2023Softball Rules Interpretations, Rule 3 - Substitutes DP-Flex Illegal Subs-New Lineup Card FINAL.pptx, Rule 4 - Pre-Game and Post-Game FINAL.pptx, Rule 5 - Dead Ball and Suspension of Play FINAL.pptx, 2020-21 Softball Helmet Reconditioning and Recertification, 2020 Major Rule Differences between USA Softball, NCAA, and NFHS, Wisconsin Interscholastic Question 13: Runner on 3rd, and batter walks, goes right past 1st and onto 2nd. In the 5th inning, the opposing coach drew this to the attention of the home plate official who then issued us a warning and said this was an illegal activity. R1 crashes into F4, in the base path, as she attempts to gain control of a batted ball which is within a step and a reach of the spot of initial contact. 2 . He mistakenly hands the lineup card for the second game of the double header to the umpire but had given Team B's scorekeeper the correct lineup for the game that was about to begin. Realmuto's running play Phillies @ Cubs. Thompson Third Base (5) (6) Moved defensively to Shortstop, 6. Question 2: On a check swing can a coach from the dugout request help from base umpire to overrule plate umpire and make the call? I have not seen any clarification from NFHS giving us guidance on when, in this situation, the Look Back Rule is again in effect. Since a substitute can reenter, this player could have been used to hit for the pitcher (same spot in the batting order) in a later inning. Batter-Runner and Runner Rule 9. NOTE. And just to be clear, the batte4-runner can run anywhere they like but being in fair territory past the start of the running lane puts them at risk of an interference call. Softball Rules Committee Welcomes New Members for 2023, Jewelry Permitted in 2023 High School Softball Rules Changes, South Dakota Readies for 2022 Softball Season, Oregon Softball Players Earn Appreciation for Officials, Title IX Paved Way for Softball Olympian Michele Smith, SDHSAA Board Approves Sanctioning Of Softball. 5516 Vern Holmes Drive The fielding team head coach appealed the play, and I ruled runner was out (#3) and inning over because the fielder contacted the orange half of the bag before the runner returned to the white half. A. Season 2023; More From . (3-4-1a;m 3-3-6g) It is interesting to note that illegal players can be discovered after a pitch has been thrown causing them to be restricted to dugout/bench, but not in this situation because the FLEX, although illegal, wasn't in the batter's box or on base. That will reduce you to 9 players and the FLEX Has left the game, but you may re-enter her once. Answer: The use of a ring or donut is not prohibited. 5. Since she went to home I did not call her out. They let the girl she was subbing for come back in and hit with her 1 and 1 count. Just want to make sure. Answer: From the NFHS staff: It would be allowed as long as it is not distracting to the batter. Rule 6-1-1 PENALTY: "In the case of an illegal pitch, the batter is awarded a ball." http://www.amazon.com/Markwort-Knob-Cuff-Bat-Taper/dp/B00GVIE9BG, Answer: Legal per NFHS Rule 1-5-2a; "Devices, attachments or wrappings that cause the knob to become flush with the handle are permitted." Answer:Please refer to the Case Book, 3.2.1; In (a), a player asks to wear a jacket over her uniform while running the bases. Answer: Rule 3-3 (substitution) does not include any special consideration for injuries. Question 26: A Senior player on our Varsity Softball team broke her hand in a game early in the season. Is this a legal bat? Question 11: Our home field has a grass infield, but is fully fenced in with the fence at 230'. Please refer to the State Association Regulations: "If neither team has a legal field the game will be played at the home team's field.". The DP enters the game defensively and plays right field (9)as permitted in Rule 3-3-5e. Plate umpire Sam Holbrook ruled that Washington Senators batter-runner Trea Turner violated the rule by running outside the lane, thus interfering with the ability of the first baseman to receive the throw from the pitcher, who was in the vicinity of home plate. Question 14: R1 & R2 on first and second with no one out. Can they play, and how should we notify the umpires and opposing team? The running lane rule obviously becomes more possible the closer the batted ball is to home plate. 