NCAA 2016 Softball Rules Test ODAC Study Guide

Transcription

1 1. The batter swings and misses the pitch; however, on her follow through, the pitch contacts the bat and rolls into fair territory. This is a dead-ball strike. If contact is intentional, the batter is declared out. TRUE p A.R. 11: The batter swings and misses the pitch; however, on her follow through,the pitch contacts the bat and rolls into fair territory. RULING: Dead-ball strike.base runners must return to their bases at the time of the pitch. If contact is intentional, the batter is declared out. 2. The on-deck batter may choose to occupy either on-deck circle for safety reasons. FALSE p The on-deck batter is restricted to the on-deck circle nearest her dugout for warm-up swings. 3. It is a strike when the pitched ball touches any part of the batter s person as she swings and misses. TRUE p Called strike. A strike is charged to the batter: For each pitch that touches any part of the batter s person as she swings and misses. 4. A ball travels directly from the bat, in a straight line, to the catcher's glove or bare hand and is deflected straight up into the air. If the catcher then legally catches the ball, it should be ruled a foul fly out. FALSE p. 115 A.R : A ball travels directly from the bat, in a straight line, to the glove or bare hand and is deflected straight up into the air. RULING: If the catcher then legally catches the ball, it is a foul tip. If it is not caught unassisted by the catcher or is touched by or caught by someone else, it is a foul ball. 5. Two outs and two strikes on the batter, the runner on first base is thrown out attempting to steal second base. The defense properly appeals the checked swing so the batter is declared out on strikes. The batter becomes the third out for both scoring purposes and establishing the next batter. TRUE p. 118 A.R : With two outs and two strikes on the batter, the runner on first base is thrown out attempting to steal second base. The defense properly appeals the checked swing so the batter is declared out on strikes. The batter becomes the third out for both scoring purposes and establishing the next batter.

2 6. The catcher is not making a play on a base runner. When she throws the ball back to the pitcher it hits off the batter's helmet. The umpire should suspend play, return all base runners to the base they occupied at the time of the accidental inference. TRUE p. 123 note Exceptions: 3. If the catcher is not making a play on a base runner but the batter or umpire interferes with the catcher s return throw to the pitcher and the base runner, therefore, advances safely, the umpire should suspend play and return each base runner to the base occupied at the time of the accidental interference. 7. The batter-runner rounds first base on a throw which is dropped. Thinking she is out, the batter-runner abandons first base and heads for the dugout. The umpire should call her out. TRUE p. 137 see also p After reaching a base safely, the runner abandons her base (for example, obviously heads toward her position or the dugout believing she was put out, the batted ball was foul, etc.), or leaves the field of play for any reason. 8. The batter-runner unintentionally kicks the ball that has deflected off the catcher who is now attempting to field a dropped third strike. This is interference on the batter-runner. FALSE p. 148 A.R : The batter-runner unintentionally kicks the ball that had deflected off the catcher who attempted to field a dropped third strike. RULING: Live ball, no interference. see also p a misplayed ball that stays in front of the fielder may still be interference. If the misplayed ball bounds away from the fielder, could be anything 9. A fielder may leave live ball territory and be airborne at the time of a legal catch. TRUE p Catch A fielder may leave live-ball territory and be airborne at the time of a catch.

3 10. F9 overthrows the ball for a play at the plate and the ball rolls toward the on-deck circle of the offensive team. The on-deck batter drops her bat as she gets out of the way and the catcher trips on it as she is trying to recover the ball for another possible play at the plate. This is interference. TRUE p Equipment Blocked Ball No loose equipment (that is, gloves/mitts, hats, helmets, jackets, balls, on-deck batter s bats), miscellaneous items, or detached parts of a player s uniform, other than that being legally used in the game at the time, should be within playable territory as it could cause a blocked ball. Official equipment that may be within playable territory with no effect includes the batter s bat, the catcher s mask or helmet, umpire paraphernalia, and any helmet that has inadvertently fallen off the head of an offensive or defensive player during the course of play Interference...and by the offensive team as a whole or by loose equipment that belongs to them Interference by On-Deck Batter The on-deck batter may not interfere with the defensive player s reasonable opportunity to make a play. 11. In addition to softball bats being used in the on-deck circle wooden baseball bats are also permitted. TRUE p Bats Warm-Up Nonaltered, one-piece, wooden baseball or softball bats and fungo bats may be used in pregame warm-ups or in the on-deck circle in addition to legal softball bats. 12. In the bottom of the first inning, it is discovered that the pitching distance is incorrect. The umpires should have this corrected immediately but all previous play stands. TRUE p. 27 and and Note: Once a game has started, if it is discovered by or brought to the attention of the umpire that the pitching distance or base distances are incorrect, the error shall be corrected immediately, with no penalty, and the game shall continue from that point.

