The NCAA 2024 and 2025 Softball Case Book is now available. If you are a member of the NCAA SUP, you can download it from the NCAA Central Hub on RefQuest. It is located in the Publications section. It is also posted on this website and can be accessed by using this link: https://collegesoftballumpires.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024_2025_Softball_Case_Book_020624.pdf
NCAA Softball Rule Interpretations for 2024 #1
Posted 1/30/2024 Rule 9.5.1.2 – defensive player on a force out to avoid obstruction (November 17, 2023) With a base runner on first base, the batter hits a ground ball to the second base player who fields it and throws the ball to second base to attempt a force out. The shortstop covering second base has a foot touching the
Pitch-Related Infractions by Catcher and Fielders
There is more to the Pitching rule in the NCAA Rule Book than the pitcher’s actions before the pitch and while throwing the pitch. These are all well covered in the first sections of this rule. Also included in this rule are the regulations to which the defense must adhere as part of this whole process. These regulations are covered
Here Comes the Pitch
The pitch officially begins and cannot be discontinued once the hands have separated after coming together. The pitching motion consists of the start of the pitch, windup, step/stride, and delivery. See the companion article Pitching Procedures Before Pitch Starts for the proper procedures before the hands separate. Start of the Pitch and Windup There is a slight anomaly between the
Defense Initiated “Interference”
Reprinted with written permission from Referee magazine. For subscription information contact Referee magazine at 800-733-6100 When it comes to interference, there are a couple of myths that have permeated the sport: • There must be contact in order for there to be interference. • If there is contact then it is automatically interference. Because of this last myth, there is
Normal Advancing; Returning and Unusual Situations
Be sure to read the other articles which relate to a runner advancing which can be viewed in this same section – Rules Corner/Runners. There are additional related articles in the Rules Corner/Defense/Appeals section- College Appeal Plays; and in the Rules Corner/The Game/Umpires section – Scoring Runs. Normal Advancing Touching bases Running the bases encompasses both advancing and returning to the
Batting Out of Order
The Rule A player is batting out of order when they fail to bat in proper sequence as listed on the official lineup card. To understand the Batting Out of Order rule it is important to know these terms: • Proper batter is the player who should have batted. • Improper batter is the player who batted out of
College Field Requirements 2020-2023
These changes were made to the field requirements in the 2020-2021 Rule Book: Fence height – for all new construction, including Institutional fields, the minimum height is 6 feet. These changes were made to the field requirements in the 2022-2023 Rule Book. • Fence distance – the distance in left and right fields shall be a minimum of 190 feet
Scoring Runs
See the article in the section: Rules Corner/The Game/Umpires.
Changing the Count
The plate umpire may correct a wrong ball/strike count as long as the batter has not completed her turn at bat. There are other situations for which the count may or may not be changed. The NCAA 2022 and 2023 Softball Case Book has rulings for some of these. Batter is still up Play: The batter has a 3-1
Community Colleges exceptions to NCAA Rule Book
The California Community College Athletics Association has approved the following exceptions to the NCAA rules. Barrel Compression Testing (BCT) NCAA – BCT required for all games (5.2) Community College – this rule is waived for 2022. Softballs provided for games NCAA – host team shall provide a minimum of 12 game softballs of the same specifications and manufacturer (3.2.2) Community
Ejections – Administrative and Behavioral
Umpires are empowered to remove a player and/or other team personnel from further participation in a game for rule violations, unsporting acts, or behavioral or verbal misconduct. This is one of the tools in an umpire’s bag of tools, but it should never be taken lightly. It should be used only after all efforts have been made to keep the
Detailed Analysis of the 2022-2023 Rule Book
Contents (page 3) New: Significant Editorial Changes and Appendix G Video Review Appendixes should be spelled Appendices (plural Appendixes is for anatomical meaning) Combined previous Appendix C and D into new Appendix C: Barrel Compression Testing Major Rule Changes 17 listed; 9 listed in 2020-21 Significant Editorial Changes 8 listed; did not have any listed in 2020-21. See page 7
Summary of Major Rule Changes 2022-2023
Overall contents • Major Rule Changes – 17 listed (2020-21 had 9) • Significant Editorial Changes -8 listed (2020-21 had none) • Inserted new Appendix G for Video Review • No changes in rules 1, 4, 7, or 14. Major Rule Changes BCT before every game • Umpires reconcile total number of stickered bats with number of bats indicated on
No Right or Wrong Call?
