Really? That s a Rule?

Transcription

1 Really? That s a Rule? Initially Presented at the 2014 NFCA Convention Dee SRE 9-13

2 1) On a field with open-front dugouts and a very fast base runner on first base who is stealing, the pitcher throws a pitch that hits the ground, skips by the catcher and ricochets off the backstop, clearly headed for the dugout opening. A. The catcher should dive and keep the ball from going into the dugout at all cost. B. The ball is dead when it goes into the dugout and the base runner is awarded third base. C. The catcher should let the ball roll into the dugout.

3 1) On a field with open-front dugouts and a very fast base runner on first base who is stealing, the pitcher throws a pitch that hits the ground, skips by the catcher and ricochets off the backstop, clearly headed for the dugout opening. A. The catcher should dive and keep the ball from going into the dugout at all cost. B. The ball is dead when it goes into the dugout and the base runner is awarded third base. C. The catcher should let the ball roll into the dugout.

4 Rule reference: 9.12 Notes: There s a maximum one base award for a pitch that becomes blocked but if you play the ball, the runner can advance additional bases at her own risk. Because the base runner was stealing on the pitch and the catcher is therefore not likely to get her out at second base, the best play is to let the ball go out of play and conceded the one base without risking any additional advance.

5 2) With a base runner on third base, a one hop ground ball is fielded by the pitcher in the circle. A. The look back rule is in effect so the base runner must immediately advance home or retreat to third base. B. The runners are both subject to the look back rule as soon as the batter-runner safely touches first base. C. The pitcher is obligated to look, fake or throw in order to force the runners to comply with the look back rule.

6 2) With a base runner on third base, a one hop ground ball is fielded by the pitcher in the circle. A. The look back rule is in effect so the base runner must immediately advance home or retreat to third base. B. The runners are both subject to the look back rule as soon as the batter-runner safely touches first base. C. The pitcher is obligated to look, fake or throw in order to force the runners to comply with the look back rule.

7 Rule reference: Notes: The name look back rule is as much of a misnomer as the term foul pole. The pitcher is not obligated to do anything the runners are the players with obligations to either advance or return as soon as the pitcher has possession of the ball in the circle and the batterrunner has touched first base.

8 3) The leadoff hitter is on second base, second hitter on first base with nobody out. The number four hitter comes to the plate, grounds out, advancing the runners one base each. Before the five hitter comes to the plate, the defense properly appeals batting out of order. Who s out? A. The number three hitter. B. The number four hitter. C. The number three and four hitters. D. The runner closest to home and the three hitter.

9 3) The leadoff hitter is on second base, second hitter on first base with nobody out. The number four hitter comes to the plate, grounds out, advancing the runners one base each. Before the five hitter comes to the plate, the defense properly appeals batting out of order. Who s out? A. The number three hitter. B. The number four hitter. C. The number three and four hitters. D. The runner closest to home and the three hitter.

10 Rule reference: Notes: Because the appeal occurred after the incorrect batter completed her turn at bat and before a pitch to the next batter, the batter who should have batted is out (three batter), the runners must return to their bases held at the time of the pitch (first and second bases), the next batter is the one who follows the player called out (four batter) even though she just batted.

11 4) With bases loaded, nobody out, a high fly ball is hit to shortstop and infield fly is called. However, the shortstop gives way to the left fielder who touches but then drops the ball. A. The ball is live and runners are forced to advance. B. The batter is out, runners may advance at their own risk. C. Infield fly is nullified as soon as the left fielder touches the ball.

12 4) With bases loaded, nobody out, a high fly ball is hit to shortstop and infield fly is called. However, the shortstop gives way to the left fielder who touches but then drops the ball. A. The ball is live and runners are forced to advance. B. The batter is out, runners may advance at their own risk. C. Infield fly is nullified as soon as the left fielder touches the ball.

