Fairfax Adult Softball 2010 Umpire Training ASA RULE 6 – Pitching Regulations ASA RULE 7 – Batting

RULE 6 Pitching Regulations

Before the Pitch The Pitcher must:  Take a position with both feet firmly on the ground,  Have one or both feet in contact with the pitcher’s plate OR the area defined by the 24” width of and up to 6’ behind the pitcher’s plate, Effect: Delayed Dead Ball, Illegal Pitch.

Before the Pitch The Pitcher must:  Come to a full and complete stop with the ball in front of the body (at least one second),  Face the batter, and  Not be considered in the pitching position unless the catcher is in a position to receive the pitch. Effect: Delayed Dead Ball, Illegal Pitch.

Starting the Pitch The pitch starts when the pitcher makes any motion with the ball AFTER the required stop. Prior to the required stop, any motion may be used.

The Delivery  The Pitcher has 10 seconds to release the next pitch after receiving the ball or after the umpire indicates “play ball.”  If the Pitcher holds the ball over 10 seconds, a ball will be called on the batter. (Use discretion when calling the ball.)

The Delivery  Ball must be delivered to home plate:  In a continuous motion, not stop and go, and  On the first forward swing of the pitching arm past the hip with an underhand motion.  Palm may be over or under the ball.  Pivot foot must remain in contact with the pitcher’s plate or the area defined by the 24” width of and up to 6’ behind the pitcher’s plate. Effect: Illegal Pitch.

The Delivery  If the pitcher takes a step, it may be forward, backward, or to the side, provided:  The step is simultaneous with the release of the ball, AND  Pivot foot remains in contact with the pitcher’s plate or the area defined by the 24” width of and up to 6’ behind the pitcher’s plate. Effect: Illegal Pitch.

Against the Rules The Pitcher cannot:  Fake/simulate a legal pitch with one or both feet in contact with the pitcher’s plate or the area defined by the 24” width of and up to 6’ behind the pitcher’s plate. Effect: Dead Ball, Illegal Pitch, Warning Issued, Repeated action results in the removal of pitcher from pitching position.

Against the Rules  The Pitcher cannot:  Make any motion to pitch without immediately delivering the pitch,  Stop or reverse the pitching motion,  Deliver a pitch from the glove,  Pitch the ball behind the back or through the legs  Continue any pitching motion after the ball is released. Effect: Illegal Pitch signaled verbally and mechanically.

Against the Rules  Foreign substances are not allowed on the ball, pitching hand, or fingers at any time (ANY defensive player).  Illegal pitch on the first offense  Continued offense will result in an ejection  Powdered resin is allowed to dry hands  Pitcher may wear tape on the fingers or a sweatband on the wrist or forearm of the pitching arm.  Batting gloves may not be worn on the pitching hand. Effect: An illegal pitch is called on the first offense. If any defensive player continues to place a foreign substance on the ball, the player shall be ejected.

Pitch Speed  Pitch must be released at a moderate speed (in the umpire’s judgment).  If pitch speed is excessive, umpire shall notify the coach that a warning is being issued.  If the pitcher pitches another excessive speed pitch after being warned, remove the pitcher from the pitcher position for the remainder of the game. Effect: Illegal Pitch signaled verbally and mechanically.

Pitching Arc  The pitch must:  Be delivered with a perceptible arc,  Reach a height of at least 6’ from the ground, and  Reach a height of at most 12’ from the ground.  KEY: Consistency with what you establish as the heights! Effect: Illegal Pitch signaled verbally and mechanically.

Defensive Positioning All defensive players, except the catcher, must be positioned in FAIR territory. Effect: No Pitch No fielder can deliberately distract the batter with unsportsmanlike intent.  One warning or immediate ejection if warranted.  A pitch does not have to be released

The Catcher  FAS does not enforce the lines for a catcher’s box.  The catcher shall return the ball directly to the pitcher after each pitch. Exception: After a strikeout with bases empty, the catcher may throw the ball “around the horn” or not directly back to the pitcher. Effect: Illegal pitch; ball called on batter or on next batter.

