Fly Ball & Fence Rules: Batter Out & Base Awarding

QuestionRegarding the question about the fielder catching a fly ball and then going over the outfield fence - I was under the impression that that was the

Softball Force Play Rule: Collision at First Base - Umpiring Scenario

QuestionI was umping a camp game of high school age boys when there was a throw to first that would have ended the game. We only use a single base so the f

Baseball Rule Question: Force Out vs. Tagging

QuestionThis situation is more common in younger players, since they are still unsure of a lot of rules. Visiting team had a runner on 3rd.  Batter h

Base Running Rules: Can a Runner Advance After a Pickoff Attempt?

QuestionI will try to reword my question and hope it makes more sense this time, sorry.  In my daughters 4 & 5th grade fatpitch league we have the rul

Softball Base Running Rule: Dropped Third Strike & Interference

QuestionWITH A RUNNER ON 1ST AND 0 OR 1 OUT, AND A DROPPED 3RD STRIKE, IF THE BATTER RUNS TO 1ST AND THE PLAYER ON 1ST RUNS TO 2ND, AND THE CATCHER THROWS

ASA Softball: Pitcher Substitution Rules & Legal Play

QuestionQUESTION: In ASA softball, is it true that between innings if a defensive player enters the pitchers circle with the game ball and touches the pitc

Baseball Rule Interpretation: Basepath Tagging Scenario

QuestionOdd situation in a 12U championship game and Im not sure the correct call.  Batter hits a slow roller down first base line.  First basema

Slow-Pitch Baseball: Interference Call Explained - Was It Correct?

QuestionMark, Friday night in my Mens Slow-Pitch game the following situation occurred. Runners on 1B and 2B with two out.  Ground-Ball to SS in fro

ASA Softball Infield Positioning Rules: Understanding the Regulations

QuestionWe play in a Mens Open league, under ASA rules.  Tonight the umpire told our shortstop that he could not play in the outfield grass; that he h

Slow Pitch Softball: Third Strike Rule Differences (NSA vs. ASA)

QuestionIn slow pitch, I know in NSA the third tip or foul ball is still a strike and the batter would be out, but I am unsure about whether ASA rules are

Base Running Collision: Umpire's Ruling and Correct Application of Baseball Rules

QuestionQUESTION: Runner at first. Ball hit to right field. Runner rounds second   watching right fielder (approx. 20 ft from ball still). Runner

ASA Slow Pitch Rules: Illegal Quick Pitches Explained

QuestionSir, we have a pitcher in our league that continuously quick pitches the ball.  What in the rule book, if anything, states no quick pitch. &nb

Softball Umpire Ruling: Runner & Fielder Collision at 3rd Base

QuestionH1 drops a hit over 3B head,  LF comes in to field the ball and does so.  H1 stops at 2nd, but sees 3B off the bag and proceeds to 3rd. &

Senior Slow Pitch Softball: Is This Pitch Legal?

QuestionA pitcher raises his left arm straight up in the air as if to call a time out and at the same time pitches the ball with his right hand.  The

Playoff Seeding: Tie-Breaking Strategies for Slow Pitch Baseball

QuestionQUESTION: Tom, How do you break ties in the final regular season standings? We have to determine seeding for the playoffs. Were probably going t

ASA Softball Rules: Automatic Outs with 8 Players

Questionhow many automatic outs do you have to take if you are only playing with 8 players? AnswerHi brent, In ASA fp beginning the game shorthanded you

ASA Slow Pitch: Umpire Communication of Illegal Pitches

QuestionMy question pertains to an illegal pitch being called in an ASA slow pitch sanctioned league.  If a pitch is deemed to be illegal (whether too

Softball Rules: Handling Injuries & Short Staffing in U12 Games

QuestionTeam A has only 9 players (ie no subs). 1 player gets hurt leaving Team A with only 8 players.  The umpire announces that when Team A comes to

Softball Rules: Catcher's Touch & Force Outs - Official Explanation

QuestionQUESTION: Can the catcher on an errant throw, reach back an touch home plate with his glove hand without the ball in it. Also does the same rule ap

MLB Interference Calls: Are Umpires Getting It Right?

Questionthe catcher missed the ball on a called third strike. the batter now begins to run to first to try to be safe but during the play the catchers thro