NFHS Fastpitch Softball: Illegal Pitch & Ball Defacement - Rules & Penalties

QuestionAt the end of the top of the 1st inning the visiting pitcher is given the ball that did not go out of play during the top of the inning.  Befo

Understanding Appeals & Delayed Dead Balls in Baseball: A Coach's Guide

QuestionDr. Ambrose, How does one make a proper appeal?  I have read the rule book more than once and I have not found where this is explained.  

How to Protest a Call: Official Protocol for Coaches

QuestionDr. Amrose, How should a coach protest or discuss a call made by the umpire?  Do you call time?  Do you just walk up to the umpire and st

Kansas High School Softball Lineup Rules: Number Errors & Official Rosters

QuestionWhen submitting a lineup for a kansas highschool softball game, if a player is entered with the incorrect number (example players number is 1 and e

Slow Pitch vs. Fast Pitch Bats: Understanding the Differences & ASA Rules

QuestionQUESTION: i am running the womens slow pitch league in my area and there are a few girls who play college fast pitch softball. this year i have ba

Fastpitch Baseball: Umpire Call - Runner Advancement & Delayed Dead Ball

Questionthe situation was, a runner on 2nd, the umpire called dead ball due to catchers interference. the runner advanced to third. the batter was awarded

Base Running Rule: Can a Runner Return to First?

Question14U-There is a runner on third base and the batter receives 4 balls. The batter starts to round first and heads for second base - she is less than

Fastpitch Softball Windup Rules: Arm Position & Legality - 12U

QuestionMy daughter plays 12u sunday select fastpitch. when she winds up she is dropping her arm back to a 9pm or 90degree(reaching toward second base) pos

Softball Pitching Rules: Stance and Motion in NCAA Softball

QuestionDoes a college softball pitcher have to be set before starting her motion, like baseball requires? AnswerBill, I am not positive on the rule for

Base Appeal in Baseball: Umpire's Authority & Rules

QuestionBases Loaded.  Girl hits over fence.  Runner on 2nd never touches home and the runner on first then does.  Umpire calls the runner o

Legal Pitching Motion: Step Distance & Follow-Through Rules

QuestionA girl pitcher in our league releases the ball 1 and 1/2 steps after leaving the pitching rubber. She then finishes a full three steps beyond the p

Umpiring Scenario: Batter Interference & Catcher Collision - Correct Ruling?

QuestionHi, Im a long time HS girls FP ump. Last nite in a game we had an unusual situation that we think we handled correctly but of course you always won

Softball Jewelry Rules in Livonia, MI: No Earrings Allowed

QuestionCan girls wear earrings during a middle school softball game in Livonia, Michigan?  Do the earrings need to be covered by a bandage, ie. band

Baseball Interference: Understanding Obstruction at First Base

QuestionA throw is made to first base on a batted ball. The first baseman (uh, basewoman?) drops the ball and the ball lands near the bag, and in the basel

Baseball Interference Rule: Runner on First, Outfield Gap, and Defensive Interference

QuestionQuestion from my nephew in armed services serving in Iraq by email today..  Slow pitch, if runner on first and ball hit into outfield gap (run

Softball Lineup Number Discrepancies: Rules & Consequences

QuestionQUESTION: So if it doesnt matter which number is entered for the player in the line up, why wear them?  I have now come across 4 instances in

ASA Fastpitch Strike Zone Rules (11U & Under)

QuestionHello,  We had a 11 and under ASA fastpitch game tonight and some of the balls that were being called a strike were bouncing on home plate on

Bat Recertification: Understanding ASA Standards & Regulations

Questioni have a 2006 demo white steel, that is used by my entire team. the markings are totally worn off. in my last game the bat was removed from the gam

18U Slowpitch Baseball: Illegal Mound Visit & Pitching Rules - Expert Analysis

QuestionQUESTION: I had an actual play occur in 18U slowpitch boys involving my shortstop and pitcher.  During an inning change, my shortstop went to

MLB Rule: Does a Run Count on a Double Play with a Pre-Existing Runner?

QuestionWe had an instance where the bases were loaded with one out.  The ball was hit to the left fielder who caught the ball on the fly.  The g