4 13. When BCT is done for a double-header, conference series, or tournament, the umpires must still reconcile each individual model of bat with the team s highlighted bat list for the second game of the double-header or each game of the series or tournament. FALSE p After the first game of a doubleheader, series or tournament, the umpire crew need only confirm the suitability of each bat by checking for damage and verify the total number of available, stickered bats rather than reconcile each individual model of bat with the team s highlighted bat list. Exception: If a new bat list is published when a series or tournament is in progress, Rule shall not apply and each bat model shall be individually reconciled with the new NCAA Approved Softball Bat List. 14. First names of players must still be listed on the written lineup even though they are printed on the card s roster FALSE p Notes:3. First names may be omitted from the written lineup as long as they are printed on the card s roster and multiple players with the same last name must have a first name or distinguishing first name initial. 15. The host team has a camera mounted on or in its dugout for its future video analysis of its hitters and the visiting team has an unmanned camera on a tripod in its dugout. Since they are unattended, this is legal. TRUE p. 52 A.R : The host team has cameras mounted on or in its dugout for its future video analysis of its hitters and the visiting team has an unmanned camera on a tripod in its dugout to video the pitchers. RULING: Since neither of these cameras is attended to by personnel, acquiring video for future use from these team areas is permissible. 16. The home team sets up a video camera outside the dugout area behind the backstop in order to video its players when they are at bat. In between half innings, a uniformed player leaves the dugout to turn the camera off after the team bats and on when the team is about to come to bat. Umpire rules this is legal TRUE p Notes: 1. Turning on or off videotaping equipment between innings does not constitute a violation.

5 17. The umpires may stop the game without a warning if music is being played after the batter enters the batter s box. If this happens, an incident report must be filed. TRUE p. 209 Appendix H B. Audio and Matrix Boards. 1. All music, chants or crowd-cuing messages must stop when the batter steps into the batter s box. Use of Matrix boards should also stop when the batter steps into the batter s box. 6. Should any of the policies in this section be violated by a team, umpires have the authority to stop the game to have the matter corrected by the on-site administrator. In this case, umpires must file an incident report 18. The pitching coach requests a defensive conference. The plate umpire informs the head coach that the team is being charged with a defensive conference. TRUE p The plate umpire shall notify the head coach when a defensive conference has been charged and record the inning on the team s lineup card.

6 19. During the inning, the pitching coach uses a defensive conference to speak with F1. A few batters later in the same inning, the coach announces (before crossing the foul line) that S1 will replace F1 in the pitching position. After six straight balls, the pitching coach requests a defensive conference to speak with S1. Umpire allows the conference TRUE p In the half inning, the defense is entitled to one conference. Once it is used, one additional conference is allowed for each pitcher entered into the pitching position who has not yet pitched in that inning. 20. Whether the halted-game rule will be used must be determined at the pregame meeting. It can also be determined by conference ruling or tournament policy. TRUE p A halted game shall be declared by the plate umpire if play must be temporarily suspended with the intent that it will be continued at some later time or date. Whether a halted game will be resumed must be determined at the pregame meeting. Use of the halted-game rule also can be determined by conference ruling or tournament policy Note 2 p If the competing teams, league, conference or tournament committee wish not to be bound by the tie-game rule and wish to complete a regulation tie game from the point at which the game was terminated, they may do so by formally opting to use the halted-game rule. Otherwise, a game stopped after five or more innings with the score tied is considered a regulation tie game, not a halted game, and may not be resumed. Intent to use the halted-game rule must be declared not later than the pregame meeting. 21. One out and base runners on second and third bases, the batter flies out. The base runner on third base tags up after the catch, but the base runner on second base does not. The base runner on third base clearly crosses home plate before the ball is played at second base for the third out. The umpire does not allow the run to score and tells the offensive coach there can be no protest because no run can score on a play where the third out was made. FALSE Protests may involve both a matter of judgment and the misinterpretation of a rule. A.R : With one out and base runners on second and third bases, the batter flies out. The base runner on third base tags up after the catch, but the base runner on second base does not. The base runner on

