Base Running Rules: Returning to a Base After Advancing

QuestionBatter gets a base hit misses first base continues to second base on his way to third retreat back to first base  runner is tag while standing

Re-entry Rules for Coaches: Timing and Declaration

QuestionDr. Ambrose, Please define as a coach when exactly am I required to announce a player as a re-entry into the game. Am I required to declare that th

Fastpitch Softball: Understanding Balks and Illegal Pitches

QuestionQUESTION: If a pitcher begins her windmill pitch and stops before delivering a pitch, is this a balk. ANSWER: There is no balk in fastpitch. This

Understanding Dead Ball Situations: A Baseball Rules Explanation

QuestionReal situation.  Trailing by 1 top of the 7th.  Runner on 2nd and 3rd.  Groundball hit to short stop.  The throw to first pulls

Fast Pitch ASA Umpires: Analyzing a Challenging Play & Potential Umpire Error

QuestionSituation happened at my 12U Accelerated tournament over the weekend. Three-Umpire-System, where the 1BU saw the play. He was walking the line on t

Fast Pitch Softball: Understanding the 5-Point Rule & Scoring

QuestionWe have a 5 point rule per inning.Team A had 5 points in the top of the 2nd inning and team B had 0.Team B made 4 runs and had bases loaded and mad

Baseball Play Analysis: Runner's Appeal and Ball in Circle Ruling

QuestionBases empty.  Ground ball hit to short stop who overthrows first base.  As runner advances toward second, right fielder fields ball and t

Appealing Umpire Calls in Cricket: What You Need to Know

QuestionOnce an umpire rules on a pitch (whether its a ball or a strike) can it be appealed to the field umpire? I was under the impression that once its c

Designated Player in Baseball: Definition & Rules Explained

QuestionQUESTION:  what is the definition of a designated player. Not trying to be facetious, but arent they all designated? your the pitcher, your th

Understanding EP/AP in 2009 Championship Play

QuestionQUESTION: For 2009 championship play is there any additional player or extra players used to get more players in the game. If so is it AP or EP and

Improve Fastpitch Hitting: Addressing Weak Pop-Ups & Off-Bat Contact

QuestionHow do I cure my daughter from hitting weak pop ups and hitting the ball off the end of the bat?  She is 12 years old and 5 6 and she weighs 1

Umpire Authority: Understanding When an Umpire Cannot Overrule a Call

QuestionI was the field umpire on a play that had a double play ball hit to the short stop.  I called the runner at second out and the runner at first

Base Running Rules: Is Sliding Required at Home Plate?

Question14u and 16u if a play is being made at the plate does the baserunner have to slide to avoid contact AnswerThere is no rule that ever requires a pl

Understanding Modern Infield Readiness: Glove Position & Technique

QuestionQUESTION: Hi I have played many years of mens fast pitch and baseball, but what i dont understand is i see the local high school girls coaches &nb

Understanding the Strike Zone: Pitching Rules and Definitions

Questionwhat is the ruling if a pitch comes across a batter from shoulders down and hits deep in the batters box is it a strike or what is the strike zone

Base Running Rules: Advancing on a Walk with a Runner on Third

QuestionCan you explain the rule of a runner advancing to 2nd base after a walk. Say third base is occupied and  the batter walks and goes to second a

Coach Bringing Rulebook on Field: Ejection Policy & Rules

QuestionMy question is this ... Is there a rule that states if a coach or asst. brings a rule book on the the playing field during a game, that coach is su

Softball Out of Play Ruling: Runner Advancement & Batter Status

QuestionQUESTION: What is the ruling on a batted ball that is fielded and then the throw to first is wild and goes out of play.  Lets say for argument

Understanding Extra Players in Women's Slow Pitch Softball

QuestionCan I use a substitute for an extra player or does the EP have to play the whole game? AnswerHi Kellie, Choosing to play with an EP youre batting

Baseball Interference Rules: Pitcher & Runner Scenarios Explained

Questioni have two questions first is pitcher is on the rubber and a runner on third, runner comes off third three feet pitcher goes into wind up runner go