As college softball umpires, we study the rule book, case book and other resources in the hopes of getting all of our rule decisions correct. We do not just read the rule book; we study the rules, learn complex situations, review video, and get feedback from our fellow umpires. All that work does not ensure perfection. Nor does it
Rules Related to Ejections
This article discusses only the rules related to ejections. There are articles in the other Corners which cover the how to deal with ejections: Mechanics – The Mechanics for Ejections Game Management – Handling Ejections Protocols Corner – The Protocols for Ejections ADMINSTRATION INFORMATION Types of ejections There are two categories of ejections in college softball: • An administrative ejection
Illegal Player Rules
Criteria For college softball, the definition of an illegal player is a player who competes in the game in a way in which they are not entitled to play: • Player who is not listed on the lineup card/roster. • Starter who has entered or reenter the game to which she is not entitled. • Nonstarter who has entered the
Player substitution rules
Reporting substitutions Player substitutions Any player may be substituted for at any time when the ball is dead. Any coach may notify the umpire of a substitution; it must be a coach, not a player. Substitutes are considered officially in the game when all of the following is completed: • Reported and accepted by the plate umpire by his/her recording
Slap-Hitters – Think Outside The Box
Softball has a unique “play” that is not part of the baseball world – slap hitters. With first base only 60 feet away from home plate in softball compared to 90 in baseball, the left-handed slap hit is a major offensive tool used in softball. The slap hit has placed great scrutiny on the batter’s feet in relationship to the
College Appeal Plays
An appeal play is a play or rule violation on which the umpire responsible for the play does not make a ruling until requested by a coach or player. Let’s get this notion out of the way now…despite how some coaches will ask for you to “appeal your call” to another umpire, that is not an appeal – it is
Appeal Plays Advanced Topics
The basics for appeal plays are covered in this companion article – College Appeal Plays. It would be wise to read that article before reading this one. PROPER APPEAL PROCEDURE TO AVOID CONFUSION The two runners on base both appear to have left their bases before the batted ball was first touched by the outfielder who catches the fly ball.
Batter Hit by Pitch
A batter is awarded first base when a pitch, neither swung at nor called a strike, is entirely within the batter’s box and it contacts the batter or her clothing. No attempt to avoid the pitch is required. It does not matter if the ball hits the ground before hitting the batter; it is still ruled a hit-by-pitch. A batter
Batter Actions
On-deck Batter The college rule, unlike other codes, does not require a player to be occupying the on-deck circle. If it is occupied, it is restricted to the next batter only in the circle nearest her dugout. Warmup swings may be taken with not more than two bats: • One or two official softball bats or • One approved warmup
Interference by On-Deck batter, Batter and Retired batter
Note: The batter-runner interference article is in the Runners/Batter-Runner section of this Rules Corner. Also read these articles for more batter regulations – Batter/Bat Hitting the Ball a Second Time and Batted ball hits batter. On-Deck Batter Interference An on-deck batter can be the interference perpetrator in a number of ways. The on-deck circles are much like the coaches’ boxes
Infield Fly and Intentional Drop Rules
The infield fly rule is not often invoked during a game. The intentional drop call is even more rare. There are many considerations for both of these, and they can become controversial when they are called. Infield Fly The infield fly rule is in effect only when there are fewer than two outs with either runners on 1b and 2b,
Discontinuing a pitch/Stepping off pitcher’s plate
The rules The change in pitching rule 10.2.1.2 for the 2020-2021 Rule Book (stride foot not being able to step back once it is initially set) has ramifications for rule 10.11 – Discontinuing a Pitch/Stepping off the Pitcher’s Plate. The wording in the current rules make it technically impossible to properly discontinue a pitch. (Note: all references in this article
Illegal pitch – Rules and Options
Calling an illegal pitch is the responsibility of every umpire on the field. It requires a good knowledge of the rules governing this violation, using the correct mechanics, and administering the ruling which may involve explaining the options for the violation. • The articles which go into more detail on these rules and their administration are in this same section
Runner Interference
Because of the complexity of the interference rule and also due to the usually highly intensive argument that the interference call elicits, the Locker Room has multiple articles covering the different types of interference. This article will focus on interference by an active runner (excluding the batter-runner). The other articles which cover interference, all of which are in this same
Interference by Retired Runner
Because of the complexity of the interference rule and also due to the usually highly intensive argument that the interference elicits, the Locker Room has multiple articles covering the different types of interference. This article will discuss retired runner interference. Interference by a retired runner does not happen often but when it does the effect is serious – the runner
Offensive Team Personnel/Equipment Interference
Offensive Team Personnel Interference This article is the second one which discusses uncommon interference, the first of which is Interference by Retired Runner. Another type of uncommon interference is perpetrated by offensive team personnel. Who, exactly, are included as offensive team personnel for this rule? We have covered two examples above – a retired runner and a runner who has
The College Strike Zone
Make sure you read the companion article – Mechanics Corner/Plate/Pitches/Strike Zone Mechanics Still the same and still a Focus Item The college softball strike zone has not changed for a long time; it is still the zone explicitly described in rule 11.3.1 and in the diagrams on pages 110 and 111 in the NCAA rule book. For the last few
Do You Protect the Batter or Catcher?