Quick Pitches  The pitcher cannot attempt a “quick return” of the ball before the batter has taken a position in the batter’s box or when the batter is off balance.  Unless the batter requests and the umpire allows, time from the umpire, the pitcher may deliver the pitch when received. Effect: Illegal Pitch signaled verbally and mechanically.

Warm-Up Pitches  At the beginning of each half inning or when a pitcher relieves another, not more than one minute may be used to deliver up to 3 warm-up pitches.  Excessive warm-up pitches will result in a ball to the batter for each pitch.  A pitcher returning to pitch in the same half inning will not receive any warm-up pitches.

No Pitch A no-pitch is declared when:  Pitcher pitches during the suspension of play,  Runner is called out for leaving a base before the pitched ball reaches home plate, is batted, or touches the ground before reaching home plate,  A pitch is delivered before a runner has RE- touched their base after being legitimately off that base,  EFFECT: There is no ball or strike awarded on a no pitch.

No Pitch A no-pitch is declared when:  The ball slips from the pitcher’s hand during the delivery of back swing, or  A player or coach calls time or commits any act while the ball is live for the obvious purpose of trying to make the pitcher commit an illegal pitch.

RULE 7 Batting

On-Deck Batter  Only one on-deck batter at a time.  Can only have:  Up to 2 bats,  Approved Warm-Up Equipment, or  Combination of the above not to exceed 2.  Can leave the on-deck area:  When they become the batter or  To direct runner(s) from 3 rd base to home.

On-Deck Batter If the on-deck batter interferes with a defensive player attempting to make a play:  If it involves a runner, the runner closest to home at the time of the interference is out.  If it is with the defensive fielder fielding a fly ball, the batter is out.

Batting Order  When the 3 rd out is made BEFORE the batter completed their at bat, they lead off the next inning.  Batting out of order is an APPEAL PLAY that can only be made by the defensive team BEFORE:  The next pitch (legal or illegal) to the following batter  All infielders have clearly left their positions and fair territory on their way to the dugout area.

Batting Out of Order If batting out of order is discovered while the incorrect batter is at bat:  The correct batter takes the batter’s position immediately and assumes the ball-strike count.  NO penalty whether discovered by the offense or defense while the incorrect batter is at bat.

Batting Out of Order If batting out of order is discovered AFTER the incorrect batter completed their turn at bat and BEFORE the next pitch (legal or illegal) to the following batter or all infielders have clearly left their positions and fair territory on their way to the dugout area:

Batting Out of Order  The player who should have batted is out  Any runners that advanced or runs scored are nullified AND all outs made will stand  The next batter is the player after the player called out for failing to bat  If the incorrect batter is the 3 rd out, the next inning will begin with the player who would have come to bat if the player was put out by an ordinary play.

Batting Out of Order If batting out of order is discovered after the next pitch to the NEXT batter or after all infielders have clearly left their positions and fair territory on their way to the dugout area:  The turn at bat of the incorrect batter is legal.  All runs scored, runners advanced, and outs made are legal.  Next batter is the one that follows the incorrect batter.  No out is called for failure to bat.  Player(s) that did not bat and not called out lose their turn at bat until reached again in the regular order.

Batting Out of Order If batting out of order is discovered:  Runners shall be removed from the base occupied, except the batter-runner who has been removed from a base by the umpires to bat in the proper position.  The correct batter misses their turn at bat with no penalty.  The batter following the correct batter in the batting order becomes the legal batter.

Coed Batting Order  Coed batting orders alternate genders.  In making a substitution to the batting order, remember this guideline applies: if the substitution creates a lineup that, in number and gender, would have been a legal starting lineup, then the substitution may be made. A manager may not change a lineup in such a way as to create a lineup that would not have been legal to start the game.

Coed Batting Order  Males hit 12” softballs.  Females hit 11” softballs. (Exception: Females batting in Reston Church hit 12” softballs.)  If the wrong ball is used, the defensive team (not offensive as ruled by ASA) has the option of accepting the result of the play or require the last batter to bat again with the ball-strike count prior to the wrong ball being used.

