USSSA Fast Pitch National Umpire Committee

Player Restrictions/Ejections, Playing Shorthanded

2011-02-22T10:50:00.002-05:00

Question: A team can start/play shorthanded (one less than required/starting). If a team doesn't have a substitute to replace a player that has been ejected, the game is forfeited since the shorthanded rule does not apply here.
The question is on restrictions to bench -
I believe a restriction is equal to an ejection. If a team doesn't have a substitute to the restricted player the game is forfeited. The Umpire enforced a rule/penalty and therefore if the team can not replace the restricted player, the game is over. They cannot use the shorthanded rule and take an out.
Am I correct on this ruling?

Answer: The rule is written as just ejection. The philosophy is that ejection is the penalty for the worst actions (fighting, ..) and that restriction to the bench is slightly lesser.
We could debate whether it should be that way and which actions should fall in which category but that is the intent.
So if a player is restricted to the bench, the team can continue shorthanded.

metal toe plates

2011-02-22T10:48:00.000-05:00

Question: Rule 2 Section 4 Shoes: In all divisions 14 and under and younger, Metal cleats and metal toe plates are prohibited. This is understandable. However, in divisions which metal cleats are allowed the toe plate must be securely fastened. Last year 15U and older were allowed metal cleats and toe plates.
In this years Clarification & Interpretation Topics Version 5, page 27, Pitcher's Uniform - A pitcher may not wear a metal toe plate on her shoe.
This appears to be inconsistent with the rule.

Answer: Unfortunately I just forgot to update the Clarification & Interpretation last year when we change the metal cleat/toe plate rule.
In any inconsistency the Rule Book takes precedence.

Retired Batter Advances

2010-03-16T16:04:00.000-04:00

2) R1 on third, R2 on second, R3 on first. There is less than two outs. 2 Strikes on the batter B1. B1 swings and misses and the ball is not caught by F2. B1 is out as first base is occupied with less than 2 outs. B1 proceeds to advance to first drawing a throw from F2. In turn R1 advance home without a play.

I have read the case book on this but wanted to ask about a different interpretation.

Case book say

SITUATION B: With less than two outs R1 on first base, F2 does not catch B2’s third strike. B2 begins
running to first base, F2 attempts to throw B2 out and overthrows F3.
RULING: As soon as B2 starts to run to first, the umpire shall announce that B2 is out (because of the
third strike and first base being occupied). The ball remains live. (7-14-D)

D. A third strike (in flight) is not caught, provided a runner occupies first base at the time
of the pitch and there are less than two outs.
NOTE: If there are two outs or if no runner occupies first base, the batter is not out
unless the third strike is caught. The batter is entitled to try to reach first base before
being tagged out or thrown out.

Here is my contention: Looking at the following rules.

8-4-B note

Sec 4. A batter becomes a batter runner with the right to attempt to score by advancing to
first, second and third and then home plate in the listed order when:
A. Hitting a fair ball.
NOTE: Batter becomes a runner when entitled to run.
B. Charged with a third strike.
NOTE: if a third strike is caught, the batter is out an instant after becoming a runner.

Rule 8 Sec 18 H notes 3:

H. Being put out is prevented by an illegal act by anyone connected with the team.
NOTE 1: If, in the judgment of the Umpire, a runner interferes in any way and
prevents a double play anywhere, two shall be declared out (the runner who
interferes and the runner closest to home).
NOTE 2: If a retired runner interferes and, in the judgment of the Umpire, another
runner could have been put out, the Umpire shall declare the runner closest to home
out.
NOTE 3: If the batter-runner interferes, the Umpire shall call the batter-runner and the
runner who has advanced the nearest to home base out.

IN looking at these rules I could rule:

B1 out on called third strike.
R1 out for batter-runner interferes.

Thank you for your consideration of these rule interpretations.

RESPONSE
Bases loaded less than 2 outs Batter strikes out and catcher drops ball. Batter is out. In general, there would be no interference on the retired batter. The ball would remain alive. The runners can advance with liability to be put out.