From Referee.com, March 9, 2018 A few situations come up over the years that may leave you wondering whom to protect — batter or catcher? Is it catcher obstruction? Or batter interference? Or a collision? Having a firm grasp on whom to protect will allow you to make the calls and explain to questioning coaches. Protecting the catcher A left-handed
Batter/Bat Hitting the Ball a Second Time
The batter swings at the pitch and while the bat is still in the batter’s hands, the batted ball bounces back into the bat. Or…the batted ball rolls on the ground near the plate area and the discarded bat contacts the batted ball. These are not unusual plays during a typical game and the plate umpire must be ready to
Batted ball hits batter
Here is a play that happens once in a while and sometimes causes a discussion among umpires – a batted ball contacts the batter who is not completely out of the batter’s box. Specifically: the batter bunts or swings at a pitch; the batted ball hits the dirt or plate; then the ball bounces up and contacts the batter before
Check Swings
A rule change, effective with the 2020-2021 rule book, was made with regard to “if the defense requests help on a check swing, the plate umpire is required by rule to ask for help. If anyone else, on either offense or defense, asks for help, the umpire may (but is not required) to ask for help.” Check swings can be
Obstruction Rules
The obstruction call can be one of the most controversial calls in a game and requires college umpires to have a thorough knowledge of the rules related to this call. An obstruction call can change the complexity and even the outcome of a game, as it has the potential to award bases which may result in game-winning runs to score.
Obstruction – Warnings, Additional Awards and Ejection
The obstruction rule in college softball is more complicated than in any other code. Obstruction in all softball codes involve the effect/penalty of base awards for the obstructed runner and any other runners affected by the obstruction. When obstruction is committed in a college softball game, there is the possibility of additional effects involving warnings, additional one-base awards after a
Obstruction between bases
Obstruction often happens when the runner is between two bases. It can happen when a runner is advancing normally to the next base, is rounding a base, getting caught in a rundown, on a pickoff attempt, or returning to a base after a caught fly ball. This article will discuss only the parts of the obstruction rule which cover the
Verbal and Visual obstruction
The college rule book states that there does not need to be physical conduct for an obstruction call. Visual obstruction is specifically cited in three rules. The rule book is not as clear with respect to verbal obstruction, as there is no specific rule which specifically lists this as a form of obstruction. There is one interference rule and one
Team Interference – Home Run Celebration
Introduction Team interference can happen during either a live ball or dead ball. Interference during a live ball is discussed in two separate articles on this Locker Room (Interference by Retired Runner, and Offensive Team Personnel/Equipment Interference). This article will cover offensive team interference during a dead ball. award. The rules for this are often referred to as the home-run
Collisions
Be ready to make this call The NCAA has added to the rule book additional wording and emphasis on collisions with the intent to encourage players to avoid them whenever possible. This puts additional pressure on umpires, as we now need to judge whether a collision was avoidable, intentional, malicious, obstruction, interference, or some combination of these. Collisions can happen
Batter-Runner; BR Interference
Batter-Runner The batter transitions from batter to BR when she no longer has either foot in the batter’s box after contacting a pitch (note: the batter is considered out of the batter’s box after hitting the ball when both feet are in contact with the ground and one is completely outside the box (A.R.11-22): • After a legally batted fair
Batter-runner Regulations for the Look-back Rule
Batter-runner and the Look-back rule This rule is not in effect until the batter-runner has reached first base or has been declared out, whichever occurs first, AND the pitcher has possession of the ball in the pitcher’s circle. It is critically important to know when the batter runner has touched first base on a live ball. Here is an example
The College Softball Playing Field
The college softball playing field is similar to the playing field for other softball organizations. The following is a summary of the requirements which may be different. See the rule book for the details. Basic layout The basic layout is the same with these exceptions: • If artificial turf is used, the recommendation is that the outfield portion be green
Field Requirements 2016-2018
The below chart is an informative listing of the changes to the college softball field in 2016-2017. It also includes the requirements for new or renovated fields after the 2016 season
Required Equipment
It is often stated that a concise summary of the responsibilities of umpires is to ensure that the game is played safely and fairly. To keep the student-athletes safe, we must have a good understanding of the rules covering equipment. As stated in the introduction to the Equipment rule – only equipment that meets the specifications written in the NCAA
