MOA SOFTBALL STUDY CLUBS LESSON #1

Transcription

1 MOA SOFTBALL STUDY CLUBS LESSON #1 NAME CLUB DATE I. Review and discuss the following Rule Changes for Softball and the information concerning this change for softball. (Please see comments on the rules change in the Rule Book, pages 82-83, for further information and rationale for each rule change.) 1-5-2c: The taper is the transition area which connects the narrower handle to the wider barrel portion of the bat. The taper shall have a conical shape. Language requiring the taper to be of a solid surface has been removed : While uniforms of team members shall be of the same color and style, state associations permit players to participate while wearing a different style uniform for various reasons, including inclement weather : Exposed undergarments, if worn, are considered part of the official uniform. All exposed undergarments shall be a solid single color: black, white, gray or a school color. a. For individual players, exposed upper-body undergarments do not have to be the same color as exposed lower-body undergarments. b. For all team members, exposed upper-body undergarments shall be the same solid single color, and all exposed lower-body undergarments shall be the same solid single color. c. Garments other than team uniforms such as arm sleeves, leg sleeves, and tights are permissible. Anything worn on the arm or leg is a sleeve, except a brace, and shall meet the color restrictions NEW: All equipment shall be inspected by the umpire, and is to be placed outside the dugout/bench prior to the start of the game PENALTY: Players and substitutes shall not enter the contest unreported. The umpire shall issue a team warning to the coach of the team involved and the next offender on that team shall be restricted to the dugout/bench for the remainder of the game. The head coach is also restricted to the dugout/bench for the remainder of the game for a second violation. MHSA softball rule clarification for this year: In Class AA (or any classification) when the varsity and junior varsity games are played at the same time, players can be listed on both line-up cards however once they leave one game to participate in the other they cannot go back and participate in the first game. They can only switch once. (Reminder) - MHSA softball rule changes from last year:

2 Varsity and Sub-varsity games may end after three (3) innings if a team is leading by (15) runs. (With mutual agreement of coaches) Regular season suspended games additions: b. Games suspended before 4-1/2 or 5 innings because of weather (resume from the point of interruption). c. Games suspended before 4-1/2 innings that are tied (resume from the point of interruption). d. Games suspended before 4-1/2 or 5 innings because of darkness (resume from the point of interruption). II. Please review and discuss the following information in the NFHS Softball Guide 2017 concerning the new rule changes this year - this study guide was mailed in early February with the MOA Official Word: Poor Weather Exceptions to Uniform Rule - page 3 Unreported Substitutions Rule Clarified page 3 Same Solid Single Color for Undergarments page 4 Bat Taper Wording Eliminates Solid page 11 III. Please review the Major Editorial Revisions for Softball NOTE EXCEPTION IV. Please review and discuss the following information in the NFHS Softball Guide 2017 concerning the major editorial changes for this year - this study guide was mailed in early February with the MOA Official Word: Pitcher Not Required to Wipe After Using Resin on Pitching Hand page 2 V. Please review the Major Mechanics Changes (2016 and 2017 Two Year Manual) this is the second year of this manual. There were no major changes to the NFHS Softball Mechanics, however, several portions of the manual were edited and reorganized for clarity and consistency. Softball Mechanics Points of Emphasis (2016 and 2017) Strike Zone and Pitching (FP) please review the information in the rules book and umpires manual regarding these points of emphasis VI. Please review and discuss last year s rule changes, major editorial revisions and major mechanics revisions. Were there any problems, concerns, or unusual situations caused by these changes?

3 Rule Changes (Last Year) Projected Substitute A projected substitute is the act of entering a substitute without first removing a player from that position in the lineup. (Rule prohibits projected substitutes and now defines a projected substitute). Please review the information in the NFHS Softball Guide 2017 concerning the 2016 rule changes - this study guide was mailed in early February with the MOA Official Word: Recap of 2016 NFHS Changes page 8 Major Editorial Revisions (Last Year) One American flag (2 inch x 3 inch maximum) may be worn or occupy space on the jersey. By state association adoption, for special occasions, commemorative or memorial patches, not to exceed 4 square inches, may be worn on the jersey. VII. The NFHS Softball Rules Committee has identified three points for emphasis this year. These points of emphasis will be discussed during the online Softball Rules Clinic but please review and discuss these points of emphasis as a group. Please review the comments for each point of emphasis listed in the Rule Book, pages 83-84: 1) Pitching 2) Uniforms 3) DP/FLEX Simplified Please review the articles in the NFHS Softball Guide 2017 on these important points of emphasis: 1) Pitching Play Wristbands Can Hamper Pitching Pause Page 7 2) DP/Flex DP FLEX Rules Revisited page 6 see addendum to these Study Clubs also 3) Uniforms All That Glitters is Not Gold page 12 Also, please review the Points of Emphasis from last year: 1) Electronic Devices 2) Interference 3) Obstruction

4 VIII. IX. Concussion Law Remember you must view the NFHS Concussion Course before umpiring any scrimmage or game (State Law and MOA Requirement). Review once again the MHSA procedure for MOA officials to follow in regard to these concussions and other injuries (this information is provided in the addendum to these study clubs after Study Club # 4). Review once again the DP/Flex Rule (this information is provided in the addendum to these study clubs after Study Club # 4) X. New Criteria for Checking Bats and Helmets Bats and Helmets, including catchers helmets, shall be inspected by the umpires in one location outside of the dugout/bench area preferably about 15 minutes before the game and in advance of the pregame conference, which should take place no later than five minutes before the start of the game. see pages 1-2 of the 2017 NFHS Softball Guide Bat Standard - Please review the bat enforcement procedure put in place a few years ago Coaches do not have to carry an approved bat list any longer but umpires have to carry a nonapproved bat list to cross check each team s bats even though the bat has the 2000 or 2004 mark. (Below is the information I sent in the pre-season memo). Bat Information Rule 1-5-1d a legal bat must meet the 2004 ASA Bat Performance Standard, bear either the 2004 certification mark and not be listed on the ASA non-approved bat list. The list containing bats for approved play was recently updated. Easton has voluntarily removed 18 bat models from the ASA certified list. Bats meeting the standards are found at Select the Certified ASA Equipment box, select the Go next to the bats window at the bottom of the page. You can choose to display all bats or arrow down to a specific manufacturer. Please check that all your bats meet the standard. You can also cross check your bats to make sure they are not on the non-approved bat list which is also found on the above link. Also, bats made entirely of wood are permitted and need not bear an ASA mark, but shall not exceed 21/4 inches in diameter. XI. Please review and discuss the following 2017 NFHS Softball Rules Interpretations: CORRECTIONS: 1-5-1d Meet the 2004 ASA Bat Performance Standard, bear either the 2000 or 2004 certification mark (Figure 1-6) and not be listed on the USA Softball Non-approved bat List with ASA Certification Marks as found on c Garments other than team uniforms such as arm sleeves, leg sleeves and tights are permissible. Anything worn on the arm or leg is a sleeve, except a brace, and shall meet the color restrictions. SITUATION 1: (a) In the first inning, Team A has a courtesy runner replace F1 on first base without notifying the plate umpire. Team B notifies the plate umpire that the runner was unreported. (b) Later, in the third inning S1 comes up to bat in place of B3 for Team A without being report-ed. Team B again notifies the plate umpire of the unreported substitute.(c) Again, in the sixth inning Team A has S2 take the position of F7 without informing the plate umpire. After a pitch to the first batter, Team B notifies the plate umpire that S2 is an unreported substitute. RULING: In (a), Team A would be given a team warning for the unreported courtesy runner. In (b), since this is the second violation of an unreported player, both S1 and Team A s head coach would be restricted to the dugout/bench for the remainder of the game. In (c), since this is a repeat violation of an unreported player participating in the game, both S2 and Team A s new head coach would be restricted to the dugout/bench area. (3-6-7 Penalty)