Batting Position  Batter must have both feet completely within the lines of the batter’s box. The batter may touch the lines, but no part of the foot may be outside the lines prior to the pitch.  Batter has up to 10 seconds to take the position in the batter’s box.  If the batter takes longer than 10 seconds, call a strike (no pitch has to be thrown and dead ball).

Batting Position  Batter may not step out of the batter’s box to stop play unless the umpire grants time.  Play continues  Pitch will be judged a ball or strike, as normal.  The batter shall not step directly in front of the catcher to the other batter’s box while the pitcher is in position to pitch, or anytime thereafter prior to the release of the pitch.  The ball is dead, the batter is out.

Strikes and Balls IN SENIORS PLAY A strike shall be called for each legally pitched ball that lands and touches any portion of home plate or the strike zone mat A ball shall be called for each legally pitched ball that lands and does not touch any portion of home plate or the strike zone mat.

Strikes A strike is called...  Legally pitched ball that passes through the strike zone before touching the ground and the batter does not swing.  Ball can actually hit the batter.  Batter cannot prevent the ball from entering the strike zone (other than hitting the ball with a bat).  Batter swings and misses prior to the ball hitting the ground.  Foul tip.  Foul ball.  If the batter does not take the batter’s position within 10 seconds after being directed by the umpire.

Strikes

Balls A ball is called...  Legally pitched ball that the batter does not swing at that:  Does not pass through the strike zone,  Touches the ground before reaching home plate, or  Touches home plate.  Illegally pitched ball not swung at.  Catcher fails to return the ball directly to the pitcher.  For each excessive warm-up pitch.

FAS 1-1 Rule The batter begins each turn at bat with a count of 1 ball and 1 strike. The batter walks on four balls and is considered out on the third strike, unless the third strikes is fouled off, in which case the batter gets one more strike (Courtesy Foul). If the next pitch is a strike or fouled off, the batter is out.

FAS Master’s Five-Run Rule For each inter-division game: the team from the higher division will always be the home team and bat last. For each half inning, a team may bat until they score 5 runs. Should a team be behind at the start of their turn at bat, they may score more then 5 runs but NO more then 5 runs ahead… Continued

FAS Master’s Five-Run Rule The half inning is over once a team scores their 5 runs, or goes 5 runs ahead when losing at the beginning of their turn at bat, or has 3 outs. With 15 minutes of play left in game time, the umpire will announce that the inning in progress is the last 5-run inning. One more inning will be played and either team may score unlimited runs. (The FAS slaughter and Five-Limit Home Run Rule will NOT be enforced during these games.)

The Batter is Out  The batter is called out...  After the 3 rd strike (including a foul ball that is hit after 2 strikes).  Batter enters the batter’s box with or is discovered using an altered, non- approved or illegal bat.  This also results in an ejection and that spot in the batting order can never be substituted for.

The Batter is Out  The batter is called out...  Batter’s ENTIRE foot is touching the ground COMPLETELY outside the batter’s box when the batter hits the ball (fair or foul).  Batter’s foot (any part) touches home plate when the batter hits the ball (fair or foul).  Batter bunts or chops at the ball.  Batter hits a fair ball with the bat a 2 nd time in fair territory.

The Batter is Out  The batter is called out...  Batter leaves the batter’s box and returns to the box and makes contact with the ball.  If the batter due up left the game under the Short-handed Rule.  Batter intentionally interferes with a thrown ball (in or out of the batter’s box).  When members of the team at bat, interfere with a player attempting to field a fair or foul fly ball.

Case Book Play: After one warning, F1 again delivers a pitch with excessive speed. The umpire ejects F1 from the game Play: B1 reaches out and catches an inside pitch while standing in the batter’s box.