13 Rule reference: Notes: If the umpire believes the batted ball can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, it does not matter if the ball is actually caught, touched, who attempts the catch or where in fair territory it could be caught. In any case, it is declared an infield fly and the batter is out. Umpires must consider field and weather conditions in determining if ordinary effort would result in a catch and infield fly therefore would apply.

14 5) The on-site administrator is responsible for all of the following EXCEPT: A. escorting ejected personnel to an allowable area. B. ejecting unruly spectators who use profanity directed at a visiting player. C. determining fitness of the field for the second game of a double header. D. ensuring safe passage for umpires from the field to the dressing room and from there to their cars following the game.

15 5) The on-site administrator is responsible for all of the following EXCEPT: A. escorting ejected personnel to an allowable area. B. ejecting unruly spectators who use profanity directed at a visiting player. C. determining fitness of the field for the second game of a double header. D. ensuring safe passage for umpires from the field to the dressing room and from there to their cars following the game.

16 Rule references: 4.7 and Notes: The plate umpire from the first game shall determine if conditions permit the start of the second game. Subsequent to the pregame meeting of the second game, the new plate umpire shall bear that responsibility. The on-site administrator does have responsibility for the other three tasks listed as options. Because a variety of people carry out the OSA role who do not receive NCAA Softball Rule books, it is incumbent on coaches to be sure their OSA knows all their responsibilities as listed in rule 4.7.

17 6) If an incorrect batter is in the middle of her turn at bat and the proper batter who is supposed to be at bat is on first base, what happens? A. The runner leaves first base and comes to hit in her proper spot in the order, no out. B. The runner leaves first base to hit, but an out is assessed. C. Any substitute may pinch run so the runner can assume her proper spot in the order. D. That batter is skipped and the player who follows her becomes the proper batter.

18 6) If an incorrect batter is in the middle of her turn at bat and the proper batter who is supposed to be at bat is on first base, what happens? A. The runner leaves first base and comes to hit in her proper spot in the order, no out. B. The runner leaves first base to hit, but an out is assessed. C. Any substitute may pinch run so the runner can assume her proper spot in the order. D. That batter is skipped and the player who follows her becomes the proper batter.

19 Rule reference: Notes: Regardless of the number of batters who may have batted out of order, if it is detected by the offending coach before the defensive coach reports it, the order may be corrected. If the correct batter is on base at the time, she remains the runner and the player who follows her in the batting order (unless she too is currently on base) assumes the ball and strike count of the player who was in the batter s box inappropriately.

20 7) With a base runner on first base, a ball is hit to right field. The runner misses second base on her way to third base when the ball sails over the infield and into the dugout. A. Since the ball is dead, no base running can occur but the runner is awarded home. B. The runner will be called out for missing the base. C. The runner could be called out but only if the defense properly appeals.

21 7) With a base runner on first base, a ball is hit to right field. The runner misses second base on her way to third base when the ball sails over the infield and into the dugout. A. Since the ball is dead, no base running can occur but the runner is awarded home. B. The runner will be called out for missing the base. C. The runner could be called out but only if the defense properly appeals.

22 Rule references: , and Notes: A base runner who misses a base can be called out as a result of a proper appeal even if the opponent throws or carries the ball out of play. The ball need not be live. Base runners must legally touch the bases in the correct order and can return to do so, even when the ball is dead.

23 8) With a base runner on third base in a tied game with two outs, the batter hits a walk off homerun. After rounding third base but before she is able to touch home plate, her teammates high five her. What is the result if a warning had previously been issued to the team? A. The batter is credited with a triple, the team wins by one. B. The batter is credited with a home run as soon as the ball leaves the field, the team wins by two. C. Because the batter is the third out, no run scores so the game goes to extra innings.

24 8) With a base runner on third base in a tied game with two outs, the batter hits a walk off homerun. After rounding third base but before she is able to touch home plate, her teammates high five her. What is the result if a warning had previously been issued to the team? A. The batter is credited with a triple, the team wins by one. B. The batter is credited with a home run as soon as the ball leaves the field, the team wins by two. C. Because the batter is the third out, no run scores so the game goes to extra innings.