5 SITUATION 2: (a) F1 has a powdered rosin bag which she squeezes in her hand then places back on the ground prior to stepping on the pitcher s plate. Once on the pitcher s plate she goes directly to the ball without wiping the drying agent from her hand.(b) F1 takes a comparable drying agent (Gorilla Gold) from her pocket and wipes her hand on it several times, then places the towel back into her pocket. Once on the pitcher s plate, she goes directly to the ball without wiping her hand. (c) F1 touches the dirt infield with her hand then steps onto the pitcher s plate and goes directly to the ball without wiping off her hand. (d) F1 picks up a hand full of dirt and rolls it around in her hand, then drops the dirt and steps onto the pitcher s plate and goes directly to the ball without wiping off her hand. (e) F1 picks up a handful of dirt and places it onto the ball rubbing the dirt into the ball. RULING: Legal in (a) and (b). The powdered rosin and the comparable drying agent are permitted based on their ability to not transfer to the ball. Wiping these sub-stances off the hand prior to touching the ball is not necessary. Legal in (c) and (d). Dirt is not considered a foreign substance. Therefore, it is not necessary to wipe off the hand before going to the ball. Illegal in (e). Rubbing dirt onto the ball is considered defacing the ball and is not permitted. (6-2-2, 1-3-6) SITUATION 3: (a) Team A has a batter who is wearing an optic yellow batting helmet. (b) Team B s catcher is wearing a helmet that is optic yellow and has the appearance of having been custom painted. RULING: Legal in (a) and (b), provided the helmets are not broken, cracked or dented, and comply with all other NFHS requirements. (1-6, 1-7) SITUATION 4: (a) B1 hits the ball to F5 who fields the ball and throws to F3. B1 reaches first base prior to the throw, but misses first base stepping completely over the base. F3 catches the throw from F5 touching first base as B1 is two steps beyond first base.(b) R1 is on first base when B2 hits a fly ball past the outfielders. As R1 is advancing to third base, she misses second base. F8 retrieves the ball and throws it to F4 who is a couple of steps toward the outfield behind second base. The throw from F8 is high and F4 jumps to catch the ball landing on second base with possession of the ball. F4, seeing R1 trying to advance home, turns and throws the ball to F2. Should the umpire determine that the defense has made a valid appeal? RULING: In (a) and (b), these are not valid attempts to execute an appeal. The fielder s actions must be able to be recognized by the umpire as an effort to make an appeal, and/or the fielder must verbally inform the umpire she is executing an appeal. Since the fielder s actions were not interpreted as a request for an appeal and the player made no verbal request for the umpire to rule on an appeal, the umpire should not consider these appeal plays. SITUATION 5: (a) With R1 on first base, B2 hits the ball to F5, who throws the ball to F4 at second base to retire R1. F4, seeing that B2 is already at first base, does not throw to F3. F3 is off first base and starts requesting the ball from F4. After having control of the ball, she touches first base and looks at the base umpire pointing at B2 and first base before B2 returns to first base. (b) On a base hit to the outfield, R1 misses second base on her way to third base. After the ball is returned to the infield, R1 is on third base and B2 is on first base. F5 has the ball and is about to throw to F1 when F4 asks for the ball and touches second base while looking at the base umpire. Should the umpire determine that the defense has made a valid appeal? RULING: In (a) and (b), these are valid appeals. In these cases, the fielder s actions are easily recognized as a request for the umpire to rule on the appeal. SITUATION 6: At the pregame conference Team A is using the DP/FLEX option, but when the umpire inspects the lineup, she finds that the FLEX has no defensive position listed and the DP is listed as F1. RULING: The plate umpire should not accept the lineup as it is not valid. All starting players must have a position listed. Since the main purpose of the DP position is to play offense, the DP s starting position is listed as DP and she must be listed in one of the top nine positions in the bat-ting order. Since the main purpose of the FLEX position is to play defense, she must have a defensive position assigned in the starting lineup. She must be placed in the 10th position in the lineup and identified as the FLEX player, and have a starting defensive position. After the lineup has become official at the plate conference, Team A can then have its DP pitch for the FLEX, and in this case the FLEX will have left the game and have one re-entry.

6 SITUATION 7: With F2 in the position to receive the pitch and B1 in the batter s box ready for the pitch, F1 is standing behind the pitcher s plate and receives a sign from her coach in the dugout. She then steps onto the pitcher s plate, immediately bringing her hands together and then starts her pitch. The plate umpire calls no pitch ruling that F1 was trying to return the pitch too quickly (quick pitch). RULING: Incorrect ruling. The correct ruling is illegal pitch (6-1-1b). A no-pitch ruling (the ball is returned too quickly) requires the pitch to be legal, and the umpire judges that the pitcher attempted a quick return of the ball before the batter had taken a batting position, or was still off balance as a result of a previous pitch. (6-2-4b) SITUATION 8: While standing behind the pitcher s plate, F1 looks at her coach who verbally says 356. F1 and F2 look at their wristbands, then F1 steps onto the pitcher s plate, looks at F2 and pauses, then brings her hands together and starts her pitch. (a) The plate umpire calls an illegal pitch because F1 did not nod at F2 indicating she had accepted a signal from F2. (b) The base umpire calls an illegal pitch as he was able to see that F2 did not give a signal to F1. RULING: Incorrect rulings in (a) and (b). By rule, F1 must simulate taking a signal from F2. To simulate taking a signal, F1 is only required to look at F2 and pause while on the pitcher s plate with her hands separated. (6-1-1b) SITUATION 9: When the umpires arrive at the field, Team A s equipment is out in front of its dugout ready for inspection. (a) Team B s equipment is not out and ready for inspection. The umpires remind Team B s coach of the new rule requiring the team s equipment to be out of the dugout ready for inspection. (b) The crew returns to inspect Team A s equipment. When the inspection is complete, they notice Team B s equipment is still not out and ready for inspection. (c) Continuing their pregame inspections, the umpires walk the field looking for areas that may require special ground rules. After they complete their walk of the field, Team B s equipment is still not out of the dugout and ready for inspection. RULING: In (a), since there is no time requirement for teams to have its equipment ready for inspection, the umpires should alert any team that does not have its equipment outside of the dugout that they are ready to start inspecting equipment, without issuing a warning. The teams should then be given adequate time to comply. In (b), Team B s coach receives a warning for his team s equipment not being outside of the dugout and ready for inspection. In (c), since this is a second offense for not having the team s equipment ready for inspection, Team B s head coach is restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the game. (3-2-15) Completed outline must be signed by all present and sent to the regional director by May 15, 2017.