Optional Protective Equipment
Optional protective equipment includes those items not required by rule but worn or used by personal choice. In all cases, they must be worn or used as intended by the manufacturer. Braces/casts/elbow guards/splints These items may be worn as long as the equipment is well-padded to protect not only the affected player, but also her opponents. If it has exposed
Player uniform regulations
The NCAA is more conscientious than other codes with regard to the rules covering the players’ uniforms. There is more emphasis on the appearance of players during a game because it wants to project a more professional image for its student-athletes. The college uniform rule can be categorized into three parts – official uniform, accessories, and inclement weather apparel. This
College softball roster and lineup requirements
The lineup card requirements are explained in rule 5.7 of the NCAA Softball Rules Book (2020-2021). It must list all eligible players and the starting offensive players in the order in which they are to bat (batting order). The lineup card becomes official when it is reviewed and accepted by the plate umpire at the pregame meeting. Once it is
Interpretation of Rule 5.9.8 – Medical Devices
An interpretation has been issued with regard to medical devices and how they relate to the electronic equipment use.
Batting cage use during the game
Some teams have been observed using their batting cages during and game and on some occasions the opposing coach has brought this to the attention of the umpires. We have received a rule interpretation from the NCAA Softball Rules Editor about this: Ruling:”There is nothing in the rules addressing batting cage activities during a game because the committee believes it
Personnel during live ball
Breaking some bad habits that violate the rules Over the last few seasons, the NCAA Softball Rules Committee has noticed an increase for players on some teams to be on the field during a live ball. This may happen after a successful sacrifice fly ball or bunt, an extra base hit, a good defensive play, etc. This led to them
DP/Flex
For this entire discussion it is assumed that the team starts with the DP/Flex option. To better understand the DP/Flex rule, you must understand these basic concepts: o The DP and Flex are spots in the lineup card, occupied at at specific time by a player. o Do not confuse the DP spot with the player who is acting currently
Inaccurate Lineup and Unreported/Misreported Players
NCAA has a significant difference in its rules for inaccurate lineup and unreported/misreported players. It is important that college umpires study and understand these rules. To start with, NCAA rules use a phrase which is not found in other rule books – inaccurate lineup. It also differs with the terms used for a substitution which is not reported – most
Projected Substitutions
The rule that deals with projected substitutions was changed in the 2018-2019 rule book. The new wording now allows substitutes to be reported to the umpire without being required to immediately participate in the game. The rationale and intent of this new wording changes two situations which in the past were considered projected substitutions, but now are not considered projected
Conferences – the Rules
There are many situations which require a suspension of play during a college softball game. A separate article in the Game Management Corner/General/Managing the game section, entitled Normal Suspensions of Play game situations, covers most of these. This article will focus on charged conferences. The best way to better understand the difference between meetings during the game and charged conferences
Illegally Batted Balls – Rules and Mechanics
The Rule A major rule change, effective with the 2018-2019 rule book, was made with regard to the batter’s legal position in the batter’s box when she makes contact with the pitch: at the moment of bat-ball contact, the batter may not contact the pitch when any part of her foot is touching the ground outside the lines of the
Pitching Procedures Before Pitch Starts
See the companion article Here Comes the Pitch for the proper procedures after the hands separate. Pitching Position As the pitcher steps onto the pitcher’s plate with the intent to throw the next pitch, she must have her hands apart with the ball in either her glove or her pitching hand. A minor addition to the legal pitching position in
Substances on the Ball
There are two articles in the Locker Room, both in this section (Rules Corner/Pitching), which deal with the subjects found in rule 10.13 – Substance on the Ball/Items on the Pitcher. You should also read Items on the Pitcher. During the game Applying substances directly to the game balls during the game is prohibited. Although a few rule books use
Items on Pitcher
There are two articles in the Locker Room, both in this section (Rules Corner/Pitching), which deal with the subjects found in rule 10.13 – Substance on the Ball/Items on the Pitcher. You should also read Substances on the Ball. Substance on pitcher’s hands or items on body Substances Drying agents, such as rosin, may be used on the pitcher’s hand/fingers.