25 Rule reference and : Notes: Because the ball left the field, all runners would normally be allowed to score. The exception is when there is a base running violation that results in an out. In this case, because a warning had been issued, the batter is out to end the game and is credited with the last base touched (third base) before the illegal contact occurred. The runner from third base however is the game winning run.

26 9) A visiting team is run ruling its opponent but has used all of its substitutes when the right fielder is called out on strikes for the third out in the top of the seventh inning. She then is ejected for an unsporting comment to the umpire. What happens? A. The DP can enter the game for the right fielder. B. The game is forfeited because there is no substitute available. C. The head coach may serve the ejection to allow the right fielder to finish the game.

27 9) A visiting team is run ruling its opponent but has used all of its substitutes when the right fielder is called out on strikes for the third out in the top of the seventh inning. She then is ejected for an unsporting comment to the umpire. What happens? A. The DP can enter the game for the right fielder. B. The game is forfeited because there is no substitute available. C. The head coach may serve the ejection to allow the right fielder to finish the game.

28 Rule reference 8.1: Notes: Although the DP can enter the game to play defense for any player, it does not satisfy the requirement that nine players must be in the batting order. Therefore, once the right fielder is ejected, a substitute must be entered for her in the batting order. Since there is no eligible substitute, the game is forfeited in favor of the offended team.

29 10) How many total seconds does the defense have to deliver a pitch? A. 5 B. 10 C. 20 D. 25

30 10) How many total seconds does the defense have to deliver a pitch? A. 5 B. 10 C. 20 D. 25

31 Rule reference 10.18: Notes: The pitcher and batter share 10 seconds to assume their respective positions. Following that, the pitcher has 10 seconds to bring her hands together and then not more than five seconds to deliver the pitch. Thus, the defense has 25 seconds to deliver the pitch.

32 11) Following an extra base hit, two offensive players occupy the same base and both are tagged by the defense. What is the result? A. The lead runner is out. B. The trailing runner is out. C. Whichever player is tagged first is out so the other remains on base. D. Both runners are out because two players are not allowed to occupy the same base.

33 11) Following an extra base hit, two offensive players occupy the same base and both are tagged by the defense. What is the result? A. The lead runner is out. B. The trailing runner is out. C. Whichever player is tagged first is out so the other remains on base. D. Both runners are out because two players are not allowed to occupy the same base.

34 Rule reference 12.23: Notes: A runner is entitled to hold her base until she has legally touched the next base or she is forced to vacate it for a trailing runner. Therefore the trailing runner is out when tagged even though she is in contact with the base.

35 12) The home team is sponsoring breast cancer awareness day. Which of these may they do? A. Put a pink commemorative sticker on the middle third of the rise of the base. B. Paint the bases pink. C. Paint a large breast cancer ribbon in the grass in straightaway centerfield grass. D. Because they cannot adjust the field, players and umpires may only wear pink in their uniforms.

36 12) The home team is sponsoring breast cancer awareness day. Which of these may they do? A. Put a pink commemorative sticker on the middle third of the rise of the base. B. Paint the bases pink. C. Paint a large breast cancer ribbon in the grass in straightaway centerfield grass. D. Because they cannot adjust the field, players and umpires may only wear pink in their uniforms.

37 Rule reference 2.4 and 15.1: Notes: While branding is allowed on the rise of the base, it is restricted to the NCAA, institutions and conferences so A is not an option. Bases must be white so B is incorrect. Umpires must wear blue shirts so D is also a wrong answer. That leaves C and since the rule book does not prohibit logos, numbers or lettering in the outfield grass, it is the correct option.