7 MOA SOFTBALL STUDY CLUBS LESSON #2 NAME CLUB DATE I. Please discuss and review the following information on a variety of topics from the NFHS Softball Guide Eight Pre-Pitch Situational Points to Know Before They Throw page 5 When a Batter Gets Hit By a Pitch page 10 Hands-Off Approach Best For All Involved page 11 Elements, Actions to Consider When Making an Infield Fly Call page 13 (Also see addendum information on Infield Fly after Study Club # 4) Spectators in the Way page 14 Designated Media Area Situations page 16 II. Pitching Information Games hampered with light precipitation can often pose problems for pitchers, who are allowed to use a towel or approved drying agents to dry the pitching hand. An umpire s judgment comes into play under a few wet-weather circumstances. A pitcher is allowed to use a towel, as long as, in the umpire s judgment, it is not distracting to the batter. A towel that is tucked in the pitcher s waist in front facing the batter and flopping around is likely to be more distracting than if it is tucked in her back pocket or in her waist in back. NFHS rules allow the pitcher to use a powdered resin or any comparable drying agent to dry the hands. The resin applied to the pitcher s hands and fingers does not have to be wiped off prior to throwing a pitch. Keep Your Powder Dry page 15 NFHS Softball Guide Once again, information that has been shared with coaches and umpires for many years regarding pitching is provided the addendum to these study clubs after Study Club # 4. III. Orally, as a group, take the following 2017 Softball Rules Exam Part I. Discuss any problem areas and please note the questions that may be affected by this year s rule changes.

8 NOTE: In the exam situations, F refers to a fielder, B refers to a batter and R refers to a runner. All situations and acts are legal, and no errors or mistakes are involved unless otherwise noted. 1. Any defensive fielder may make a live-ball appeal with the ball in her possession by tagging the runner or touching the base that was missed or left too early. 2. A fair ball is a batted ball that first falls or is first touched on or over fair territory beyond first, second or third base. 3. A foul tip is a batted ball that goes sharply and directly from the bat to the catcher's mitt or hand and is legally caught by any defensive player. 4. A leap is when both feet of the pitcher are airborne prior to delivering the pitch. 5. A slide is illegal if: A. The runner uses a rolling or cross-body slide into the fielder. B. The runner's raised leg is higher than the fielder's knee when the fielder is in a standing position. C. The runner slashes or kicks the fielder with either leg. D. The runner goes beyond the base and makes contact with or alters the play of the fielder. E. All of the above. 6. A timing play occurs when the last out of an inning is not the result of a force out and the exact time of the out may or may not allow a run to score. 7. All of the following are true regarding the catcher's box, EXCEPT: A. The catcher must be in the catcher's box from the time the pitcher steps on the pitcher's plate until she releases the pitch. B. The catcher's box is a rectangle. C. The catcher's box is 8 feet, 5 inches wide. D. The catcher's box is 10 feet deep. E. The catcher's box includes the area directly behind home plate, between the batter's boxes.

9 8. Faking a tag is always considered obstruction. 9. The umpire rules a catch and the batter is out if the: A. Left fielder catches a fly ball and while attempting to throw to second base it drops out of the player's hand. B. Left fielder catches a fly ball and while attempting to run the ball in to the infield it pops out of the glove. C. Left fielder catches a fly ball in the tip of the glove and it immediately pops out. D. A and B 10. The 3-foot running lane is a space defined by a line drawn 3 feet from and parallel to the first-base foul line starting halfway between home and first base and extending to first base in foul territory. 11. An appeal must be made on the last play of the game before all infielders leave the field. 12. The defense may appeal either during a live or dead ball, but it must occur before the next pitch (legal or illegal). 13. When the ball goes out of play, runners must be given the opportunity to complete their baserunning responsibilities before a dead-ball appeal is made. 14. A runner may leap or hurdle a defensive player who is lying on the ground. 15. Awarded bases must be run legally.

10 16. Obstruction is called on F2 when she is about to receive the ball while blocking home plate, and comes in contact with the runner sliding into home. 17. Following batter's interference with the catcher, the batter is out and each runner must return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. 18. If B1 steps out of the batter's box after F1 has brought her hands together, B1 runs the risk of having a strike called on her for being out of position. 19. The batter must keep one foot in the batter's box between pitches. 20. All of the following team personnel are permitted outside the designated dugout/bench, EXCEPT: A. The batter. B. Runners on base. C. The on-deck batter. D. Defensive players. E. The coach giving defensive signals. 21. Initiating malicious contact is a serious offense and results in the offender being ejected. 22. A base coach may use a stopwatch while coaching at first or third base. 23. Any adult coach may attend the pregame conference with the umpire(s) and verify that the team is in compliance with all NFHS rules.

11 24. Prior to the start of the game at the pregame conference, the head coach shall be responsible for verifying which of the following? A. That the lineup card is correct. B. That all players are legally equipped. C. That players and equipment are in compliance with all NFHS rules. D. None of the above. E. All of the above. 25. While in the coach's box, coaches may not wear any type of jeans or "cut-offs." 26. A legal substitute may replace a courtesy runner on a base, but the substitute is actually replacing the pitcher/catcher in the lineup for whom the courtesy runner is running and the pitcher/catcher has left the game. 27. B1, the pitcher, hits a single and advances to second on the next play. Her coach may replace her with a courtesy runner at this time. 28. When a courtesy runner is injured, the replacement must either be a legal substitute or the pitcher/catcher for whom she is running. 29. A delayed dead-ball situation occurs when the batter enters the batter's box with an illegal bat. 30. It is a delayed dead-ball situation when an illegal pitch occurs, but no pitch has been delivered to the batter. 31. The ball becomes dead immediately when a fielder leaves the field of play with one foot after catching a fair or foul batted ball.