Our rules interpretations are based on the principal that all players, both offense and defense, should be aware of the situation. Therefore it is the catcher's responsibility to know the batter has been retired.
As described, I would score the R1’s run.

If this was an obvious and/or repetitive deceptive act on the part of the offense team, it could be ruled unsportsmanlike. This would result in an initial warning and returning the runner to third. Subsequent acts would be cause for ejection.

Retired Runner Advances

2010-03-16T16:03:00.000-04:00

QUESTION
R1 on third, R2 on second, R3 on first. There is less than two outs. B1 hits a ground ball to F5 who steps on third (R2 is out). F5 throws the ball home wildly. R3 rounds second base and continues to third. R2 (already out) continues to run the bases and heads to home. F3 retrieves the wild throw and in turn throw home to make a play on R2 (already out). Play end with time being called.

Rule 8 Sec 18 H notes 2:

H. Being put out is prevented by an illegal act by anyone connected with the team.
NOTE 1: If, in the judgment of the Umpire, a runner interferes in any way and
prevents a double play anywhere, two shall be declared out (the runner who
interferes and the runner closest to home).
NOTE 2: If a retired runner interferes and, in the judgment of the Umpire, another
runner could have been put out, the Umpire shall declare the runner closest to home
out.
NOTE 3: If the batter-runner interferes, the Umpire shall call the batter-runner and the
runner who has advanced the nearest to home base out.

R2 was initial out at third.
R1 would score and run counts
R3 would be out under rule 8-18-H N2

Do you Agree?

RESPONSE
Agree
R2 is out at 3rd base. R1 scores run counts. R3 is out as a result of interference by retired R2 (8.18.H.NOTE 2)

Jewelry - religious items

2010-03-01T13:50:00.001-05:00

Question
Jewerly - We know that medical bracelets/necklaces are allowed provided that they are taped down and the medical condition is exposed. Religious items came up. This item is covered in the H.S. rule book but not ours. In this PC world, I don't want to get into a religious war. Is USSSA FP allowing religious items provided they are treated the same as medical?

Response
2.5 Jewelry – Our jewelry rule exempts medical alert bracelets and necklaces. We have no such exemption for religious items that would exclude them from the jewelry rule.

Playing Short

2010-03-01T13:47:00.002-05:00

Question
Rule 5.2 Playing Short - "Under no circumstances shall a team be allowed to have less than eight (8) players in the batting order". Very simple. However, a long discussion came out of this. If a team starts with 2 AP's (11 batters) can they drop to 8? My answer is no, they can only drop to 10. But "the black and white" Umpires kept bringing up the rule. As I explained, that portion of the rule is for starting a game and a game in progress with only 9 players.

Response
5.2 Playing Short.
The very first sentence says “A team shall be allowed to play one player short”.
You are correct if you start with 2 APs batting 11, you may go down to 10 but no lower.
And for those that need every case spelled out:
If you start with 1 AP batting 10, you may go down to 9 but no lower.
If you start batting 9, you may go down to 8 but no lower.

5.2.B refers to a team starting shorthanded. The last sentence you quoted is meant to emphasis that a team starting with eight players may not go down any further. The team is really playing with a nine player line-up with the first eight batting positions filled and the ninth vacant.

Pitcher's step

2010-02-24T15:08:00.000-05:00

Question
In the pitching I can across this and would like to know what was meant to be printed. Seems a little odd the way it is worded.

Rule 6 Sec 1 E 2
Once the hands are brought together, the pitcher shall not take more
than one-step, which must be forward, toward the batter and simultaneous
with the delivery. Any step backward shall begin before the
hands come together. The step backward may end before or after the
hands come together.

Response
The pitcher is allowed to take a step backwards before the pitch starts.
If the pitcher wants to step back with the non-pivot foot, she may do so prior to bringing the hands together.

Once the pitch starts, only one step may be taken and if taken, it must be forward, toward the batter and within the 24-inch length of the pitcher’s plate.