1. If for TWO additional name changes, is the head coach restricted to the dugout, and if for three additional changes, is he/she ejected? The OHSAA . Its the legal size. If the coach would like to take the penalty, a ball is awarded to B2 (2 ball 1 strike count) and R1 would be returned to first base. The defense had the outfield playing shallow. Question 5: With 2 outs, R2 on second and R3 on third, the coach of Team B informs the plate umpire that he/she wants B4, with a 2-0 count, walked intentionally. I am not aware of any prohibition against a hand warmer. 2) can they use the part of the infield that is in foul territory? The ball is in flight but before the catcher receives the ball the runner is forced to slow down and deviate from his normal path to avoid a collision. The penalty that permitted base runners to be awarded one base without liability to be put out has been removed. There was no attempt by the runner, throw or movement by the pitcher, or anything else involved. Question 31: In a softball game last week, I was using the DP/Flex option. RULE 1-2-1 www.nfhs.org Bases may be designed to disengage from their anchor system. After the swing, contact, and before running the bat flies out of the batters hand. Do I have the authority to ask that the music be turned off or down? PetersonDP(9) Enters game defensively in Right Field. Rule 7-3-2. Once an intentional walk is awarded by the umpire it is final and cannot be reversed. This doesnt seem to be the correct ruling. As she is walking to the plate the defensive coach requests time and informs the plate umpire that she wants to intentionally walk B7. Lets look at the rule, its enforcement and its nuances. Please refer to the following language per WIAA regulations: a. Rule 1. Softball Rules Changes - 2022 - NFHS Former right fielder (9) moved to third base as covered in Rule 3-1-6. 2023 Baseball Rules Book 2023 Softball Case Book 2023 Track & Field Rules Book FAQPrivacy PolicyContact UsShopping CartLogin E. Team A is using 10 players in its lineup, with the DP-L. Jones batting third. (3-6-8; 3-6-11). Answer:The sub dermal implant is legal since it is contained beneath the skin with no exposed surfaces. Question 17: A batter attempts a bunt on a low pitch, just above her ankles, and pops it up about to the height of her waist if, the catcher catches it, is she out? 2. Running Backwards To Avoid The Tag? - Discuss Fastpitch Softball Community This is a violation of the re-entry rule.. Just wondering if this is allowed or not allowed. Legal, but bench personnel cannot obstruct the umpires view of B1 touching home plate. Question 1: There is a runner on 1st base, and the batter lays down a bunt. Thus, I assume, were he the umpire he would have called interference. Question 15: We may have an allegedly (with no proof), fan/parent calling plays andpossibly pitches from the bleachers- is this a rule violation? B1 rounds first base and reaches second base. Fair or foul is tough to judge when you are behind the catcher. Yes. Answer: Rule 6-1-1a; Prior to pitching, the pitcher must take a positionand with the hands separated. You have correctly identified the issue. In this case, the runner should not be called out unless the hindrance is intentional. Can you confirm if this is a rule so I can instruct my team correctly? PDF 2021-22 NFHS Sport Rules PowerPoint - cifss.org This bat was designed, manufactured and tested with the bottom part of the bat made to swivel. (3-2-5c) SITUATION 3: B1 bunts the ball in front of home plate. Rule 8-7-1, Look-back rule will be in effect when the ball is live, the batter-runner has touched first base or has been declared out, and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitcher's circle (2-45: both feet within or partially within circle). Answer: During warm-up, pitchers do not have any prohibition regarding pitching. When the runner was called out she was called out for being outside the base line or running lane. Softball Rules Changes - 2022 By NFHS on September 07, 2021 softball Share Print 1-2-1: Clarifies bases may be designed to disengage from their anchor system. I do not see it on the non-approved list. #1 GunnerShotgun May 17, 2012 2,697 113 I swear this has been discussed before but I can't find the exact thread or rule. Answer: This is an incorrect ruling. The throw to first was late and B1 was safe. Question 14: Is this item legal? Printable USA's Non-Approved Bat List with Certification Marks (2000 and 2004) 1 page condensed /several pages larger pic B. I would interpret your situation similar to this one. AbbotShortstop (6)Leaves game defensively. Had this been the second unreported substitution, the unreported substitute and coach would be restricted to the bench and