12 32. The ball becomes dead in all of the following situations, EXCEPT: A. There is interference by a runner or retired runner. B. The batter enters the batter's box with an illegal bat. C. An infielder intentionally drops a fair fly ball with first base occupied and less than two outs. D. An illegal pitch is delivered. E. The batter-runner steps backward toward home plate to avoid being tagged out. 33. The softball field includes an elevated cement step in front of each dugout. B1 hits a foul fly caught by F3 such that her right foot is on the ground completely in live-ball territory and her left foot is on the elevated cement step with half the foot on the step and the other half over live-ball territory but completely off the ground. What is the result of the play? A. B1 is out on a good catch by F3; the ball is live and in play. B. Foul ball; the ball is dead and B1 remains at bat. C. B1 is out on a good catch by F3; the ball is dead. D. Foul ball; the ball is live and in play and B1 remains at bat. E. None of the above. 34. A team may use the DP/FLEX option provided it is made known at the pre-game conference. 35. All of the following are true regarding the FLEX player, EXCEPT: A. The FLEX is listed in the 10th position in the lineup. B. The FLEX may be substituted for by the DP playing defense. C. The FLEX may bat anywhere in one of the nine positions of the batting order. D. The FLEX may be replaced by a legal substitute at any time. E. When the FLEX is substituted for by the DP, the team is down to nine players. 36. If the DP plays defense for the FLEX, the FLEX has left the game. 37. The DP may be substituted for at any time by: A. A legal substitute. B. The FLEX playing offense. C. Anyone else in the batting order. D. A and B only. E. A, B and C.

13 38. When the DP/FLEX option is used, the lineup may be reduced to nine and then returned to 10 any number of times. 39. A circle of what size shall be drawn around the pitcher's plate? A. 8 feet in diameter. B. 12 feet in diameter. C. 14 feet in diameter. D. 16 feet in diameter. E. None of the above. 40. A one-piece rubber bat grip and knob combination on a bat is legal. 41. All fast pitch batting helmets must be equipped with a NOCSAE-approved face protector. 42. All of the following are true regarding gloves/mitts, EXCEPT: A. Gloves shall be a maximum of two colors, excluding lacing and manufacturer's logo. B. Glove lacing shall not be the color of the ball. C. Gloves shall not be entirely optic in color. D. Gloves may have one American flag not exceeding 2 by 3 inches. E. Gloves may have markings that give the appearance of the ball on the outside, but not the inside. 43. All of the following are true regarding the knob of the bat, EXCEPT: A. It may be molded, lathed, welded or permanently fastened. B. Devices, attachments or wrappings are permitted that cause the knob to become flush with the handle. C. It must protrude at a 90-degree angle from the handle. D. A one-piece rubber knob and bat grip combination is illegal. 44. With R1 on first, B2 bunts a ball to F5 and both R1 and B2 advance safely. The defense protests the batter before the next pitch because B2 batted with a Reebok Vector that has holes in the taper part of the bat. B2 is declared out and R1 is put back on first base.

14 45. While the pitcher has the ball within the 16-foot circle, a batter-runner who overruns first base toward right field, turns left and immediately stops, must then return to first or attempt to advance to second base. 46. While the pitcher has the ball within the 16-foot circle, a batter-runner who rounds first base toward second base may stop, but then must immediately return to first or attempt to advance non-stop to second base. 47. "No pitch" shall be declared if a runner is called out for leaving the base too soon. 48. All of the following are true regarding the ball rotation, EXCEPT: A. A pitcher has a choice of balls at the start of each half-inning if both balls have been in play. B. The unused ball must be put into play in the bottom of the first inning if it is not used in the top of the first inning. C. The ball in play should be returned to the 16-foot circle after every half-inning. D. The pitcher may possess both balls and choose the one she wants to start that half-inning. E. All of the above. 49. Once the ball has been returned to the pitcher, she has 10 seconds to release the next pitch. 50. Provided it is under the supervision and control of the umpire, which of the following is legal for a pitcher to use on the pitching hand: A. Tape on the contact points. B. Saliva. C. Powdered resin or any comparable drying agent. D. Any item on the pitching hand, wrist, arm, or thigh which the umpire judges to be distracting to the batter. E. All of the above. 51. When a pitcher fails to deliver the pitch within the required timeframe, a ball is called on the batter and runners are advanced one base.

15 52. Any equipment judged to be potentially dangerous by the umpire is illegal. 53. Exposed undergarments are considered part of the official uniform and shall be black, white, gray or a solid school color. 54. Religious and medical-alert medals are considered jewelry and are prohibited. 55. A team's lineup card shall include each starting player's first initial and last name, jersey number, position and batting order. 56. At the pregame meeting, the head coach must list all team members on the team's roster. 57. The use of the DP/FLEX is required. 58. A run does not score if a preceding runner is declared the fourth out for missing a base, and the defensive team selects that out to its advantage. 59. A team may finish the game with fewer than eight players. 60. The pitcher has her choice of balls at the start of each half-inning unless both balls do not get put into play in the first half of the first inning.

16 61. The score of a forfeited game is 7-0 unless the offending team is behind; then the score remains as recorded. 62. After the game starts, the umpires are sole judges as to whether conditions, including grounds, are fit for play. 63. A coach is not permitted to project a substitution. 64. It is legal for S1 to substitute for the starting pitcher F1 in the third inning, and then re-enter the original pitcher in the fifth inning in the same position in the batting order. 65. An umpire's decision involving fair/foul call or a safe/out call may be appealed by requesting assistance from another umpire. 66. The plate umpire is responsible for ensuring that a team's bats and helmets are inspected. 67. The plate umpire s pregame duties include which of the following: A. Inspect batting and catching helmets. B. Inspect bats. C. Inspect the condition of the field. D. Define the dugout/bench areas. E. All of the above. 68. A substitute who is withdrawn may re-enter once per game provided she does so in the same batting position.

17 69. Which of the following are appealable plays? A. Missing a base. B. Batting out of order. C. Leaving a base early on a caught fly ball. D. All of the above. 70. All of the following statements about sliding are true except: A. If a runner slides, it may be feet first or head first. B. In order to complete a legal slide, a runner must be able to touch the base with either her hand or foot. C. In order for a runner to avoid unnecessary contact, she is required to slide if a fielder has possession of the ball and is waiting to make a tag. D. On an overslide, a runner may be tagged out if she does not remain in contact with the base. 71. B1 bats out of order and reaches first base. F1 then steps onto the pitcher s plate and commits an illegal pitch. The defense then appeals that B1 has batted out of order. What is the correct ruling? A. B1 is declared out and the next batter comes to the plate. B. B1 is replaced by the legal batter at first base. C. The defense can no longer appeal batting out of order since the infraction was not discovered prior to the next pitch. D. The defense is allowed to appeal since the pitch was illegal and the player B1 is declared out. 72. B1 fails to promptly take her position in the batter s box within the 10 seconds after the ball is returned to the pitcher to prepare for the next pitch. What is the correct ruling? A. The umpire awards an additional five seconds and play continues. B. The umpire grants the batter time until she is ready for play to resume. C. The umpire declares the batter out for delaying the game. D. The umpire calls a strike on the batter. 73. The batter is standing in the batter s box when an inside pitch hits her in the knee completely in the batter's box. The proper call is: A. Dead ball and the batter is awarded first base. B. Strike on the batter because she needs to make an effort to get out of the way of the pitch. C. Strike on the batter because the pitcher is entitled to throw over the inner part of the batter s box. D. None of the above. 74. A coach cannot have which of the following items in the coaches box on the field? A. A stopwatch. B. A cell phone recording video.