Abandoning a base
Abandonment – leave or forsake completely; to give up possession, withdraw from. Abandoning a base is the simple act of leaving a base without cause. This can happen for many reasons; the most common reasons – the runner assumes she has been called out or thinking that another runner has been called out for the third out of an inning.
The Intent of the Rules
Some of this material taken from Umpire.com 8/13/19 When studying the rules, make sure you consider the spirit and intent of the rule. It would be easier if every rule was black and white and there is no “wiggle room.” We either have a look-back rule violation or we do not. The pitch was either legal or it was not.
Pitcher Dupes Runner – Interpretation for Rule 12.14
On 11/28/18 the NCAA Softball Rules Editor released an official interpretation for Rule 12.4, and Case Book plays A.R 12-35 and A.R. 12-37. Revised Interpretation for Rule 12.14 A pitcher may not violate a pitching procedure to dupe runner(s) into leaving the base early. This act violates the spirit and intent of Rule 12.14.2 and makes a travesty of the game.
Media Format Guidelines
Clarification 3/2/20/18: If a coach want to make a substitution(s) between innings, it must be done with enough time to allow proper recording, etc. so the half inning can begin on time. A charged conference may be used if the substitution is not made in a timely manner.
Look-back Rule
Why do we have a pitcher’s circle in softball? If you watch a Major League baseball game on TV, you will notice that the players and umpires call a lot of time-outs – almost every time a pitch hits the ground or after ball four, as well as when the ball is thrown back into the infield after a hit.
Pitcher’s Regulations for the Look-back Rule
Pitcher’s possession of ball in circle The look-back rule comes into play after the ball has been hit and the play appears to be coming to a completion. This rule is also important in determining when a play is over 1) the ball is in the circle in the possession of the pitcher and 2) all runners, including the batter-runner,
Runners’ Regulations for the Look-back Rule
Runners must be aware of when the pitcher has gained possession of the ball inside the circle. There is a difference in the codes with regard to the runners’ obligations: • ASA, NFHS, USSSA – if runners are moving between bases when the pitcher has possession of the ball in the circle, they may continue going toward that base, stop
Valuable Rules for Unusual Problems
The Rules The plate umpire has the authority to make decisions on any situations not specifically covered in the rules. (4.10.4.2) The umpire shall not impose an effect on a team for any infractions of a rule when imposing the effect would be an advantage to the offending team. (4.10.5) The umpires are empowered to rectify any situations in which
Scoring Runs
The object of each college softball team is to score more runs than its opponent. The “definition” in the rule book for how a run scores is – each time a runner legally touches first, second, and third bases and home plate before the third out of an inning. There are two exceptions. Can you name them? (Hint; read the
Catch or No Catch
Here is an interesting play for you to review. I suggest you read it until you come to STOP HERE. There is additional spacing so you do not see the correct call. Make your call and then compare it to the correct call. This is an actual play from one of our Community College games in 2016. Thanks to Steve
Tie Goes To a Runner
This article was written for, and was published in Referee Magazine… Fans, players and coaches are often heard stating “the tie goes to the runner.” However, no rule in baseball or softball has this phrase. A few reputable MLB umpires have stated: “there is no tie; they’re either out or safe!” The last half of that statement is inarguably true;
Pitching Rule Regulations
There is more to the pitching rule in the college rule book than the proper procedures to which the pitcher must adhere while preparing and delivering the pitch. Other regulations involving the ball, intentions of the defensive team, and time allowed between pitches. The Ball The pitcher shall have a choice of game balls at the start of their respective