Welcome

2010-02-22T20:54:00.002-05:00

This Blog has been created to answer question regarding USSSA Fastpitch rules.

Batwarmer

2010-01-20T22:26:00.000-05:00

Question
I am trying to get something definite on the use of bat warmers. With the high cost of composite bats and the possibility of breakage in cold weather it poses a problem. Not only for the cost of replacement but for safety as well. In the past our subs did their beat to keep the bats warm by holding them between their legs but were told they couldn't use their gloves with hand warmers. A simple blanket wrap doesn't do enough when the snow is blowing as it often does in the early March games. So what is the ruling? Can we use bat warmers with hand warmers thrown inside the warmer?

Response
The Pyroflite Batwarmer is the only bat warmer endorsed by USSSA at this time.

Runner enters dugout

2009-11-18T22:30:00.000-05:00

Question
Theres a runner on 3rd base and the batter hits a foul ball but the umpire doesnt call foul ball, so the runner at 3rd thinks it a pass ball she scores and goes in the dung out. Then the umpire says it a foul ball. He puts the runner back on 3rd base. The other team says she should be out because she went into dead ball area. I would think the runner can go back because its a dead ball. Is that the correct call?

Response
The runner should be placed back on third base.
If a runner abandons their base and enters the dugout, then they are out. (8.18.Y)
However based on your description, that rule does not apply.

3 Foot Lane Violation

2009-11-12T12:04:00.000-05:00

Question
I have a question on a thrown ball from the catcher who just fielded a bunt throws to first base, the batter baserunner has not reached the 3ft running lane the thrown ball hits the runner in the back and the runner is on the line or just inside fair terr, is the runner out? Same question but the ball is on a dropped 3rd strike or a pass ball is the runner out?

Response
The batter-runner is not out unless the act was intentional. Since the batter-runner was less than half way done the line 8-17-E does not apply.
Note case book play under Three Foot Running Lane
SITUATION A: With the bases loaded, B4, who bats left-handed, hits a ground ball to F3, who is left-handed. The ball is just inside the foul line. F3 throws to F2, but hits B4, who is on her way to first base. B4 is in fair territory, but not reached the 30-foot running lane.
RULING: There is no violation, unless the batter-runner intentionally interfered with F3’s throw. (8-17-E, 8-18-F)

Forfeit

2009-10-13T12:05:00.000-04:00

Question
Had a situation this past weekend where a team could not finish the game because of lack of players. It was an official game at the time this took place and score was 2-0. We originally put down 7-0 for the forfeit but was brought to our attention that the game would actually go down as what it was at the current score according to the rulebook. Can you please explain this and why the rule is stated this way.
Response
The philosophy is if the teams have played enough for a regulation game, the game and all stats should stand.
7-0 is an arbitrary score based on one run per inning.
Our scoring of a forfeit game is consistent with most associations.

Rule 4 Sec 7. FORFEITED GAME
B. Score of a forfeited game is 7 to 0 unless the game is forfeited after the number of innings required for a regulation game and the offending team is behind, then the score remains as recorded. If the offending team is leading, the score shall be 7 to 0. All individual and team averages shall be included in the official records, except that no pitcher shall be credited with a victory or charged with a loss in such a game if it is not a regulation game.

Double First Base

2009-09-15T12:06:00.001-04:00

Question

when there is a play being made (throw) at first base from the infield... (2nd, ss, 3rd)
the first base man is completely on the orange bag, not touching any part of the white bag... when she receives the throw from the infield before the batter-runner touches first base... is the runner out or safe....
the book say the fielder must use the white portion of the bag & the runner must use the orange portion of the bag... unless there is errant throw or comming from foul terroritory... they can use either / or bag... (white / orange)
I would have obstuction on the first base man and the runner would be safe. other say she is out regardless of what side of the base they are touching... (white / orange)
some umpires think it is an appeal play, when it comes to play at first when the fielder is touching only the orange bag...