18 C. A tablet device being used as a scorebook. D. A scorebook. 75. Each team, when on defense, is allowed how many charged conferences without penalty during a seven-inning game? A. One. B. Two. C. Three. D. Four. 76. Which action is not legal for a courtesy runner? A. She has not participated in the game. B. She runs for the pitcher only. C. She runs for the catcher only. D. She becomes a substitute in the same half inning she was a courtesy runner. 77. After reaching base legally, a team has the option to use a courtesy runner for: A. The pitcher only. B. The catcher only. C. The pitcher and/or catcher. D. The team s slowest player as designated by the coach during the pre-game meeting. 78. With no outs and R1 on second base, B2 is at bat with a two-ball, one-strike count. On the pitch, the ball contacts the jersey of B2 completely in the batter's box while R1 attempts to steal third base. The catcher throws to third base and R1 is tagged out. What is the correct ruling? A. Ball is live, R1 is out and batter has a three-ball, one-strike count. B. Ball is dead, B2 is awarded first base, R1 is out at third base. C. Ball is dead, B2 is awarded first base, R1 goes back to second base. D. Live ball, only B2's jersey was contacted, not B A head coach who intends to utilize the DP/Flex option must alert the umpires and opposing team: A. Before that coach s team bats for the first time. B. Before that coach s team throws its first pitch on defense. C. During the exchange of lineup cards at home plate during the pregame conference. D. Before the DP s first at-bat.

19 80. The correct pitching distance in NFHS fastpitch softball is: A. 38 feet. B. 40 feet. C. 43 feet. D. 45 feet. 81. Which statement about bats is correct? A. Bats should be free of rattles, dents, burrs, cracks and sharp edges. B. Materials inside the bat or treatment/devices used to alter bat specifications and/or enhance performances are prohibited and render the bat illegal. C. A nick or paint chip in the bat from metal cleats that does not extend into the laminations of the bat should not render a bat illegal. D. All of the above. 82. A small hole has naturally occurred in front of the pitching plate during the course of the game. On the pitch, the pitcher pushes off the plate with her pivot foot and loses contact with the ground as she drags across the hole. Her pivot foot, however, is no higher than the level plane of the ground around the hole as she delivers the pitch. What is the correct call? A. No call. The pitch is legal because in the umpire's judgment, the foot would have been in contact with the ground had the hole not been present. B. No pitch, and the game is delayed until the hole can be repaired. C. Illegal pitch because the pivot foot is not touching the ground in the bottom of the hole. D. No pitch and the pitcher receives a warning. If the pivot foot fails to touch the ground in the bottom of the hole on future pitches, an illegal pitch will be called. 83. It is an illegal pitch if: A. F1 is behind the pitcher's plate, takes her signal, steps on the pitcher's plate immediately and brings her hands together. B. F1 is on the pitcher's plate, looks to the coach for a signal and then looks to F2 and simulates taking a signal before bringing her hands together. C. F1 stands behind the pitcher's plate, takes a signal from the coach, steps on the pitcher's plate and simulates taking a signal from F2 before bringing her hands together. D. F1's shoulders are in line with first and third base, the ball is in her glove or hand and the hands are separated. 84. The game begins when the: A. Pre-game conference ends. B. Home team takes the field for warm-ups. C. Umpire calls Play Ball. D. First pitch is thrown.

20 85. When a coach makes a substitution during a game, the home plate umpire should report the substitution to: A. The opposing team s scorekeeper. B. The opposing team s head coach. C. The opposing team s captain. D. The opposing team s base coaches. 86. B1 hits a high fly ball down the line to right field. F9, with both feet clearly in fair territory, reaches across the foul line in an attempt to catch the ball. While the ball is still in the air, completely over foul ground, the ball deflects off of F9's glove and lands in fair territory. The correct call is: A. Foul ball since the ball was over foul territory when first touched. B. Fair ball since both feet were clearly in fair territory when she touched the ball. C. Fair ball because after she touched the ball it landed in fair territory. D. Fair ball. Any ball touched by a fielder is automatically fair. 87. Bases are loaded with two outs. B6 hits a deep fly ball that lands in the gap in right center field. R3 tries to score from first base. Which of the following timing play statements are applied correctly? A. B6 is tagged out at second base before R3 touches home plate. R3 s run would not count. B. B6 slides past second base and R3 touches home before the tag on the overslide. R1, R2 and R3 s runs would each score since they occurred prior to the third out being made. C. R1, R2, R3 all touch home plate with B6 on first. During the dead ball, F1 correctly appeals R3 missing second base. This is not a timing play so R3 becomes the third out. No runs would count on this play. D. All of the above. 88. R3 is caught in a rundown between third base and home. As R3 is attempting to return to third base, she is obstructed by F5 and subsequently tagged while off the base by F6. The correct call is: A. The call is always an immediate dead ball when a runner is obstructed. B. When a fielder obstructs a runner the initial call is always a delayed dead ball. Once the obstructed runner is put out, it becomes a dead ball and the umpires shall award R3 the base she would have reached had there been no obstruction. C. R3 is awarded home. D. The umpire will issue a warning to F5 and notify her coach. 89. Which of the following situations involving a bunt occurring on a third strike is correct? A. A batter whose third strike bunt attempt ends up a foul ball will be called out. B. An attempted bunt can never be ruled an infield fly. C. A batter whose foot is touching home plate when the bat makes contact with a pitched ball will always be called out (whether the ball is hit fair or foul). D. All of the above.