38 13) Following a hard slide at the plate, the runner and catcher begin to fight. The on-deck batter and infielders quickly come to the aid of their teammates but the umpires, after conferring, eject only the runner and catcher. Following the game, may the umpires penalize additional players? A. Yes, if additional penalties are warranted as noted after watched the home team video. B. Yes, if additional penalties are warranted as noted after watching video from any source. C. No, once the umpires rule and the game ends, there can be no further penalties.

39 13) Following a hard slide at the plate, the runner and catcher begin to fight. The on-deck batter and infielders quickly come to the aid of their teammates but the umpires, after conferring, eject only the runner and catcher. Following the game, may the umpires penalize additional players? A. Yes, if additional penalties are warranted as noted after watched the home team video. B. Yes, if additional penalties are warranted as noted after watching video from any source. C. No, once the umpires rule and the game ends, there can be no further penalties.

40 Rule reference 5.9.9: Notes: In a new rule for 2014, umpires have limited use of television replay or video from institutional cameras to assist in getting the call right regarding involvement in a fight or attempting to join a fight. Video may be used to verify personnel involved or those who left their team area to join the fray. Once the umpires view the video, if there are additional ejections, the procedure for a post game ejection is applied. If someone was erroneously ejected, that person shall be exempt from serving the subsequent suspension. Video from any other source may not be used.

41 14) At the end of five innings, the score is 3-2 in favor of the visiting team. In the top of the sixth inning, the visitors score three more runs and lead 6-2. In the bottom of the sixth, the home team has the bases loaded with no one out at the time the game is stopped for lightning. The game cannot be resumed, so what is the result? A. The score and stats revert back to the last complete inning final score,3-2. B. The score is 6-2 and all stats count.

42 14) At the end of five innings, the score is 3-2 in favor of the visiting team. In the top of the sixth inning, the visitors score three more runs and lead 6-2. In the bottom of the sixth, the home team has the bases loaded with no one out at the time the game is stopped for lightning. The game cannot be resumed, so what is the result? A. The score and stats revert back to the last complete inning final score, 3-2. B. The score is 6-2 and all stats count.

43 Rule reference and : Notes: Because the additional runs in the half inning have no bearing on which team wins the game, the additional stats are allowed to count. The visitors are credited with the win because they held the lead at the end of five complete innings and the score and statistics from the top of the sixth inning shall count to more accurately reflect game action even though the home team did not have the same opportunity.

44 15) With base runners on the corners, the second baseman fields a ground ball, holds the runner on third and steps on second base for the out. Before the next batter, the defense informs the umpire a non-approved bat was used. The rules require the the bat be removed, the batter be out and ejected and base runners may not advance but does the out remain? A. No, both base runners return to their bases. B. Yes, the out stands and the base runner who started on third base returns.

45 15) With base runners on the corners, the second baseman fields a ground ball, holds the runner on third and steps on second base for the out. Before the next batter, the defense informs the umpire a non-approved bat was used. The rules require the the bat be removed, the batter be out and ejected and base runners may not advance but does the out remain? A. No, both base runners return to their bases. B. Yes, the out stands and the base runner who started on third base returns.

46 Interpretation for and : Notes: Following use of any inappropriate bat (whether illegal, altered or non-approved) and before a pitch to the next batter, the effect is that the bat is removed, the batter is out and ejected, and base runners not put out on the batted ball must return to the bases occupied at the time of the pitch. Although not explicitly written in the rule book and probably known only through common practice, base runners who were put out during the play do remain out as noted in the interpretation document on the SUP ArbiterSports website.

47 16) Game one of a three game series is halted in the sixth inning due to darkness. On the next day A. game two can be played at its scheduled time followed by the completion of game one. B. game one can be resumed prior to the scheduled start time of game two to allow game two to be played on time. C. game one can be resumed at the scheduled start time of game two followed by game two. D. all of the above options are legal.

48 16) Game one of a three game series is halted in the sixth inning due to darkness. On the next day A. game two can be played at its scheduled time followed by the completion of game one. B. game one can be resumed prior to the scheduled start time of game two to allow game two to be played on time. C. game one can be resumed at the scheduled start time of game two followed by game two. D. all of the above options are legal.