Response
Rule 8 Sec 19 Para B states "the defense must use the white portion"

There are exceptions but they do not seem to apply in the case given.
Since the first baseman is not on the white portion, she is off the portion she should be on. She is off the base and the batter-runner is safe.

In addition, it could also be obstruction and appropriate awards could be made.

Appeals are made by the defense on the offensive so that would not apply at all.
If the batter-runner touched the white portion, the defensive could appeal that she only touched the white and therefore missed the base.

Batter Runs

2009-08-20T12:10:00.000-04:00

Question
this is fast pitch...girl on third, one out.. batter has 1 and 1 court...the ump yells out 1n1 ....the pitch comes in it's called strike two...the batter drops the bat and runs to first base...the catcher not knowing whats going on throws to first and the girl on third runs home....WHAT DO YOU HAVE ???

Response
Our rules interpretations are based on the principal that all players, both offense and defense, should be aware of the situation.
Therefore it is the catcher's responsibility to know the count.
As described, I would score the run and return the batter to the batter's box with a 1-ball & 2-strike count.

If this was an obvious and/or repetitive deceptive act on the part of the offense team, it could be ruled unsportsmanlike. This would result in an initial warning and returning the runner to third. Subsequent acts would be cause for ejection.

--

Batter's box fair or foul territory?

2009-07-13T12:11:00.000-04:00

Question
If a hit ball settles in the batter’s box and is untouched, is this a fair or foul ball?

Response
The batter's box spans both fair & foul territory. See diagram at bottom right of page 8 of the USSSA rulebook.
So an untouched ball can be either fair or foul. It depends on whether it settles over fair territory including home plate and the foul lines or foul territory.

DH Rule

2009-07-10T12:12:00.000-04:00

Question
I keep score for the Forest Hill Heat and have a question about the
DH. Can the DH be used defensively for any player or can they only be
used for the person for whom they are batting?

For ex: Susie is DH for Sally who plays 3rd base.
Kathy plays 1st base.

Can Susie play 1st base and be in the field the same time
Sally is playing 3rd base.

Response

The short answer is NO.

There are two players occupying the same batting position - one playing offense and the other playing defense.
For the offensive player to play defense (or vice versa) the defensive play must come out of the game and the batting position now has just one player for the rest of the game. The original defensive player may re-enter but then the original offensive

Missed Base

2009-07-10T12:11:00.000-04:00

Question
I had a situation this year in a 10U game where an opponent hit a three run home run. When she was rounding third base she missed the bag and perceeded to tag home plate and retreat to the dugout. My question is, what is the poper appeal process for me and how would the runner have to return to the base to be legal.
Reponse
If the runner has entered the dugout, she can not return to touch third base (Rule 9 Sec 6 para B)
If she has not entered the dugout and time has not been called, she may retouch home and go to third & then return to home.

Before the ball becomes dead, any fielder with the ball could touch third base (or the runner if she has not entered the dugout) and announce she is appealing.

After all play has completed, any coach or player can make a verbal appeal by simply stating to the umpire that they are appealing the runner missed third base.

Obstruction

2009-06-29T12:13:00.000-04:00

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

2009-06-27T12:14:00.000-04:00

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

2009-06-15T12:31:00.000-04:00

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

2009-06-15T12:30:00.000-04:00

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

2009-06-10T12:33:00.001-04:00

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

2009-06-10T12:33:00.000-04:00

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

2009-06-10T12:32:00.000-04:00

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

2009-06-10T12:31:00.000-04:00

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

2009-06-01T12:35:00.000-04:00

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

2009-06-01T12:34:00.000-04:00

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.

Splint on throwing thumb

2009-05-21T12:35:00.000-04:00

Question
I have a player who needs to wear a splint on her throwing thumb. It is essentially a small rubber plastic brace. The doctor suggests that when playing she use a batting glove over top to ensure it does not move around. The brace is on her throwing hand (right hand in this case). Is this permissable in game play for this medical situation?
Response
Assuming the splint is properly padded and the player is NOT pitching, it would be allowed.
A splint may be worn, if padded. Rule 2.6.
There is no rule to prevent a player (other than the pitcher) from wearing a batting glove on her throwing hand.