21 90. State associations may, on an individual basis, permit a player to participate while wearing a different style uniform for the following reasons: A. Inclement weather. B. Religious reasons. C. Different styles and colors due to budget restrictions. D. A and B. 91. With the ball in the circle and no attempt by F1 to make a play on a base runner, when is the runner declared out based on the look-back rule? A. The batter-runner is safe at first base on a dropped third strike. She overruns first base and turns to the right. Seeing no fielder near second base, she runs toward second where she is safe. B. The batter-runner gets a base hit and rounds first base and comes to a complete stop. She then returns to first base. C. The batter-runner who gets an infield hit and overruns first base toward right field turns left, stops and then advances to second base. D. The batter-runner gets a base hit and overruns first base toward right field, turns left and moves toward the infield in any direction except toward second base, then returns to first base. 92. B1 hits a dribbler a few feet down the first-base line. F2 fields the ball and doesn't throw because B1 is outside the running lane and in the way of a potential throw. A. Plate umpire calls dead ball and B1 is out for interference. B. Plate umpire indicates the ball is fair. There is no interference by B1. C. Plate umpire signals delayed dead ball. At the end of the play, if the umpire judges that F2 could have made an out, call B1 out for interference. D. Plate umpire calls dead ball and issues a warning to the offense for being outside the running lane. 93. Bases are loaded with no outs, with a one-ball, one-strike count. B4 hits a ground ball. As F4 is fielding the ball, R3 collides with her. What is the correct ruling? A. The ball is dead and R3 is out. All other runners return to their bases and B4 returns to bat with the same count. B. R3 is out. If the interference prevented an obvious double play, the succeeding runner (B4) is also out. R1 and R2 advance at their own risk. C. Since R3 was in the baseline there is no interference, and all runners advance at their own risk. D. The ball is dead and R3 is out. If the interference prevented an obvious double play the succeeding runner (B4) is also out. R1 and R2 return to the last base touched at the time of interference. 94. With no outs and R1 on first base, B2 hits a ground ball on the first-base side of the infield. F4 moves into the baseline to make an initial play on a batted ball. R1, using normal movement, alters her base path going either behind or in front of F4 to avoid contact with F4 fielding the ball. The correct call is: A. The umpire signals obstruction on F4 for causing R1 to alter her path. Awarding the base to R1 would have achieved had it not been for the obstruction on F4. B. If R1 runs in front of F4, the umpire should signal dead ball and call interference because R1 is never allowed to run in front of F4 when she is making an initial play on a batted ball. C. R1 s movement is to avoid interfering with a fielder attempting to make the initial play on a batted ball,

22 so as long as in the umpire's judgment there is not interference, this is a legal play. D. R1 is called out because she is not allowed to alter her base path. She must stop to avoid contacting F4 making the initial play on a batted ball. 95. With one out, R1 on third base and R2 on second base, B4 hits a fly ball on the first-base side of second base almost directly at F4. As R2 takes a couple of steps toward third base, she makes contact with F6, who is moving toward the batted ball. A. The umpire signals and verbalizes "Dead Ball"; R2 is out for interfering with F6's opportunity to make an initial play on a batted ball. B. The umpire signals and verbalizes "Dead Ball"; R2 is out for interfering with F6's opportunity to make a live-ball appeal of R2 leaving early if the fly is caught. C. The umpire makes no call; this is nothing more than a "train wreck" with both players doing what they were supposed to do. D. The umpire signals delayed dead ball and verbalizes "Obstruction." F6 is guilty of obstructing R In which instance is the runner NOT declared out for interference? A. The coach near third base runs toward home plate near the baseline while a fielder is making a play on a batted ball and draws a throw to home. B. The runner interferes with a fielder attempting to make the initial play on a fair batted ball. C. The runner is struck by a fair untouched ball while standing on second base. D. The runner is struck by a fair untouched ball while not in contact with a base and before it passes an infielder, excluding the pitcher. 97. At the end of the top of the first inning, it is discovered that the pitcher's plate is set at the wrong distance. A. After the plate is set at the correct distance, the half-inning is replayed. B. Allow the bottom of the inning to be played before the correction is made. C. Make the correction immediately. 98. Regarding the taper of a softball bat, which statement is not in compliance with the current rules? A. The taper connects the narrower handle to the wider portion of the bat. B. The taper of a bat is defined as having a solid surface. C. The taper shall have a conical shape since it connects the narrower handle to the wider portion of the bat. D. All are correct statements. 99. Team A s pitcher has a pink digital camouflage arm sleeve on her pitching arm extending from her uniform top all the way down to her wrist. The ruling should be: A. Legal, sleeves are not covered in NFHS softball rules. B. Legal, as long as it does not contain any of the opposing team colors. C. Illegal, the sleeve must be removed or covered. Sleeves must follow the same color restrictions as exposed undergarments. They must be a single solid color: black, white, gray or school color. D. Illegal, sleeves are not allowed to be worn.

23 100. A batting helmet shall be worn by offensive personnel while: A. The ball is live and the player is in live-ball territory. B. The on-deck batter is in the on-deck circle and the ball is live. C. Base runners are on base, the ball is live and they are in live-ball territory. D. All of the above. Completed outline must be signed by all present and sent to the regional director by May 15, 2017.

24 MOA SOFTBALL STUDY CLUBS LESSON #3 NAME CLUB DATE I. Please review the following articles from the NFHS Softball Guide 2017 regarding Umpiring Mechanics. These articles provide excellent information regarding specific NFHS mechanics for softball: Get an Angle, Make the Adjustments on Tag Plays page 8 Face the Players After Making the Call page 9 Tag! You re It! page 10 Three Umpires: Chase With Runners On page 12 Take a Few Warm-ups Before Game page 15 Get There With Timely Pickoff Moves page 16 II. Umpires Uniforms Requirements Reminder - Softball officials may wear a jacket. The required jacket shall be a standard navy blue pullover with powder blue and with trim (NFHS) or a navy blue pullover with powder blue trim (ASA) to be worn for varsity contests. Both jackets are to be unadorned. Softball umpires hats must be unadorned. Navy blue shirts are allowed. All members of a game crew must wear the same color shirts Navy blue slacks had been added as a uniform option. Montana will allow for the use of either navy blue or heather gray slacks but all umpires on the crew must wear the same color. Review Umpires Uniform in the Umpires Manual on page 16 III. MECHANICS AND MORE MECHANICS - Please review the following information on mechanics and information that has been included in previous study clubs over the years regarding umpiring mechanics: Take time to access the information on the MOA Central Hub regarding softball mechanics training you can access the Hub through - Please review and discuss your pregame meeting and what will be discussed and what is required (team equipment legal and uniforms properly worn) remember head coaches must attend this meeting and the game cannot continue until the head coach is present. Review and discuss your procedures for communicating ground rules to each team at the pregame conference. Discuss with pool members the ground rules associated with each field your group works at during the season. Please review Rule Ground Rules in the 2017 NFHS Softball Rules Book on pages

