Softball Game Interruption: Replay Rules & ASA Guidelines

QuestionWe were playing softball tonight when the power went out.  We were in the 3rd inning and winning 10 to 1.  The decision was made to play

ASA Umpires: Ejections & Outs for Unsportsmanlike Conduct (USC)

QuestionCan an ASA umpire give an out for swearing and if so can he forward an additional out for upcoming innings? If there is an orange and white base d

ASA Slow Pitch Softball: Batter's Box Rules & Violations

QuestionIn ASA slow pitch the batter is required to be in the batters box when the pitch is delivered. What should be called if the batter is not in the ba

Softball Rules: Runner Out of Baseline & Fielder Interference - Expert Explanations

Question1. runner runs out of the baseline to avoid being tagged. safe or out? if the fielder is in the baseline with the ball is this interference on the

MLB Baseball: Tagging a Runner Forced from Base - Rules & Strategy

QuestionQUESTION: Situation:  the bases are loaded the ball gets hit to third on the ground,  the runner on third decides to stay on the bag, &nb

Coed Softball: Out Rules When a Player is Missing

QuestionWhen playing coed (5/5) if a woman is missing, when does the out get counted for her at bat?  after the first out for her at bat, does the tea

Batter's Box Without Lines: Umpire Ruling & Correct Application

QuestionWe always play with not lines for the batters box.  We had a case where the batter was clearly out of any imaginary batters box.  I asked

ASA Softball Defensive Player Substitution Rules & Strategies

QuestionDear sir: Can defensive players switch after every new batter? After every pitch?  What are the restrictions on this type of strategy since it

ASA Softball: Foul Ball Outs - Height Requirements & Rules

QuestionASA Slowpitch softball. How high must a foul ball go in order to be an out when the catcher catches it? I thought over the batters head but last ni

Umpire's Perspective: Handling Coach Arguments and Judgment Calls

QuestionLast night I umpires a game where a coach argued many calls from obstruction because the defense was on the inside corner of the bag. (Did not alte

Baseball Interference: Runner's Actions & Umpire's Role at First Base

QuestionASA Rules except there is no safety base at 1st.  Batter bunts and runs entire distance to 1st inside fair territory.  Catcher fields b

Baseball Substitution Reporting Rules: 2009 Regulations Explained

QuestionWhat is the 2009 rule on reporting substitutions to the ump? The ump @ a recent game stated that subs do not have to reported prior to entering the

Base on Balls (Walk): Runner's Rights & Base Advancement

Questionupon getting a base on balls (a walk) and the runner rounds 1st base towards second base while the pitcher is in the pitching circle with the ball.

Batting Order Confusion: What Happens When a Batter Batts Twice?

QuestionRunner on first, no outs.  Batter hits a foul ball in the air that is caught by the Left Fielder in play.  But, after catching the ball,

Catcher's Interference: Understanding Plate Blocking Rules in Softball

QuestionWhat constitutes blocking the plate? My daughter catches for her travel team. She was taking the throw when the runner slid into her. Her feet were

Obstruction vs. Interference in Baseball: Understanding the Difference

QuestionIn a recent game I noticed a play in which the shortstop was playing inside the baseline.  I soft line drive was hit over her head and landed

ASA Baseball Rules: Foul Balls & Runner Advancement

QuestionASA RULES, start with one and one count, one foul to give.  Player gets a strike called and then hits foul ball.  Next one has to be hit

6-12 Foot Rule in Adult Slow Pitch Softball: Umpire Consistency & Pitching Mechanics

Questionif 99% of the umpires do not have correct judgement on 6ft to 12ft is there any thing that can be done? i know for a fact that if im pitching 5ft.

Understanding Umpires' Calls in Slow Pitch Softball: A Fair Play Guide

QuestionThis situation occurred during a slow pitch softball game.  Obviously before the game both teams and the umpire go over all the home teams gro

Force Out vs. Double Play: Run Scoring in Baseball

QuestionHello Dr. Ambrose, thanks in advance for taking my question. Here is the situation. There are two outs with runners on first and third. The batter