Dropped Third strike

2009-05-18T12:36:00.000-04:00

Question
Ball is pitched, Batter swings and misses for third strike, ball hits in dirt behind plate, catcher catches cleanly (no drop).
Is the batter out or can she attempt to get to first if not tagged or thrown out?

Response
It would depend on the situation. How many outs are there? Was First Base occupied at the time of the pitch?

If there are two outs or First Base is not occupied, the batter becomes a batter-runner who may advance to First Base.

If there are less than two outs and First Base is occupied, the batter is out.

See Rule 7 Sec 14 para D:
A batter shall be called out when:
A third strike (in flight) is not caught, provided a runner occupies first base at the time of the pitch and there are less than two outs.
NOTE: If there are two outs or if no runner occupies first base, the batter is not out unless the third strike is caught. The batter is entitled to try to reach first base before being tagged out or thrown out.

Circle on uniform

2009-05-13T12:37:00.000-04:00

Question
I've been asked about our team logo on the front of our jersey. The logo contains a small yellow softball. I know in Little League we couldn't have a ball of any kind showing. I can't find anything under USSSA that addresses a ball or yellow circle on the uniform.
Response
A ball or circle that looks like a ball would be illegal on the glove.
We have nothing that addresses a ball or circle on the uniform.

Courtesy Runner

2009-04-19T12:37:00.000-04:00

Question
On the courtesy runner rule.Usssa rule is that the cr is locked in for the pitcher or catcher for that half inning. Federation is the cr is locked in for the pitcher or catcher for the entire game. The way our rule reads the cr is only locked in for that half inning , is that correct?
Response
Yes

Coach outside dugout

2009-04-18T12:38:00.000-04:00

Question
Is there any rule that governs whether a coach can stand behind home plate and call pitch placement out to the batter based on where the catcher sets up? Such as, "she's coming low outside?" ..."inside pitch" ...etc. I've tried looking in the rule book but am unable to find where this might be included? It seems to me that it is at least unethical...if not against the official rules.

Response
It is covered in RULE 11. SPORTSMANSHIP
Sec 2. A coach, player, substitute, attendant or other bench personnel shall not:
M. Enter the area behind the catcher while the opposing pitcher and catcher are in their
positions.
PENALTY J-R: If it is the FIRST OFFENSE and is judged to be of a minor nature, an offending player may be warned or an offending coach may be restricted to the bench. If not minor or a subsequent offense, the Umpire shall eject the offender from the game.
That includes the area behind the catcher, outside of the fence.

Base running rule

2009-03-30T12:39:00.000-04:00

Question
The situation is when you have one or no outs. The team at bat usually has a runner on when this occurs. The girl at bat hits into a fielders choice at which time the lead runner is out either by touching the base or the runner. The lead runner continues to run the bases at game speed, instead of getting out of the way, just stopping or heading back to the dugout.

This tends to cause some confusion on the field as the defense thinks that the lead runner is still in play and not allowing them to focus on the girl who hit the ball but rather they focus on the lead runner. The girl can be on first, second or third when this has happened and most of the time the team at bats dugout is on the first base side. This has also happened with no runners on and the batter is thrown out at first, but is not as big of an issue other than someone getting hit by the ball when they think the play is over. I would appreciate something in writing so I can have for our records on this ruling.

Response
Interference is always a judgement call but I would think interference should be ruled in the situation described.
The way I read the explanation, the runner would have to know she was out.
The runner was either tagged or the base she was going to was touched AND hopefully a verbal call was made by the umpire.
Possibly there is some confusion such as it is not clear the fielder controlled the ball. However even then why would the runner who thought she was not out continue to advance if the fielder was there with the ball.

Stealing Home

2009-03-15T12:40:00.000-04:00

Question
IN THE GIRLS 10UNDER, WITH THE PLAYER PITCHING, IS STEALING HOME ALLOWED?

Response
Yes