Softball Scoring Dilemma: Error or Hit?

QuestionI keep stats for high school softball.  The other night our center fielder who is right handed was running diagonally to her right after a pop

Umpiring Advice for New Slowpitch Softball Umpires

QuestionDr Ambrose, I am a new umpire just starting out. I took the test and passed but realize I have a lot to learn.  What advice would you give to

Baseball Interference and Collision: Understanding the Rules

QuestionHello again Dr. Mark - I tried to find the answer buried in your archives, but cannot find it how it relates to this situation.  Girls Modif

10U Baseball Defensive Bunt Coverage Strategies

QuestionI am starting practices for our 10u 揃?all-star team?We will soon be 慸rilling?defensive bunt coverage and I am torn. With a runner on first, would y

Time Limit in Baseball: Umpire Ruling on Incomplete Inning

QuestionIn a game that is on a time limit. We were the visiting team. We were almost out of time 15 seconds. We look at our watches new the game would be o

Baseball Interference: Glove Throwing and Runner Obstruction - Official Ruling

QuestionA defensive player throws his glove at a line drive over his head. This movement causes runners on 3rd and 2nd to freeze momentarialy..causing runn

Softball Tagging Rules: When Does a Bobble Count?

QuestionI read the post entitled tagging up on a bobble (http://en.allexperts.com/q/Softball-2562/Tagging-bobble.htm) and it makes sense.  However, I

Slow Pitch Softball: Understanding Illegal Pitches and Umpire Calls

QuestionI am playing Adult Mens Slow Pitch softball.  The new rule is the pitch arch from 6 to 10 feet.  When the pitch exceeds 10 feet in arch,

Understanding DP/Flex/DFO/DH Rules in [Association Name]

QuestionCould you please explain the difference in these players?  I am very confused on when to use, how to use, and when and how a player is tied to

Baseball Rule: Does a Past Ball Award Bases?

QuestionHi my name is ralph terrazano my question is girl on second base pitcher pitches ball goes past catcher and out of play. umpire calls dead ball giv

10U Fast Pitch Baseball: Outfielder Positioning & Rover Rules

QuestionCan you tell me is their a rule that says how far out of the base line the outfielders must play? Also the rover? Can the rover play any where? Ple

Base Running Rules: Leads, Time Limits & Common Issues

QuestionQUESTION: The base runner takes a lead off after the pitcher releases the ball.  The pitch is a called ball and the catcher returns the ball t

Baseball Pitching Rules: Stance and Motion Legality

Question1.  Must a pitcher BEGIN his pitching stance with one foot on the rubber or can he start with a walk up from behind the mound as long as he RE

Customizing Softball Bats: Legality & Guidelines

QuestionI have just bought my daughter a new bat for softball.  There are a couple other girls that have one just like it, and she wanted to detail th

Baseball Base Running: Colored vs. White Bases & Tagging Up

QuestionIf I am running through first base after a hit, what base do I step on? Orange or white? And if Im tagging up after leading off does it matter what

Umpiring Dilemma: Batter/Runner Interference - Correct Call?

QuestionI have been an armature umpire for 5+ years and I have never had this happen. Batter hits the ball down the first base line. The batter runs toward

Strike Zone Confusion: Understanding Live Ball Situations & Runner Advancement

QuestionQUESTION: Runner at third, 2 ball 1 strike count on batter.  Pitch is called a strike, and dropped by catcher.  Coach thinks it is strike

ASA Tournament & High School Playoffs: Eligibility & Potential Conflicts

QuestionI am pretty sure there is a rule regarding playing in an ASA tournment during High School playoffs.  I have a player on our HS team who will b

Catcher's Mask: Safety vs. Vision - Updated Guidelines

QuestionIs it true that its no longer recommended to teach girls to remove their mask to field foul balls or to locate pass balls? This was recently explai

Softball Interference: Dropped 3rd Strike & Batter's Rights - League Rules

QuestionLeague: Girls fast pitch softball. Situation: 1st base open. Zero outs. Dropped third strike. The ball bounces off the catcher and hits the batter