7 third base clearly crosses home plate before the ball is played at second base for the third out. The umpire does not allow the run to score. RULING: The questions as to whether the base runners left their bases before the catch and whether the play at second base was made before the base runner on third base crossed the plate are solely matters of judgment and are not protestable. However, it is a misapplication of a playing rule and a proper subject for protest if the umpire fails to allow the run to score on the timing play p. 157 If an appeal is upheld at a base to which a base runner was forced to advance and the out is a force out, no runs would score if it was the third out. If a forced base runner, after touching the next base, retreats for any reason toward the base she had last occupied, the force play is reinstated, and she may again be put out if the defense tags the base to which she is forced p. 158 If a base runner leaves a base too soon on a caught fly ball and returns in an attempt to retag, this is considered a timing play and not a force out. If the appeal is the third out, all runs scored in advance of the appealed base runner and scored ahead of the legal appeal would count. 22. A pitcher intentionally attempts to hit a batter with a pitch. The umpire shall warn the pitcher and both opposing coaches that future violations by any pitcher will be cause for immediate ejection of the pitcher and the head coach. If, in the umpire s judgment, the situation warrants drastic action to diffuse a potentially volatile situation, the umpire may eject the pitcher without first warning her. FALSE p The pitcher shall not intentionally attempt to hit the batter with a pitch. EFFECT If, in the umpire s judgment, such a violation has occurred, the umpire shall warn the pitcher, catcher and the head coach that future violations by any pitcher from his/her team will be cause for immediate ejection of the pitcher, catcher and the head coach. If, in the umpire s judgment, the situation warrants drastic action to diffuse a potentially volatile situation, the umpire may eject the pitcher and catcher without warning. 23. Between half innings and during pitching changes, it is legal for F1 to throw five warm-up pitches to the catcher immediately followed by one throw by F1 to the first baseman. FALSE p At the start of the game, between half innings and during pitching changes, warm-ups shall be limited to: Pitching from the pitcher s circle to home plate for not more than five pitches or four pitches and one throw to first base or any combination that is limited to five throws from the pitcher.

8 p. 107 At the start of the game and beginning of each half-inning, the pitcher of record may throw not more than five pitches or four pitches and one throw to first base or any combination that is limited to five throws from the pitcher. Play shall be suspended during this time. 24. A head coach and a player leave their dugout to try to break up a fight. Umpire ejects the player, but does not eject the coach. TRUE p Leaving Team Area to Join a Brawl EFFECT... Exception: If a coach leaves a team area (that is, a dugout, bullpen) or coach s box to prevent his or her own players from joining a brawl or potential fight, Rule 13.4 shall not apply. 25. An umpire is required to go for help every time a coach asks. FALSE p. 193 If the plate umpire calls the pitch a ball and the catcher requests help regarding a checked swing, the plate umpire must ask for help. If anyone else (on either offense or defense) asks for help, the umpire may (but not shall) ask the base umpire for help p. 193 On a decision regarding a pick-off attempt, when asked by either coach, the base umpire must confer with his or her partner p. 198 Any umpire s decision that involves judgment may, under certain circumstances, be reviewed, but is never subject to protest (see Rule 7.2.2). Decisions rendered by any umpire should be reversed when the umpire is convinced the decision is in violation of one of these rules. In case the head coach or captain of either team does seek reversal of a decision based solely on a point of rules, the umpire whose decision is in question will, if in doubt, confer with his or her associate(s) before taking any action, but under no circumstances will any player or person other than the coach of either team, have any grounds to protest any decision and seek its reversal on a claim that it is in conflict with these rules. Exceptions: 1) On a decision regarding a checked swing, when asked by the catcher, the plate umpire must seek a decision from the appropriate base umpire. Such a request may be made only when the plate umpire has called the pitch a ball; and 2) On a decision regarding a pick-off, when asked by either coach, the base umpire must confer with his/her associate(s). 26. On the way to the coaches box between innings, the base coach makes comments to the plate umpire that his batters are being forced to swing at pitches well out of the strike zone, which is hampering their offense. The plate umpire issues a warning for commenting on the strike zone and notes it on the team s lineup card. This is the correct procedure. TRUE p. 160

