Understanding Designated Hitter (DH) and Flex Player Rules

QuestionCan you explain how the DP and Flex players can be utilized Thank you AnswerHi Kellie, This rule is not complicated but people like to make it s

Baseball Interference Play Analysis: Dugout Nudge & Dead Ball Ruling

QuestionSituation:  R1 at 3B, R2 at 2B and R3 at 1B and one out.  BR hits grounder to F6 who throws to F3 at 1B and the ball goes off her glove a

Softball Stealing Home: Rules & NFHS 2006 Guidelines

QuestionI would like to know if a girl can steal home plate when another girls walks to first.  We have the rule book (NFHS 2006)and we couldnt find a

Softball HBP: Understanding Rule for Batter Advancing on Ground Ball Hit

QuestionQUESTION: Tom, I know when batter is hit by pitch that first hits ground she (should be) is awarded first base (providing attempt made to get out o

Legality of Automatic Walks in Youth Softball: A Rules Analysis

QuestionOur team has an exceptional hitter.  She can hit almost any pitch that comes anywhere near the plate.  Whereas that may not be a good tec

Base Running Rules: When Does a Fly Ball Advance a Runner?

QuestionRunner on 3rd and 1 out.  Batter hits a fly ball to right center where its seemed to be caught as the fielder comes up firing to home.  T

MLB Courtesy Runners & Defensive Substitutions: Rules Explained

QuestionI have two questions. If you use a CR for a catcher, can the CR then be used later in the game as a defensive player or as a pinch hitter for anoth

Understanding ASA Slow Pitch Strike Zone Rules

QuestionDr. Mark I need to understand what constitutes a strike. I had our umpire tell me that I could pitch the ball over the plate but it was only a str

High School Softball Pitching Rules: Glove-Side Delivery & Timing

QuestionI am wondering if we are just splitting atoms but I have a question in regards to pitching. I umpire at the high school level. During todays game a

International Tie Breaker (12U) Rule: Runner Substitutions Explained

QuestionIn the international tie breaker, can the opposite team sub for the runner on 2nd base? If the last known batter was pitcher or catcher, what is th

Fastpitch Softball: Rule on Cutting Across the Field After a Dropped 3rd Strike

QuestionHi Mark, Quick question for you.  This would be for Fastpitch, under ASA rules.  On a drop 3rd strike, the batter starts walking to the

Baseball Rule Clarification: Foul Balls & Tips Explained

QuestionQUESTION: Tom - two questions:  (1) if a batted ball rolls foul and then back into fair territory before 3rd base and before being touched - f

Dropped Third Strike & Baserunning: Rule Explanation

QuestionQUESTION: Runner on third base with less than two outs and there is a dropped third strike.  The right-handed hitting batter/runner initially

RBI & Batting Average: Understanding Baseball Scoring Rules

QuestionSituation: R1 at third with less than two outs. B1 hits a ground ball to second which is fielded cleanly and the out is recorded on B1 at first and

Umpire Rules on Player Chatter in Softball: ASA Guidelines

QuestionQUESTION: Is there an ASA rule about chatter?  Whether it be on the field, in the dugout, or the catcher? ANSWER: Hi Debbie, We have no rule

Baseball Pitching Rule: Glove Closure & Ball Placement - Clarification Needed

QuestionHi, Tom.  I just wanted clarification on the bringing the hands together item for pitching.  In an earlier answer, you indicated that the

ADA & Slow Pitch Softball: Designating Defense-Only Players

QuestionQUESTION: I have a documented disability and am able to play defense only.  What do I put on the line up card next to my name to designate th

Fair Ball Determination: Grounder Down the Third Baseline

QuestionIf a grounder is hit down the 3rd baseline, and rolling fair, then rolls out of play and then back into fair territory and stops in fair territory

Softball Sliding Rules: Are Runners Required to Slide at Home?

Questionthis past weekend i was playing in a softball tournament and there was this play at home and the girl ducked her head and crossed her arms across h

Senior League Softball Substitutions: Fair Play & Player Development

QuestionMy daughter who is 12 just moved up to Senior League (12,13,and 14 year olds).  On the team there are 5 12 year olds and 7 older girls.