Base Coach Interference: Understanding the Ruling

QuestionOn a line drive foul ball towards third, the base coach reached up and caught the ball.  The field ref called the batter out based on coaches

Softball Steal Call: Umpire Discretion and Rule Consistency

QuestionI had a runner on 3rd and the batter was walked on four pitches. I had the batter run to the base and she took a turn to 2nd but then came back to

Softball Runner Interference: Umpire Ruling & Correct Call

QuestionRunner on First and Second.  Ball hit to second basemen before she fields the ball the runner ran into her.  She fielded the ball and thr

Softball Batter Positioning: How Pitch Speed Affects Box Placement

QuestionMy daughters are playing 13U fastpitch softball and I have a general question concerning the position of the batter in relation to the pitchers thr

Softball Pitching Distance Measurement: Front vs. Back & Base Distances Explained

Question1) high school softball pitching distance is 40, but is it measured from the front or back of the pitching rubber? 2) from home to second is 84 10

Fastpitch Softball: Run-Basing, RBIs, and Earned Runs Explained

QuestionA baserunner is on base because of an error. If the next batter gets a base hit, and the runner scores, is it a RBI for that batter. AnswerYes it

12U Fastpitch Softball: Optimal Team Size & Position Coverage

QuestionQUESTION: In fielding a 12U fastpitch softball team what is the min. and max. number of players you would field.  Also, how many positions wou

Rosin Bags in Baseball: Who Provides Them?

QuestionMy daughter keeps getting told shes not wiping her hands off enough when she puts her pitching hand in the dirt before pitching. Should the umpire

Softball Umpiring Dilemma: Calling a Runner Inside the Baseline

QuestionMy 16 year old daughter is umpiring for our local recreation department softball league.  At tonights game, the catcher dropped the third stri

Fastpitch Softball Rules: Runner's Rights & Pitcher's Circle

QuestionPitcher has control of the ball inside of the pitchers circle, but is not on the pitching plate, just walking in or around.  Can a baserunner,

High School Fast Pitch: Obstruction Ruling - Inning Ends

QuestionRunner on second, two outs. Batter hits high pop up between home and first. Runner on second heads for third and is unintentionally knocked down by

Understanding and Addressing Running After Strikeouts in Baseball

QuestionQUESTION: Hi Mark, Recently we played a team whose coach has every girl who strikes out, even when the ball is caught by catcher, run all the way t

Class A vs. Class B Softball Rules for 10U Leagues: A Guide

QuestionHow do I know what type of rules best suit our local softball leagues 10 and under team?  Are we considered class A or B?  We have 1 team

ASA Baseball Rules: Runner Hit by Batted Ball - Correct Call?

QuestionHi, Using ASA rules a batter hits a ball and infielders miss the ground ball which were play inside the base path and the runner going to second g

ASA Approved Bats: Understanding Banned & Approved Bats - Demarini Dark

QuestionI have been out of the softball playing for a few years and are getting back into play.  I have a Demarini Dark bat and I am not sure if I can

Base Running Rules: Runner on First & Third - Force Out Scenarios

QuestionRunners on first and third.  Runner on first takes second, but walks very slowly to second, trying to force my pitcher to make a play on her.

Tournament Game Concerns: Safety and Weather Conditions

QuestionWe started a 14U tournament game. We were the Home team. We brought up our concerns of playing because of the sprinkling rain. They said play ball

Slow-Pitch Baseball Ruling: Runner on 1st, Liner to 1B - Seeking Guidance

QuestionWe are in a co-ed, recreational, slow-pitch league in Iraq, playing with ASA rules (with a few minor house rules to adapt to our field conditions).

Base Running Obstruction & Safe/Out Calls: Expert Analysis

QuestionHello Dr. Mark, Here is one from a recent game that Id like your input on.  R1 on 2nd base when B1 singles to RF.  R1 is obstructed by F6

Umpire Error: Home Plate Rule Violation & Ethical Concerns - Seeking Expert Advice

QuestionHey Dr. Ambrose, havent talked to you in a while.  Had a situation arise tonight.  Dont know if it is a rule or falls under ethics.