Clarifying the International Tiebreaker Rule in Fastpitch Softball

QuestionIn fastpitch, USSSA, ASA or whatever you are playing, please clarify the intenational rule. I quoted USSSA (rules being used) as previous last batt

Force Play Rules in Softball: Understanding the Double Play Call

QuestionDr. Ambrose, Runner on first, one out, sharp ground ball to first base man. Runner does not move, first baseman steps on bag first then tags runner

Umpire's Role When Bat Obstructs Basepath: A Legal Analysis

QuestionGirl coming home. Her bat is in the baseline to slide. Is the homeplate umpire responsible for getting the bat out of the way. Its in the path of h

ASA Slow Pitch: Base Blocking Rules & Obstruction

QuestionIn a situation where a tag is required at homeplate for the out, can the catcher block the base BEFORE the ball gets to the catcher. I understand t

Understanding the Baseball 'First Touch' Rule: A Deep Dive

QuestionThis happened in our slow pitch league last night: Runner on first and one out. Line drive ripped up the middle and our pitcher gets a glove on it

Fastpitch Softball: Re-entry Rules & Batting Positions (ASA 12U)

QuestionMark, When a starter is taken out of the game and reenters do they renter into the same line up position they were in to start the game? Or do the

Base Running Rule: Tagging Up and Force Outs Explained

QuestionQUESTION: We had a situation where the runner on second base tagged up on a bobbled ball. Then the runner returned to second realizing that they co

Base Running Rule: Force Out & Missed Base - Does it Count as a Run?

QuestionQUESTION: Hi Dr. Mark, ASA slow pitch question. We have a runner on 3B...with 2 outs.  The next batter hits a hard gapper to the outfield &

Understanding Batter's Box Rules: Illegal Contact & Foul Ball Guidelines

QuestionDr.   Could you please explain some of the batters box rulings 1. When Contact is made with the pitch, does a foot have to be completely outs

Baseball Rule: Runner Hit by Line Drive – Fair/Foul Ball?

QuestionQUESTION: What is the correct call if a base runner is hit by a line drive while touching the bag at 3rd and the ball deflects foul before passing

Understanding Ball Out of Play After a Walk: Baseball Rules Explained

QuestionBatter is in the box count is full, ball four is delivered and as the catcher receives the pitch it hits off her shin gaurd and deflects out of pla

Baseball Rule: Runner's Status After Infield Error & Contact

QuestionQUESTION: Bases are loaded with no outs, ball is hit to the first baseman who commits an error by allowing the ball to pass between his legs, untou

Lineup Rules: What Happens When a Player Isn't on the Roster?

QuestionQUESTION: If a player is playing in the game but is not on the lineup is this game a forfiet ANSWER: No it is not. Tom ---------- FOLLOW-UP ----

Baseball Play Analysis: Overrunning First Base - Rule Interpretation

QuestionB1 hits ball to F6.  Throw beats B1 but F3 (with foot on base) drops ball, which lands at F3s feet.  B1 overruns first base, failing to t

Understanding Bases Loaded Walks: Rules & Outcomes

QuestionBases are loaded with one out.  There is a runs-per-inning rule of 6.  Five runs are already across the plate.  The next batter draw

Softball Foul Ball Rule: Understanding Line Drives Over Bases

QuestionHi Mr. Ambrose My question is when a line drive is hit and the ball goes over third base or first base and lands in foul territory is the ball act

Slow-Pitch Softball: Understanding Quick-Pitch Rules & Regulations

QuestionIm a pitcher in a mens slow-pitch softball league. Okay, its a plus-45 league so Ive been around. The other night the umpire accused me of quick-pi

Umpire's Ruling on Bunt Interference: A Dr. Mark 14U Tournament Scenario

QuestionDr. Mark 14U asa tournament With runners on 1st and 2nd, a batter lays down a bunt and drops the bat. Play happens and runners advance and batter b

Softball Verbal Interference Rules: Catcher's Role & Restrictions

QuestionHello - my question is for SSUSA or ASA Seniopr Slowpitch Softball. What constitutes verbal interference by a catcher when a pitch is in the air? I

Batter Interference: Rules & 10U Softball Scenarios

QuestionIn an attempt by the catcher to throw, to third,or any base,if the batter stays in the batters box and does not move can she be called out for inte