9 A.R : On the way to the coaches box between innings, the base coach comments to the plate umpire that his batters are being forced to swing at pitches well out of the strike zone, which is hampering their offense. RULING: The plate umpire issues a warning for commenting on the strike zone and notes it on the team s lineup card. 27. Guidelines to follow when making the determination of a hit by pitch include, but are not limited to: observing if the batter is crowding the plate and if the ball is between the batter s box and the plate. TRUE Manual: page Rule Book p. 5 POE s 28. Umpires shall never participate in any form of illegal gambling on sports contests, may never gamble on any sporting event in which they have either direct or indirect involvement, and may never gamble on events involving collegiate athletics. TRUE Manual page The plate umpire is responsible for making the call on a look-back rule violation of a batter-runner who is returning to first base after overrunning it. FALSE Manual Page The correct distance for the positioning on a tag play is 8 to 12 feet. TRUE Manual Page The Point of Plate is one of the possible calling positions for plays at the plate. FALSE Manual page If an injury occurs and the coach wants to check on the status of the player, the plate umpire may designate a base umpire to attend the meeting. TRUE Manual page U1 chases a caught fly ball to the outfield. U1 should turn and face the infield when giving the out signal. FALSE Manual page 40

10 34. When the batter has a 3-2 count and there are two outs, all umpires may move to force-play calling depths. TRUE Manual page 60, U1 is counter-rotated when the batter hits a fly ball that is near the right field foul line. Even though it could be a possible trap play, U1 should not chase in this situation. FALSE Manual page 60, 62 #3 36. In the 3-umpire system with no runners on, a ground ball to the outfield gap occurs with no chase. The plate umpire should wait for the runner to round second base before moving to the calling position at third base. FALSE Manual page In all situations when U1 rotates home, U1 should always move all the way to the point of the plate holding area except for an out-of-thepark home run. TRUE Manual multiple pages. See mechanigrams 38. Runner on first base only as U1 brackets a foul fly ball to the infield area, U3 is responsible for the base runner TRUE Manual page Runner on third base only, less than 2 outs, as U3 does not chase on a fly ball to the outfield, U1 can assume that U3 will be moving to second base on the hit and not worry about taking the batter-runner to second base. FALSE Manual page Runners on first and third bases and a hit to the infield, if there is no throw to first or second bases, the plate umpire should move to the first-base line extended position. FALSE Manual page The runner on second base runs directly to third base in front of the shortstop who is fielding the batted ball. No contact is made but the runner distracts the shortstop who misses the ball. This is interference. FALSE if we assume the runner did nothing on purpose to cause the distraction other than run in front of her p. 149 The runner may not at any time unnecessarily wave her arms or verbally distract the fielder. Merely running in front of the fielder or jumping over the ball while

11 proceeding to the next base is not interference, even though it may be distracting to the fielder or screen her view of the ball. 42. R1 is on first base, R2 is on second base with 1 out, when B9 hits a high popup near the first base line in the infield. As F3 is about to catch the infield fly, R1 runs into F3. The ball lands in fair territory and then bounces foul where it is finally touched. Interference should be called if the umpire judges the ball was in fair territory at the time of the contact between R1 and F3. TRUE p Infield Fly Rule 7. If interference occurs during the flight of a potential infield fly, the ball is immediately dead and the plate umpire shall judge if the ball is in fair or foul territory. If fair, the batter shall be declared out and if foul, infield fly would not have applied so the batter is returned to the batter s box and a foul ball assessed to her count. In any case, the violator is out and runners return to the bases occupied at the time of the pitch. (Added to book) 43. The fielder blocks the base as she is about to receive the thrown ball but is not yet in the act of catching it as the runner alters her path. This is not obstruction. FALSE New for Obstruction p. 19 The act of a defensive team member that hinders or impedes a batter s attempt to make contact with a pitch or that impedes the progress of a runner who is legally running the bases, unless the fielder is in possession of the ball, is fielding a batted ball or is in the act of catching a thrown ball. The act may be intentional or unintentional and applies to live-ball action only p. 89 Obstruction is the intentional or unintentional act of a defensive team member that hinders or impedes a batter s attempt to make contact with a pitch or that hinders or impedes the progress of a runner who is legally running bases, unless the fielder is in possession of the ball, in the act of fielding a batted ball or in the act of catching a thrown ball. Obstruction applies to live-ball play only. Notes: 1. The defensive player must be in the process of catching the ball and not merely positioning, waiting for a throw to arrive. 2. Obstruction may be ruled even though there is no physical contact. 44. Catcher obstruction is canceled if the batter contacts the ball and reaches first base safely and each other base runner has advanced at least one base on the batted ball.