another legal substitute orthe player whom the unreported substitute replaced would bat with a 1 ball 0 strike count. If the batter hits the ball and reaches first base safely and if all other runners have advanced at least one base on the batted ball, catcher obstruction is canceled. The situation you describe requires an interpretation or judgment of the umpires that were officiating the game. Thus, if batter is not swinging or pitch is not within the strike zone, batter is awarded first. With the ball in flight the right fielder has a chance to catch a fly ball for an out, how I read 8.6.11, that should be a dead ball and an out by interference even though the ball got by f3 and f4. Time Plays. I then moved my right fielder to 3rd base and my 3rd baseplayer to shortstop. Answer: As is the case with many softball situations, its difficult to give an exact answer. Illegal player (FLEX) is out and restricted to the dugout/bench. The next batter hit a pop up to our second baseman and she was clearly under the ball and the infield fly rule was called. No attempt to advance was made. I was under the impression that it had to be a playable ball that the fielders could not make a decision to not catch a ball in an effort to attempt a double play. Do we need to start over? Legal? I realize they have to be in the 3 foot area at the 60 ft mark. Scoring and Record Keeping Rule 10. Is this rule 5-1-g3 because the dead ball area is a fence door to the team bench area? J.T. (2) There is no loss of academic class time. Question 2: With no outs, a 1 ball 1 strike count and R1 on first base, the pitcher is called for an illegal pitch. If the marking were to be covered in some fashion, by rule it would be permitted. How is call different if she has not yet stepped on the pitching plate? Rule 5-1 2020 NFHS Softball Rules Page 46 31. In fact, a careful reading of the NFHS running lane rule reveals that it does not specify which fielder is affected by the batter-runners violation. Question 4: Bottom of 6th inning, two outs, runner on 3rd, score Iola 3, Bonduel 2. Question 32a: Does P1 have to throw a pitch in the 1st inning before I can make the switch? In this play the author says runner's action "clearly is the cause" for defensive player's flinch. Answer: No, a waiver is not necessary. Answer: Rule 6-1-2 does not list this as an illegal pitch. Collision Decision - Referee.com Part of that development is keeping em in the lane., https://www.mlb.com/video/search?q=Player%20%3D%20%5B%22Trea%20Turner%22%5D%20Order%20By%20Timestamp. NFHS rules: Batter bunts ball and runs to first base. Answer:The ruling is correct. I asked the base umpire about it and he said he couldn't see it and referred me to the home umpire. XYZ did score in top of 6th making it 3 -1, of course ABC scores 1 run in bottom of 6th before the weather changes things. The base umpire would watch the runner at first and the plate umpire the runner at third to be sure they comply with requirements of the Look Back Rule. All rights reserved. 2023-24 Officials Registration is now open, through June 30. Say a third baseman is charging on a bunt; the more he moves toward the first base line in fielding the ball, the less the angle, and the increase in the importance of the batter-runner being in the running lane so that there is room to throw and receive the throw. What is the penalty? Runner on first pitched ball gets away from the catcher and goes into dead ball territory before the runner gets to second and as the runner gets to second. Lightning is spotted, teams are asked to go off field, time 5:45 pm, while waiting, more lightning, rain starts falling lightly, still waiting, heavier rain comes down, field is considered unplayable. Instead the base umpire first said that the runner needs to be tagged on the infield fly rule. Question 15: Last week we had a team with a DP in the 7th batting spot, batting for the pitcher who was the FLEX in the 10th spot on the card. Answer: The running lane from home plate to first base begins 30 feet from home plate. Batter-runner steps backward toward home plate. Runner Touched by Live Ball. Lets work to make sure the running lane rule is not the most-missed in the high school game. The coach shall receive a team warning. NFHS requires no foot on ground outside of lane. Question 13: Coach had listed an improper number on the line-up card. Conventional baseball wisdom suggests that stolen bases are only worth the risk if a player's success rate rises above 75-80 percent. Runners at 2nd & 