Case Book Play: After one warning, F1 again delivers a pitch with excessive speed. The umpire ejects F1 from the game Ruling: Incorrect. F1 should be removed from the pitchers position for the remainder of the game but may participate in the game in any other position Play: B1 reaches out and catches an inside pitch while standing in the batter’s box. Ruling: The ball is dead when touched by B1. The umpire should call the pitch a ball or a strike.

Case Book Play: During the three warm-up pitches, F1 (a) throws two pitches with an arc and one pitch overhand (b) throws two pitches windmills style and a third with an arc (c) throws all three pitches with an arc.

Case Book Play: During the three warm-up pitches, F1 (a) throws two pitches with an arc and one pitch overhand (b) throws two pitches windmills style and a third with an arc (c) throws all three pitches with an arc. Ruling: There is no violation for throwing overhand or windmill style. F1 can throw the three pitches in any manner F1 chooses. Should F1 throw to an infielder, this would count toward the three allowed warm-up pitches

Case Book Play: F1 comes to a one-second stop, than takes the ball in the pitching hand over the top of their heads, down and around in a windmill type action, and releases the ball the first time past the hip.

Case Book Play: F1 comes to a one-second stop, than takes the ball in the pitching hand over the top of their heads, down and around in a windmill type action, and releases the ball the first time past the hip. Ruling: Legal. A windmill delivery is legal if the ball is releases the first time over the hip and all other aspects of the pitching rule is followed.

Case Book Play: F1 has both feet on the pitcher’s plate and removes one foot by stepping backward while pitching the ball. B1 does not swing at the pitch.

Case Book Play: F1 has both feet on the pitcher’s plate and removes one foot by stepping backward while pitching the ball. B1 does not swing at the pitch. Ruling: Legal pitch. A step with the free foot is not required in slow pitch, but if one is taken, it must be made simultaneous with the release of the ball. It can be forward, backward, or to the side. The pivot foot must remain in contact with the pitcher’s plate or the area defined by the 24”width of and up to 6’ behind the pitcher’s plate until the ball is released.

Case Book Play: With two outs and the bases full, it is B6’s turn to bat, but B7 erroneously bats and hits a triple clearing the bases. B7 is out trying to score on the hit. All defensive players have clearly left fair territory.

Case Book Play: With two outs and the bases full, it is B6’s turn to bat, but B7 erroneously bats and hits a triple clearing the bases. B7 is out trying to score on the hit. All defensive players have clearly left fair territory. Ruling: The defensive team forfeits its right to appeal batting out of order when all infielders (including the pitcher) have left their normal positions (crossing the foul lines). The batter who follows B7 in the order will lead off the next inning

Case Book Play: Coed: R1, a male, is on 1B with a single and the following batter, B2, a female, is thrown three pitches with a 12-inch ball. B2, a female, gets a hit and reaches 1B safely. B3, a male, steps in to bat and a pitch is thrown to B3 with the 12-inch ball and then either the offense or defense complains about the wrong ball being pitched to B2.

Case Book Play: Coed: R1, a male, is on 1B with a single and the following batter, B2, a female, is thrown three pitches with a 12-inch ball. B2, a female, gets a hit and reaches 1B safely. B3, a male, steps in to bat and a pitch is thrown to B3 with the 12-inch ball and then either the offense or defense complains about the wrong ball being pitched to B2. Ruling: After one pitch has been thrown to B3, all previous action is considered legal on B2. Continue pitching to B3.

Case Book Play: R1 is on 3B, R2 on 2B, R3 on 1B and B4 is scheduled to bat but B5 comes to bat instead and grounds into a double play, resulting in R3 being forced at 2B and B5 out at B1. The defense appeals B5 batting out of order.

Case Book Play: R1 is on 3B, R2 on 2B, R3 on 1B and B4 is scheduled to bat but B5 comes to bat instead and grounds into a double play, resulting in R3 being forced at 2B and B5 out at B1. The defense appeals B5 batting out of order Ruling: All outs that occurred before the appeal stand. Any runners that advanced are returned to their original base. Because of the appeal, B4 is declared out for missing their turn at bat for the third out of the inning. B6 leads off the next inning.