12 TRUE p Catcher Obstruction EFFECT... If the batter contacts the ball and reaches first base safely and each other base runner has advanced at least one base on the batted ball, catcher obstruction is canceled. 45. The right-handed batter who lays down a bunt in front of home plate has a collision with the catcher. The batter altered her direction to draw contact. This is obstruction. FALSE p. 143 A.R a: The right-handed batter who lays down a bunt in front of home plate is on a collision course with the catcher if she runs in a direct line to first base. Each player at this point is acting appropriately, the batter taking a path in a direct line to first base, and the catcher coming out from behind home plate to field the ball. The questions that have to be answered are: (1) Did the batter alter direction in any way and draw contact in an attempt to receive an obstruction call? RULING: 1) If yes, interference is ruled. 46. In all cases involving an option, the umpires will confer and the plate umpire will then bring the coaches together to explain the options available to the offended coach. Once the coach makes a selection, that decision is final. TRUE p In all cases involving an option, the umpires will confer and the plate umpire will then bring the coaches together to explain the options available to the offended coach. Once the coach makes a selection, that decision is final. 47. R1 leaves first base prior to release of the pitch. Delayed dead ball is signaled. At the conclusion of the play, the coach of the defensive team shall have the option of taking the result of the play or No Pitch is declared and the batter is returned to the batter s box. In addition, the offending base runner is out, each other base runner must return to the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch. TRUE p. 104 A base runner is called out for leaving her base before release of the pitch.

13 EFFECT Delayed dead ball is signaled. At the conclusion of the play, if the defensive head coach does not select the result of the play, No Pitch is declared, the offending base runner is out, the batter is returned to the batter s box and other base runners returned to the bases occupied at the time of the pitch p. 151 A base runner may not leave the base she attained until the pitcher releases the pitch to the batter. EFFECT Delayed dead ball is signaled. At the conclusion of the play, the coach of the defensive team shall have the option of 1) taking the result of the play or 2) No pitch is declared, the batter is returned to the batter s box and the offending base runner is out. Each other base runner must return to the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch. 48. The pitcher may step on the pitcher s plate with her hands together as long as the batter is in the batter's box. FALSE p The pitcher is considered to be in the pitching position when with her hands apart, she steps forward, puts both feet on the pitcher s plate, and the catcher is in position to receive the pitch Before starting a pitch, the pitcher must comply with the following: Hands must be separated. 49. It is an illegal pitch when the pitcher fails to deliver the pitch within the allowable time. FALSE p. 107 Dead ball, Ball awarded Time Allowed Between Pitches The pitcher must be on the pitcher s plate, the catcher in the catcher s box and the batter in the batter s box within 10 seconds after the pitcher receives the ball in preparation to pitch or after the umpire calls, Play ball. After the pitcher, catcher and batter are in position, the pitcher has 10 seconds to bring her hands together. The pitcher then has not more than five seconds to deliver the pitch. EFFECT The ball is dead. If the batter is in violation of the timing, a strike is assessed. If the pitcher or catcher is in violation of any part of the timing sequence, a ball shall be awarded to the batter. Exception: Intentionally violating the rule in order to walk the batter without pitching shall not result in a ball being awarded to the batter, but each base runner shall advance one base without liability to be put out. In addition, on the first offense, the umpire shall issue a warning to the offending player. On the second offense, the offending player shall be ejected from the game. (Behavioral ejection; see Rule ) 50. The Flex enters the game to run in the DP spot. Coach wants to go back to 10 players and put a substitute into the DP spot in the batting order. This is legal. The original DP player has not used her re-entry. TRUE