49 Rule reference : Notes: Game one must be completed before the subsequent game may start but the on-site administrator and coaches may determine the start time to be before the scheduled start time for game two or at the scheduled start time. In either case, game two commences at the conclusion of game one.

50 17) Which of the following is true regarding a substance applied to the pitcher s fingers? A. Rock rosin can be applied as long as it is wiped off. B. Saliva may not be applied to the fingers nor to the ball. C. Dirt can be applied as long as it is wiped off. D. No substances can be applied to the pitcher s fingers without being wiped off.

51 17) Which of the following is true regarding a substance applied to the pitcher s fingers? A. Rock rosin can be applied as long as it is wiped off. B. Saliva may not be applied to the fingers nor to the ball. C. Dirt can be applied as long as it is wiped off. D. No substances can be applied to the pitcher s fingers without being wiped off.

52 Rule reference 10.13: Notes: Rock rosin can never be used as it leaves residue on whatever it touches so A is incorrect. Saliva, like dirt may be applied to the pitcher s fingers as long as it is wiped off so B is not correct and C is the correct answer. Some substances can be applied without being wiped off such as a pitcher blowing on her fingers in cold weather. That makes D a wrong answer.

53 With a base runner on first base, the batter hits a line drive that deflects off the pitcher s glove, strikes the base umpire, which causes the ball to pop up in the air where it is caught by the second baseman before touching the ground. You are the first base coach and say A. go since there is no catch and the ball is live. B. back to avoid a double play on the catch. C. it doesn t matter because the ball is dead as soon as it hits the base umpire. The base runner must return to first base. D. C except the base runner is awarded second.

54 With a base runner on first base, the batter hits a line drive that deflects off the pitcher s glove, strikes the base umpire, which causes the ball to pop up in the air where it is caught by the second baseman before touching the ground. You are the first base coach and say A. go since there is no catch and the ball is live. B. back to avoid a double play on the catch. C. it doesn t matter because the ball is dead as soon as it hits the base umpire. The base runner must return to first base. D. C except the base runner is awarded second.

55 Rule reference : Notes: If a batted ball comes in contact with an umpire while in flight, it is considered a ground ball. Therefore, the base coach should be encouraging the base runner to advance because she is a runner forced to advance by virtue of a batted ground ball.

56 Prior to the start of the half inning, the offense coach reports two line-up changes to the plate umpire- the leadoff batter in the inning will be #11 for #1 and the on-deck batter will be #12 for #2. The umpire accepts only the change for the lead off hitter. Who then occupies the on-deck circle? A. Projected substitutions are not allowed so #2 must be in the on-deck circle. B. Either #12 or #2 must be in the on-deck circle. C. Any player may occupy the on-deck circle.

57 Prior to the start of the half inning, the offense coach reports two line-up changes to the plate umpire- the leadoff batter in the inning will be #11 for #1 and the on-deck batter will be #12 for #2. The umpire accepts only the change for the lead off hitter. Who then occupies the on-deck circle? A. Projected substitutions are not allowed so #2 must be in the on-deck circle. B. Either #12 or #2 must be in the on-deck circle. C. Any player may occupy the on-deck circle.

58 Notes: Although it is true that projected substitutions are not permissible (Rule ), there is no requirement that the player in the on-deck circle actually be the player who will next enter the batter s box. Any eligible player may occupy the ondeck circle closest to her dugout. The on-deck circle may also be unoccupied.

59 The home coach turns in a line-up card with six of her substitutes at the bottom of the card crossed out because the players are unable to play because of a class mass exam. The game is begun but halted in the top of the second inning due to torrential rain. The game is resumed the next day and at that pregame meeting, the coach indicates their uniform numbers have changed due to a change of jersey and all the players are now available to play. Can the coach make these changes? A. Yes, the original lineup card can be changed. B. No, the original lineup card must be used as originally presented. C. A new lineup card may be presented at the restart pregame meeting. D. The only allowable change is the uniform #s.