3rd. 2. "When that opportunity comes, we . USA is position of ball. For trivia buffs the three-foot running lane is actually wider than three feet. Please refer to Rule 1-1-8; "All lines on the field shall be white". A machine is used to "roll" the bat, thereby making the wall of the bat barrel thinner. Question 8: Can a player legally have a hand warmer in her back pocket? As with any play in sports wherein the only people aware of a problem are the official watching for it and the players immediately affected, the crowd and announcers were stunned that someone had been called out. The batter-runner could only be called out if she interfered with F3 who is making an initial play on the batted ball. (4) A format other than three outs per inning is used. If none of the players arepaying any attention to them then I wouldn't worry about it. 3 innings is the max number of innings that a girl could play in the JV game, and 1 inning is the max that a girl could play in the Varsity game without it counting as its own game. She dropped the bat and went to first. Question 3: B3 bats and advances to second base; however, she misses first base on her way to second. If not announced, a substitute has entered the game when the ball is live and a batter takes her place in the batter's box and the umpire declares the ball live. 2. No warning would be issued unless the scorekeeper/coach or other dugout personnel were out of the dugout. B2 swings and misses the ball. Batter lined foul and ball was caught by first baseman (out #2) in foul territory. Same wording as above, The FLEX-B. National Federation of State High School Associations - 2023 Softball Rules Book 2023 Softball Rules Book SEARCH: 2023 Softball Rules Book Item #:SFRB23 Price: $10.00 Quantity: Customers who bought this also bought. Answer: Correct call. However, to repeat, runners who leave early on a caught infield fly can be called out if they do not retouch the base or leave early. Nowhere in the NFHS or WIAA rules does it state that illegal pitching should be ignored if, in the umpires opinion, no advantage is gained. It would result in team warning based on Penalty. And, when the DP reaches base, can a courtesy runner be used for her if she was pitching in the half inning prior to her at bat? Within our 51 member state associations, we serve 19,500 high schools and more than 12 million young people. Regarding the padding, if you follow the requirements for padding listed in 3-2-13 and it meets those standards, coach should simply tell the umpires that the padding is in compliance with 3-2-13. The first baseman also tried to tag the runner but failed to do so before the runner returned to the white half of first base. When considering this rule it is important to realize that the first base bag is completely in fair territory; the base is completely outside the running lane. Worst of all it results in an unfair situation for defensive players looking for a fair chance to put the batter-runner out. Here is where it gets interesting. Answer: You are correct: Rule 8-1-1d. Answer: As long as the helmet meets all NFHS and WIAA requirements, this would be a local decision as whether you will allow a player to wear her own helmet. In this situation I would have let it stay in and not forced a change. Answer: Please refer to Rule 8-4-3c "(FP) a wild pitch or passed ball lodges in or goes under, over or through the backstop." Runners return to bases occupied at time of in-fraction. All games, at all levels must be 7 inning games, time limit games, or if a double header may be 2-5 inning games. The team continues to play with ten (10) players. Continues to bat. Each other runner must return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. So, if either umpire knows with certainty that runner at first touched second before the interference she is placed at second. Any information and clarification would be greatly appreciated. Answer: Please refer to NFHS Rules Book. Question 2: At our game last night the question was brought up as to whether the Flex player could be used as a courtesy runner for the pitcher. If this was first violation, no other action is taken. Answer: Please refer to the Softball Season Regulations; If the game is to be completed, it will be continued from the point of suspension. Rule 9-1-1, Exception; A run is not scored if the runner advances to home plate during action in which the third out is made as follows: A. by the batter-runner before touching first base. We replaced her with a legal substitute. Answer: It is permissible for your girls junior varsity softball team to play a schedule consisting only of scrimmages due to your low roster numbers. Rule 8 - Section 2 - TOUCHING, OCCUPYING AND RETURNING TO A BASE 8-2-1 An advancing runner shall touch first, second, third and then home plate in order, including awarded bases. Answer: Rule 3-3-9; Any player who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussionshall be immediately removed from the game and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health-care professional.. Copyright 2023 NFHS. Question 6: Pitch is clearly out of the strike zone but within the batters box and as the batter makes an effort to avoid the pitch it hits her on the hand as she holds the bat. (Rule 8-4-3d). Abbot has not left the game. 1-8-5 and 3-2-7a. Can I submit a line-up card at the beginning of the game listing 10 players with a DP/FLEX, but have the DP in the FLEX's defensive position on the first pitch of the game? If sanctioned by the visiting team, these shall be in force. In the 7th inning, the coach (a) stops play to confer with her infielders about a bunt situation, or (b) checks with F1, who has just been hit by a batted ball. The batter is out and the runners advance at their own risk. A team warning should have been issued andthe batter allowed to complete her turn at bat. Question 33: Is a coach allowed to be outside of the dugout while his/her team is on defense? 5516 Vern Holmes Drive Once the DP has safely reached base, the FLEX (pitcher) is substituted in for the DP and then a courtesy runner is brought in to run. Please let me know if I'm mistaken. In this case the result of the play would be B2 at bat with a 1 ball 2 strike count and R1 remaining out. PDF 2016 Softball Manual - OHSAA The NFHS Runner's Lane Rule: Umpire's Guide - Baseball Rules Academy Answer:Case Book, 3.6.10, sit. You arent allowed to add teams since only games on their original schedule can be rescheduled once the WIAA Tournament begins. One goal every umpire should have when developing as a plate umpire is to make sure that he or she is just as aware of how unfair it is that a runner runs outside of the running lane as the fielder at first trying to make a play on the ball. Would this be a requirement? The third baseman was straddling the line with no ball in possession. This device does not meet the spirit and intent of this rule. Question 9: What about the 15 run mercy rule after 3 complete innings, is that allowed? The plate umpire said it was a live ball and the HR stood. If she would have returned to third at that time she should have been declared out because of the move toward home committed her to go to home. Answer: No, once B3 is intentionally walked, there can be no appeal of an infraction that occurred prior to the intentional walk being granted by the umpire. The use of electronic devices by team personnel to transmit or record information pertaining to their players or team's performance shall be permitted within the team's dugout/bench area only. What is the ruling? The umpire should accompany the coach to check on the injured player and make sure that coaching does not take place. Answer: The following language is from the Softball Season Regulations. NFHS rules: Batter bunts ball and runs to first base. PDF 2022 Nfhs Softball Rules Interpretations She moves to third base on a sacrifice bunt. What is rolling of a bat and why would a company ask him if he wanted his new bats rolled if it is illegal? The plate umpire points at the guilty batter-runner, yelling, Thats interference! "placing the FLEX into one of the first nine positions for someone other than the DP's position is considered an illegal substitution (emphasis added). If called, the defensive coach will want to know what the runner did wrong. Defensive changes can be made at any time (subject to restriction of pitcher under 3-3-2 Note). No option is given. Question 13: Is there a regarded distance from the pitchers mound to the outfield that has to be dirt? Can we reschedule the invitational for Saturday, May 18? Question 32: I have 2 pitchers. Question 19: I received a call regarding a bat that has been determined by some umpires as illegal. The only way to pull this off is to have JV and varsity not play at the same time. Answer: #3 was out of order but second batter completed her turn at bat and since she was the correct second batter there is no penalty to Team A. There is no restriction on a batter running to first until she reaches the running lane.