14 The DP may be substituted for at any time, either by the flex or by a pinch hitter/ pinch runner off the bench The starting DP, once replaced offensively, may re-enter (return to her original spot in the batting order) one time. Approved rule interpretation 8/31/15 (formerly Ask Dee ) A.R.8.2^2: The Flex enters the game in the clean-up spot in the batting order for the DP at the start of the game dropping the number of active players in the game from 10 to nine. Two innings later, the coach wants to return to 10 players by entering a substitute into the clean-up spot in the batting order but coach does not want the substitute to go into the lineup as the Flex. Must the coach re-enter the starting DP into the clean-up spot and then put the substitute in for her or can the coach put the substitute directly in the DP spot that the Flex is vacating when she goes back to playing defense only? RULING: The substitute may be entered directly into the clean-up spot in the batting order without having to re-enter the starting DP. The number of active players in the game can go from 10 to nine and back to 10 but the number of spots created is either nine or 10 and does not change. 51. When two players switch their defensive positions it does not have to be reported to the plate umpire because there is no change in the batting order. FALSE p A defensive player is entitled to change to a different defensive position at any time as long as the change is reported to the plate umpire. The plate umpire shall report the change to the official scorer and to the opposing coach before the next pitch. EFFECT Failure to report defensive changes to the plate umpire renders the player unreported. (See Rule ) 52. In the third inning after walking three batters in a row, the pitcher (#1) is replaced (by #2). In the same inning, the coach decides to have #1 return to the pitching position. #1 may take five warmup pitches. FALSE p A pitcher is not entitled to warm-up pitches if she returns to pitch in the same half inning. 53. The base path and the baseline are the same thing. FALSE 1.4 Base Path p. 16 The imaginary direct line, and three feet to either side of the line, between a base and a runner s position at the time a defensive player is attempting to apply a tag.

15 2.4 Baseline p. 22 The baseline is the direct line between any two consecutive bases. 54. The bases are loaded with two outs, when the batter earns a base on balls. The base runner from third base slowly advances to home plate while the base runner from second base aggressively advances to third base, rounds the base and is tagged out. The out at third base happens before the base runner from third base touches home plate. Score the run on the live-ball award. TRUE p A.R : Bases loaded, two outs, batter earns a base on balls. Base runner from third base slowly advances to home plate while the base runner from second base aggressively advances to third base, rounds the base and is tagged out. The out at third base happens before the base runner from third base touches home plate. RULING: Score the run on the live-ball award. 55. On an extra base hit, the runner misses second base by a step but just touches the corner of third base. The defense appeals that the runner missed third base. Even though an appeal is made at third base an appeal may also be made at second base on the same runner. TRUE p. 67 A.R : The runner misses second base by a step but just touches the corner of third base. The defense appeals that the runner missed third base. RULING: Even though an appeal is made at third base (the umpire called the runner safe), an appeal may be made at second base on the same runner. 56. R2 is on second base. when B3 hits a fly ball which is caught by F7. R2 leaves too early while advancing to third base. While the ball is still live, F5 (who has the ball) tags R2 who is standing on third base and appeals that R2 left too early. Umpire should rule R2 out. TRUE p Tagging Up after a Caught Fly Ball A base runner must return to her base or remain in contact with her base until a batted fly ball is first touched by a fielder. The initial contact of the ball by a fielder releases the base runner(s) from the base(s) occupied at the time of the pitch. Either the base runner or the base may be tagged by the defender if the runner left before the ball was contacted. This is an appeal play.