60 The home coach turns in a line-up card with six of her substitutes at the bottom of the card crossed out because the players are unable to play because of a class mass exam. The game is begun but halted in the top of the second inning due to torrential rain. The game is resumed the next day and at that pregame meeting, the coach indicates their uniform numbers have changed due to a change of jersey and all the players are now available to play. Can the coach make these changes? A. Yes, the original lineup card can be changed. B. No, the original lineup card must be used as originally presented. C. A new lineup card may be presented at the restart pregame meeting. D. The only allowable change is the uniform #s.

61 Rule reference : Notes: When a halted game is resumed, the lineups of the two teams must exactly match the ones at the time the game was halted except accommodations can be made for different uniform numbers. Although it might appear to be a courtesy to cross off the names of potential substitutes if they are not available at the start of the game, it will handicap the team should the game be halted and resumed at a later time when they may be available. Strategically, unless the substitute is not ELIGIBLE to play a particular game, her name should appear on the list of eligible substitutes.

62 With two outs in the last inning before the tie breaker and runners on first and second bases, the number four hitter comes to the plate and grounds out to apparently end the inning. You notice your opponent has skipped batter number three. What should you do? 1) Let the play stand by taking the ground out as the third out. 2) Appeal batting out of order to have the skipped hitter declared out.

63 With two outs in the last inning before the tie breaker and runners on first and second bases, the number four hitter comes to the plate and grounds out to apparently end the inning. You notice your opponent has skipped batter number three. What should you do? 1) Let the play stand by taking the ground out as the third out. 2) Appeal batting out of order to have the skipped hitter declared out.

64 Rule reference and Appendix B: Notes: The best answer depends on the skills of the three, four and five batters and which one you want to be the tie breaker runner on second base and which one you want to be the leadoff batter. If you take the ground out as the third out, the next inning leads off with the four hitter on second base and five hitter up to bat. If you appeal batting out of order to have the three hitter declared out, the next inning leads off with the three hitter on second and four hitter at bat.

65 With base runners on first and second bases with one out, a ground ball is hit to the second baseman who attempts to tag the base runner. The runner even though forced to advance, retreats toward first to successfully avoid the tag but the umpire incorrectly calls her out for retreating. The second baseman completes the play by throwing the batterrunner out at first base, inning over. Immediately after the play, the umpires confer but are unsure how to rectify the play. What should you do?

66 Rule reference 7.2: Notes: Despite the goal of trying to get every call right, the umpires have no option to correct the call on their own. The play now becomes the responsibility of the offensive team to protest. If properly protested, the decision is corrected, the game is resumed with runners on second and third bases, and there are now two outs because the batter-runner was correctly put out. BUT if the umpire declared Dead ball, the runner from second base remains the second out and base runners are on the corners.

67 If you do not want to have all the players in your batting order play both offense and defense, you can use the DP/Flex rule. Can one player be both the DP and Flex to give you substitution flexibility? Can you have a DP without a Flex? Can you have a DP and Flex without an OP? How should you designate the OP on your lineup card if you start the game with the DP playing defense for another starter?

68 Can one player be both the DP and Flex to give you substitution flexibility? Can you have a DP without a Flex? No, a DP must always be attached to a Flex and a single player cannot be listed twice (as the DP and Flex) on the lineup card. Can you have a DP and Flex without an OP? Yes How should you designate the OP on your lineup card if you start the game with the DP playing defense for another starter? OP replaces the player s original defensive position.

69 Thanks for your participation in this brief game. Additional situations, sorted by rule references are available on the SUP ArbiterSports website in the Interpretation document within the Touching Base with Dee box in the center column of the Central Hub. Please note- rule references and interpretations are based on the NCAA Softball Playing Rules for 2014 and 2015 and may not be applicable to other association codes or future years of NCAA rules. Dee