Obstruction

Question
A batter hits a ball to right center field and attempts 2nd base. Rather than taking a position at 2nd base or towards the outfield as a relay, the fielder takes a position directly in the base line between 1st and 2nd about 6 to 7 feet from 2nd base towards 1st to recieve the ball. This position would have required the base runner to make a drastic course deviation close to 2nd base to avoid contact and still be able to get to the base. The throw comes in directly to the fielder and the runner is tagged as she trys to avoid a collision.

Is this Obstruction?

Response
Obstruction can be a very difficult judgement call.
In the situation you present, it could be obstruction or not depending on how exactly the play unfolded.
It is obstruction if a fielder blocks the runner's base path without possession of the ball.
However if the fielder gets out of the runner's way or receives the ball (even at the last moment) it is not obstruction.

Bunt with two strikes

Question
when I have two strike can I bunt?


Response
Yes you may bunt with two (2) strikes.
If the bunt is fair, the play stands.
However if the bunt is foul, it is strike 3 and you are out (Rule 7 Sec 5 para E & Rule 7 Sec 14 para C

Pitcher’s non-pivot foot

Question
from what i read in the rules the back foot doesn't have to be in contact with rubber it can either be in contact with rubber or be behind the rubber not touching the rubber??

Response
That is correct.
By Rule 6 Sec1
the pitcher shall take a position with ... the non pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcher's plate.

Coach touching runner

Question
My player hit a ball out over the center fielder's head. As she was running to first and heading toward second base my first base coach touched her shoulder as she was saying go to second, go to second. When my player reached second base the umpire called her out because my first base coach touched her. I could not find anything in the rule book about this, but my understanding was that you had to physically assist the runner in some way, i.e., pick her up if she fell, pull her back on the base to avoid getting thrown out, or physically assisting her to the next base. Could you please clarify this.
Response
A base coach touching a runner in the act of coaching is considered assisting physically.
Any touch to tell the runner to stop at the base; go on to the next base or start on a tag play would fall in this category and the runner should be called out.
From your description of the play, the umpire enforced the rule correctly.

RULE 8. BASE RUNNING
Sec 18. Any runner is out when:
AA. When anyone other than another Runner physically assists him while the ball is in play.

Runs catcher over

Question
The opposing team had bases loaded, a ball was hit to the infield and thrown to home for the force at home. The girl on third intentionally runs our catcher over, and she gets a busted up nose.

Is she not required to slide? If so, what ruling is it, and where is this within the rule book. What I seemed to have found so far, she should of been thrown out of the game at least for plowing over my catcher.

Response
A runner is never required to slide.
The runner may not initiate malicious contact (deliberately, with great force, crash into fielder with ball)
If the runner had not already scored, she would be out.
In any case, she would be subject to ejection.

Overthrow

Question
I have an 8U Fastpitch Machine Pitch team. My question is in reference to Rule 16 #8 on page 59 of the USSSA Fastpitch Rules. On a batted ball, if a fielder overthrows the first baseman, the ball remains within the playing field and no other attempt is made to throw to another base, is the batter/runner allowed to advance all the way to third base if possible or would they be required to return to second base after the play is called dead?
Response
Rule 16.8 states One base will be allowed on any type overthrow.

It does not matter if it is live ball or a dead ball.
The runner would be placed on second.

We protect to second. They are frozen on second.
The play should be dead when the runner reached second unless they have a runner scoring.

Dead Ball Appeal

Question
A girl hit a home run and did not step on home plate. Timeout was called, and an appeal was going to be called, but the girl was coached to go back and step on home plate, and when she did the Home plate umpire called her safe. Under the rules is that the right call? The way I read them is No since it became a dead ball because timeout was called.

Response
Once the runner leaves the field of play or time has been called, the runner may not return to touch home plate.
There is no prohibition on coaching the runner.

Thrown Bat

Question
Any information on throwing the bat after a hit?

Response
If a bat is thrown and interferes with a defensive player attempting a play, interference shall be called.
This is the only rule we have that address a thrown bat.
There are many local rules but nothing else at the National level

Hockey Style Catcher’s Helmet

Question
The catcher rules mentioned a neck/throat protector, would a Hockey Style catchers helmet be sufficient;

Response
Our rules state that if a NOCSAE approved hockey style catcher’s helmet is used, a separate throat protector is not needed.

Batting Helmets

Question

On regular hitting helmets; do they have to all match on the team or could they be painted special, ect.

Response
Batting helmets are considered protective equipment and there is no requirement that they match. Caps, if worn, do have to match.