25 Please review the information on Unnecessary Signals contained in the Addendum after Study Club # 4. Please review the Official Softball Signals on page 86 of the 2017 NFHS Softball Rules Book. And: Please always take time to review and discuss all areas in the Umpires Manual - dealing with proper mechanics proper mechanics are critical and yearly review is necessary for rookie umpires but also very valuable for veteran umpires. The manual breaks down specific areas including responsibilities of the plate umpire and the field umpire and contains detailed explanations of different umpire systems. Also, please review once again the plate mechanics information (this information is provided the addendum to these study clubs after Study Club # 4). IV. The MHSA office continues to receive concerns from umpires and teams regarding difficult weather conditions. Rain and impending darkness are two major culprits. High winds, lightning and thunder can be troublesome. Please review as a pool your procedures for determining when a game should be suspended or called for any condition. Especially review the new rules adopted that are listed below where regular season games suspended before 4 1/2 or 5 innings will be resumed from the point of interruption and do not start over: b. Games suspended before 4-1/2 or 5 innings because of weather (resume from the point of interruption). c. Games suspended before 4-1/2 innings that are tied (resume from the point of interruption). d. Games suspended before 4-1/2 or 5 innings because of darkness (resume from the point of interruption). Please review the Guidelines on Handling Contests During Lightning Disturbances on page 91 Appendix E in the 2017 NFHS Softball Rules Book. (Montana state adoptions regarding ending a game are listed in Study Club # 4). V. Communicable Disease and Skin Infection Procedures with the emergence of MRSA and other blood borne infectious diseases please review the NFHS policy listed on page 90, Appendix D in the 2017 NFHS Softball Rules Book. VI. WHAT S THE CALL? Umpire s Quiz 2017 Referee Magazine In each of the following, you are given a situation and at least two possible answers. You are to decide which answer or answers are correct according to NFHS rules. 1. R1 is on first base with no outs when B2 hits a long fly ball to left field. F7 makes a running catch for the out and throws toward first base to play on returning R1 but the ball deflects out of play over the fence behind first base. a. R1 is awarded second base. b. R1 is awarded third base. c. R1 is awarded home. d. R1 is awarded the base she would have reached had the ball remained live.

26 2. Fast pitch. R2 is on second base with no outs as B2 bats with a 1-1 count. B2 swings and misses and when F2 drops the ball R2 breaks for third base. F2 immediately scoops up the ball with her mask and throws R2 out at third on a close play. a. The play stands. b. R2 is returned to second base. c. R2 is awarded third base. d. R2 is awarded home. 3. R3 is on third and R1 is on first with no outs and B3 at bat. B3 hits a hard ground ball to F6, who tosses to F4 at second to force out R1, but R1 illegally interferes with F4 attempting to throw to first base. a. R1 is out on the force out. b. B3 is out for the interference by R1. c. R3 is out for the interference by R1. d. Only R1 is out for interference. e. The ball is delayed-dead. 4. Fast pitch. Power hitting B3 is at bat with two strikes when she attempts to check her swing on a ball call by the plate umpire. F2 requests the plate umpire to check for a swing with the base umpire. a. The plate umpire should go for help if in doubt and the catcher requests help. b. The plate umpire must go for help. c. The plate umpire may go for help. 5. Fast pitch. Right-handed batting B1 has a 2-1 count as F1 delivers a pitch. B1 bunts the ball on a flat plane with no arc in foul territory away from the plate. F2 dives toward the ball and cleanly secures and holds the ball. a. That s a foul tip. b. B1 remains at bat with a 2-2 count. c. B1 is out on a caught batted ball in flight. 6. Fast pitch. R2 occupies second base as B3 bats with a 1-1 count. On the next pitch R2 breaks for third as B3 swings and misses but remains in the batter s box. F2 s snap throw to third strikes B3 and deflects into fair territory as R2 makes third base safely. a. That is interference on B3. b. The ball is immediately dead. c. The ball is delayed dead. d. R2 is declared out for B3 s interference. e. B3 is declared out for interference. f. R2 is returned to second base. g. The play stands and R2 remains on third base. h. B3 cannot reasonably be expected to instantaneously avoid F2 s throw while within the batter s box. 7. Fast pitch. R2 occupies second base as B3 bats with a 1-1 count. On the next pitch R2 breaks for third as B1 swings and misses, but her forward momentum of leaning over the plate complicates F2 s ability to throw accurately to third and R2 is safe. a. That is interference on B3. b. The ball is immediately dead. c. The ball is delayed dead. d. R2 is declared out for B3 s interference. e. B3 is declared out for interference. f. The defensive team will choose the result of the play or B3 called out. g. The play stands and R2 remains on third base. 8. B1 hits a ground ball to F6. F6 s throw to first base is low into the dirt and F3 stops the ball on the ground with her glove over the ball before B1 reaches first.

27 a. That is a trapped ball and no catch unless F3 raises her glove to show control before B1 reaches the base. b. That s a catch if F3 demonstrates control by turning her glove upward with the ball inside even if such control is shown after B1 passes first base. c. The umpire will solely judge whether F3 had secure possession of the ball before B1 reached first base. d. The base umpire will immediately go for help from the plate umpire. 9. R2 occupies second base. F2 fires to second and R2 is called out on a close play by the base umpire. The coach of the team at bat requests the umpire to confer with his or her partner. a. That request can be made only on an out call. b. That request can be made only on a safe call. c. The base umpire must confer with his or her partner. d. There is no requirement that an umpire must confer with his or her partner on a pickoff attempt. 10. Fast pitch. B1 hits for extra bases. As B1 reaches second, the ball is fired to F1 in the pitcher s circle. B1 continues toward third base but stops about 20 feet from third. B1 looks around and then races toward third where she slides in safely. a. B1 is out. b. B1 has not committed a violation. c. B1 is returned to second base. 11. Fast pitch. R2 occupies second base when B3 singles to center. F8 fires to the plate as R2 attempts to score. F2 misses the tag and sliding R2 misses the plate. a. The plate umpire will hesitate and then declare R2 out for missing home plate. b. The plate umpire will hesitate slightly and call and signal that R2 is safe. c. The plate umpire will not make a call until the play is concluded. d. The plate umpire will make a safe signal and call, No tag. e. It is an appeal play if F2 dives and tags R2 before she touches home plate. f. It is a legal play and R2 is out if F2 tags R2 before she touches the plate. g. If no appeal is made and R2 enters her dugout, the plate umpire will declare R2 out for abandoning her efforts to run the bases. 12. The following are considered legal appeal plays: a. R1, who legally left first base on a fly ball that is caught, is doubled off first when F6 throws to F3 standing on first base before R1 retouches her original base. b. On a play at the plate, F2 dives and tags sliding R1, who slid by the plate without touching it. c. When F2 formally requests help on B1 s checked swing. d. Batting out of order. e. A defensive team coach asks the calling umpire to get help after a no-catch call. 13. A legal appeal play occurs when: a. A fielder in possession of the ball inadvertently steps on a base that a runner missed while advancing. b. A fielder tags a runner off base when she makes an attempt to advance after overrunning first base. c. The base umpire agrees to confer with the plate umpire regarding a disputed call at first base. d. Two umpires make different calls at third base and the umpires agree to discuss the disputed call to determine which umpire is most likely correct. 14. Substitute James is injured in the fourth inning and is replaced by legal substitute Wilson. In the sixth inning James attempts to re-enter the game for Wilson. a. That move is legal. b. James may not re-enter without approval of medical personnel. c. James must obtain written approval from a physician before re-entering the game. d. Substitute players are not permitted to re-enter the game.

