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 106 and 107 in the NCAA rule book. For the last few years, the strike zone has remained an “In Focus” item in the
The batter is entitled to one unobstructed swing at each pitch
The batter swings and misses the change-up; however, on her follow-through she contacts the ball which rolls into fair territory. Dead ball strike; runners must return. If the contact is judged intentional the batter is declared out. Play: Runner on second base with two outs. The catcher catches a swinging third strike, but the pitch is high and inside bringing
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
Hit-by-Pitch Detection
Taken from Referee Magazine, March 2019 Determining whether a batter was hit by a pitch can sometimes be a challenge for the plate umpire. Sometimes an umpire will have to rely solely on circumstantial evidence. Here are some of the criteria and types of circumstantial evidence an umpire can use to handle those situations. The batter’s reaction If the batter
The Hands Are NOT Part of the Bat
Over the years many myths have developed around the game of softball. One of these is – “the hands are part of the bat.” NO, the hands are NOT part of the bat. Although this myth is an old one, most umpires are aware this is not true, yet we still sometimes hear it from coaches or spectators. Think about