16 See also P dead ball appeals 57. Courtesy runners are permitted for the pitcher and catcher. FALSE not a NCAA rule 58. A live ball becomes lodged in the clothing or attached equipment of a defensive player. The ball remains live until the umpire judges the ball to be no longer playable. TRUE p When a ball becomes lodged in the clothing or attached equipment of a defensive player. EFFECT The ball is live until it is judged by the umpire to no longer be playable, at which time it is declared dead. 59. During the award for a thrown ball that goes out of play, the direction of the runner has a bearing on the award. FALSE p Live Thrown Blocked Ball Notes: 1. The direction that a runner is headed when an overthrow occurs has no bearing on the award. When an overthrow is made on a runner returning to a base, she is awarded two bases from that base. For example, if she was returning to first base and the throw was from the outfield, and it left the outfielder s hand before the runner got back to first base, the runner would be awarded third base. 60. The pitcher shall pause a minimum of two seconds to take or simulate taking the signal from the catcher once she is on the pitcher's plate. TRUE from clinic and website Rule Interp dated 11/30/15 While in this position with the hands separated ( ), the pitcher shall pause for a minimum of 2 seconds to take or simulate taking a signal from the catcher. This pause is interpreted as a noticeable stop of at least 2 seconds. 61. The runner's lane line is no longer required on the field. TRUE p. 27 and clinic

17 2.16 Lines (Marking) Interp dated 11/17/15 NCAA 2016 Softball Rules Test 62. It is an immediate dead ball if an illegal pitch is called and the pitcher did not release the ball. TRUE new for p Illegal Pitch EFFECT If an illegal pitch occurs but the pitch is not released, it is a dead ball. 63. A team does not have the NCAA Approved bat list prior to the game. The umpires should not start the game until a list is presented. TRUE p Before each game, bats must be approved for play. EFFECT The game shall not be started until the appropriate lists are presented. 64. Player may wear portable cameras (Go-Pro) during the game to provide postgame feedback. FALSE ASK Dee Rule Interps April 2015 A.R.5.9.3^4: May players or umpires wear small portable cameras (such as Go Pro) during play in order to provide themselves with postgame feedback? RULING: Although there is valuable feedback to be gained, players and umpires may not have cameras attached to their helmets or bodies for their own or television purposes See also: p Taking photos and videoing done by any team personnel may not be done from the team s dugout or bullpen; however, unattended video cameras may be positioned in these team areas. (infers no cameras in live ball territory by a player) Cell phones and pagers are not allowed on the field but may be used in team areas for purposes other than coaching or scouting except as noted in Rule above. Use of a cell phone camera in a team area is prohibited from the start of the pregame meeting until the game s conclusion. (Again, infers that if cell phone cameras are not allowed it stands to reason neither are Go Pro s) 65. A first basemen tracks a foul ball to the opposing team's dugout. Just as she is about to make the catch at the entrance of the dugout,

18 players in the dugout reach out to support her from falling down the stairs. If she catches the ball and carries it into the dugout, it is a legal catch and the catch and carry rule would apply. If she stays in live ball territory, the ball remains alive TRUE Ask Dee Rule Interps March 2015 A.R.6.9.2: As a first baseman tracks a high foul ball, she comes to the edge of the opposing team s dugout to make a catch. Just as she is about to catch the ball at the entrance, players in the dugout reach out to support her from falling down the stairs. Because the fielder is now in contact with dead-ball territory before making an apparent catch, is the catch legal? RULING: Although the fielder is in contact with dead-ball territory, the contact was not initiated by her so the catch would be allowed. If she carries the ball into the dugout, catch and carry would apply but if the opposing players propped her up and she remained in live-ball territory, the ball would remain live. 66. The defensive players huddle in the circle and a defensive conference is not charged, the base runners may not abandon the vicinity of their bases, but may the batter confer with the third base coach as long as she is ready to play when the umpire is ready to resume play? TRUE p When a defensive player requests time to speak to one or more defensive players, base runners may not abandon the vicinity of their bases without it being a charged offensive conference. Ask Dee Rule interps A.R : When defensive players huddle in the circle and no defensive conference is charged, the base runners may not abandon the vicinity of their bases, but may the batter confer with the third base coach as long as she is ready to play when the umpire is ready to resume play? RULING: Yes, the restriction in only applies to runners on base, not to the batter. 67. Bats may be any color or combination of colors as long as they are ASA certified. FALSE p The barrel is between the taper and end cap and is the intended contact area for the pitch. The bat barrel shell color(s) shall be of a color(s) contrasting to the ball, round and smooth to inches in diameter.