28 15. The minimum length of an official bat grip is: a. Six inches. b. 10 inches. c. 10 inches for 32-inch to 34-inch long bats and eight inches for shorter bats. d. 12 inches. 16. R1 is on first base with fewer than two outs when B2 hits a ground ball to F4. When F4 moves to tag R1, she steps back toward first to avoid the tag and then reverses direction toward second after F4 throws to first where B2 is safe. R1 is also safe at second. a. R1 is declared out for stepping back toward first. b. The ball is immediately dead. c. No violation has occurred and the play stands. 17. Fast pitch. With a 3-2 count, B1 steps completely out of the batter s box during F1 s delivery. The pitch is high and out of the strike zone. a. The pitch shall be ruled a ball or a strike. b. The pitch is ruled a ball. c. The umpire will declare a strike. d. B1 is awarded first base on the base on balls. e. B1 is out on strike three. 18. Left-handed pitcher F1 stands with her left foot parallel to, completely on and within the pitcher s plate. F1 s right foot is behind the left foot, completely on, within and parallel to the pitcher s plate with both her shoulders facing the first-base line. F1 brings her hands together and raises her right leg in a step directly toward home plate and delivers the pitch. a. That s an illegal pitch. b. F1 s shoulders must be in line with first and third bases. c. There is no requirement that F1 s shoulders must be in line with first and third bases. d. F1 s delivery is legal. 19. An inside pitch contacts the knob of B1 s bat as she falls away from the pitch and the ball rolls into fair territory. The plate umpire points fair but no one responds. a. The plate umpire shall rule a foul ball. b. B1 is declared out for failing to advance to first base. c. B1 is awarded first base because the defense did not play the ball. d. The plate umpire will nullify the play and declare a do-over. e. The plate umpire will call, The ball s in play! That s a live ball! 20. R3 occupies third base and R2 is on second with no outs. B1 hits a one-hopper to F1 and R3 is caught in a rundown between third and home. R3 returns to third without being tagged, however R2 is already occupying third base. F5 tags R3 and R2 as both are standing on third base. a. The umpire will call time and return R2 to second and declare R3 out. b. Both R3 and R2 are out. c. R2 is out and R3 remains on third base. d. Whichever runner was tagged first is out. Completed outline must be signed by all present and sent to the regional director by May 15, 2017.

29 MOA SOFTBALL STUDY CLUBS LESSON #4 NAME CLUB DATE I. The National Federation allows states to alter certain rules Review the following alterations that the MHSA Executive Board has approved for adoption by our state: 1. Double first bases are mandatory rules for utilizing the double first base have been moved back into the body of the rules. Please review rule 8-10 on pages of the Rules Book. 2. (4-2-3) Game ending procedures: a) Employ a minimum 1 ½ hour time limit to end games at invitational tournament. Using a maximum time limit of 1 ½ hours can end games played at invitational tournaments. The game can be called if there is five minutes or less before the maximum time limit or officials should not start a new inning after one hour and twenty minutes of play, except if a tie exists where NFHS Softball Rules for tiebreaking would be followed. b) Varsity and Sub-varsity games may end after three (3) innings if a team is leading by (15) runs. (With mutual agreement of coaches) 3. (4-2-6) Tie Breaker Invitational tournaments which use a tie breaking procedure shall follow the NFHS rules beginning in the top of the eighth or at the time limit the last batter from the previous inning will be placed on second base at the beginning of each half inning with the game then proceeding in a normal manner until a winner is decided. II. III. IV. Review how your group will recommend (rank) umpires to the MHSA office for the state tournaments. (Class AA Great Falls, Class A Sidney, Class B-C Frenchtown). Review the selection process for state tournament hiring, which is found on page 123 Letter H of the MOA Handbook. Are there any specific problems in your area schools which should be addressed i.e. field concerns especially safe playing surfaces and proper field markings, checks given late, security, game times, poor sportsmanship, etc. What issues does your group believe are important universal issues that need to be addressed by all officials pools throughout the state? (Including rule or mechanics changes, MOA policy changes, etc.) Please submit to the MHSA/MOA office any issues or any particular areas of concern that you would like included in clinics or study clubs. V. Discuss your methods of evaluating fellow MOA members. Are the methods working properly and positively? Should you start a method if you are not evaluating at the present time? Do these methods work for upgrading? VI. How many prospective officials did you have in your pool this year? Discuss and evaluate your methods of recruitment and retention. There have been two different posters sent to each official as a part of our Respect Officials Campaign.

30 VII. VIII. You have an obligation to read your MOA Handbook. All officials should be aware of the governing body s rules and regulations. Any changes you would like to see should be directed to your regional director for their Board meeting in June. In evaluating your own (and possibly your pool s collectively) performance this season and in preparation for umpiring high school softball next year review the following from your season: Judgment Mechanics and Technique Knowledge of the Rules Physical Conditioning Making Decisions Positively and Promptly Umpire Crew Cohesiveness Proper Mechanics Keeping the Game Moving Keeping a Dignified Attitude Making Decisions Based on Fact Rule Knowledge IX. Have a great summer! Completed outline must be signed by all present and sent to the regional director by May 15, 2017.

31 MOA SOFTBALL STUDY CLUBS ADDENDUM WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCUSSION INFORMATION MHSA/MOA Concussion and Injury Procedure Officials, coaches and administrators are being asked to make all efforts to ensure the safety of athletes who participate in MHSA activities. In regard to players experiencing possible concussions or other serious injuries during MHSA contests or practices, the following procedures will be immediately implemented: Officials Responsibilities: Officials are asked to use their best judgment in observing the signs, symptoms and behaviors of a concussion and other possible serious injuries. If there is a player that exhibits signs and symptoms of an injury (listed below from the NFHS Rule Book), officials will make coaches aware of the injured player and call an injury time out. The official should notify the coach by making the following statement: Coach, you need to take a look at this player; he/she is exhibiting signs and symptoms of an injury. o Emphasize the notification statement to coaches Coach, you need to take a look this player he/she is exhibiting signs and symptoms of an injury. Once the official notifies the coach, it is now the coach s responsibility. The official does not need written permission for an athlete to return to play nor does the official need to verify the credentials of the licensed health-care professional. Ultimately, the decision to return an athlete to competition rests with the coach, after the affected player is evaluated by a licensed health-care professional. Remember, when in doubt, sit them out! Coaches Responsibilities: After the official has notified the coach of the injury and has sent the athlete off of the field/court, or if a coach witnesses an incident in practice, the coach must then make the initial determination of the injury. For instance, if the coach knows that a player is diabetic, and may be experiencing a diabetic episode, the coach should have the student treated appropriately and then return the player to play or practice. If the coach suspects the athlete is exhibiting the signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion (listed below from the NFHS Rule Book), then the coach must have the player evaluated by a licensed health-care professional. If an appropriate health-care professional on the sideline determines that the athlete HAS NOT suffered a concussion, the athlete may return to play. If an appropriate health-care professional is not available to evaluate the athlete, the athlete SHOULD NOT be allowed by the coach to return to play.