter out bec

Softball Rules: Understanding Close Plays & Umpires' Decisions

QuestionHello, I beleive we were on the wrong end of a bad call that cost us the game, but then again maybe I dont know the the rules. Situation, Bases

Fixing Left-Handed Fastpitch Pitcher's Control & Accuracy

Questionmy daughter is 12yrs old. She has control problems in the game. She can throw 52mph with good volisty.  She has a good stride towards home pla

Slowpitch Softball Strike Zone Location: Umpiring Consistency

QuestionQUESTION: I ump in a rec ASA league in CT. I Once I determine that the it is a legal pitch I call strike where it crosses plate and not where it la

Batter Hit by Pitch: Rules & Umpires' Discretion (ASA)

QuestionWhat is the rule for a batter bneing hit but not making an atempt to get out of the way. Where is that in the ASA rule book? AnswerJustin, The ru

Baseball Interference: Does a Runner Need to Slide?

QuestionMark, I saw this in a recent H.S.  softball game.  R1 on first and BR hits a grounder to the SS.  (typical double play ball). The sh

Slow Pitch Softball: Glove Use & Ejections - Official Ruling

QuestionAdult Mens Slow Pitch Softball If a fielder intentionally throws his/her glove at a batted ball in fair territory, is the fielder automatically ej

Softball Rule Clarification: Batter Foot Placement & League By-Laws

QuestionI play in an ASA co-ed slow pitch softball league.  I was playing catcher last night and as I was watching some of the batters line up in the