19 68. Players may wear any type of headgear as long as they are the same predominant color and worn as intended by the manufacturer. The catcher's headgear may be of a different color than the other defenders. TRUE p Headgear. Visors and caps are uniform accessories, may be mixed, and must be of the same predominant color and worn as intended by the manufacturer. Exception: The catcher s headgear may be of a different color than other defenders headgear. 69. A batter is hit by a pitch that has not reached the front of the batter's box. The umpire should call no pitch, ball is dead and all subsequent action on the pitch is canceled. TRUE p No Pitch No pitch shall be declared when: The batter is hit by a pitch that has not yet reached the front line of the batter s box, assuming she did not swing or attempt to bunt. EFFECT ( to ) The ball is dead, and all subsequent action on that pitch is canceled. 70. Coaches are allowed to ask the calling umpire to go for help on the following:, checked swing, pulled foot and balls and strikes. FALSE p Verbal Misconduct No coach, player or team shall at any time, whether from the bench, the coach s box, the playing field or elsewhere: Question the strike zone and any call based purely on umpire s judgment Any umpire s decision that involves judgment may, under certain circumstances, be reviewed, but is never subject to protest (see Rule 7.2.2). Decisions rendered by any umpire should be reversed when the umpire is convinced the decision is in violation of one of these rules. In case the head coach or captain of either team does seek reversal of a decision based solely on a point of rules, the umpire whose decision is in question will, if in doubt, confer with his or her associate(s) before taking any action, but under no circumstances will any player or person other than the coach of either team, have any grounds to protest any decision and seek its reversal on a claim that it is in conflict with these rules. Exceptions: 1)On a decision regarding a checked swing, when asked by the catcher, the plate umpire must seek a decision from the appropriate base umpire. Such

20 a request may be made only when the plate umpire has called the pitch a ball; and 2) On a decision regarding a pick-off, when asked by either coach, the base umpire must confer with his/her associate(s). (Note what is missing questions about the strike zone. Same as above) 71. A pitcher is using Gorilla Gold or Mighty Grip which do not transfer to the ball. The umpire allows them to be used to dry her fingers. TRUE p Under the supervision and within view of the umpire, a resin (a drying agent) may be used on the pitcher s hand/fingers. Any substance (including resin, dirt or saliva) applied to the pitcher s hands and fingers must be wiped off if it would transfer to the ball. Ask Dee Rule Interp A.R.10.13: Which substances may be applied to the ball or the pitcher s hand and which of those require the pitcher to wipe the substance off before gripping the ball? Also, in cold weather, may a pitcher blow her own breath onto her hand without then wiping her hand prior to gripping the ball? RULING: In the pregame process, dirt can be used or substances like Turface or Gorilla Gold that remove the manufacturers gloss and slickness on the ball. But once the umpire puts a ball in play, applying any substance to the ball is not legal unless done by or at the direction of the umpire. Regarding the pitcher s hand, substances that do not transfer to the ball (i.e. gorilla gold, mighty grip, cold air ) do not have to be wiped off. However, all substances that do transfer to the ball, including dirt and saliva, must be wiped off before the pitcher grips the ball. 72. Umpires may wear pink shirts for a breast cancer awareness game as long as all umpires are dressed alike. FALSE A.R.15.1: May umpires wear pink shirts for a pink out game for breast cancer? RULING: The softball rules do not allow for pink umpire shirts, pants, caps or other significant parts of the umpire uniform. However, umpires may wear a single memorial ribbon pin or small memorial ribbons pinned to the right panel of their caps or on the shirt over the heart for these special games. Attire and gear for softball umpires is already a more expensive proposition than in most sports with the need for protective equipment and cold weather gear in addition to different sized attire for base and plate games which makes the NSRC sensitive to adding additional expenses...even for the multitude of worthy causes and even if some or all of the commemorative gear is donated. 73. The DP may play offense for the flex and defense for an OP at the same time. TRUE p The DP may play offense for the flex and defense for another player If the flex re-enters to play defense and the DP was playing in the field for her, the DP can:

21 Play offense for the flex and defense for another batter in the order (OP); 74. The DP may not play defense only. TRUE p The DP may not play defense only. While playing defense, the DP must continue to bat/run. 75. The preferred distance from a tag play that will enable the umpire to see all three elements of the play is 8-12 feet TRUE Manual page 30