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Home January 2022 Test – Qualification Test January 2022 Test - Qualification Test

January 2022 Test – Qualification Test Quiz

1. Two-umpire mechanics: with no runners on base and an extra base hit, the BR stops at 2b.2
   • A. The plate umpire should move to the point of plate holding area as it is the base umpire’s call at 3b if the BR breaks for 3b if the throw bounces away.
   • B. The plate umpire should move to a primary position for a possible subsequent play at 3b.
2. The runner on first base leaves the base before the release of the pitch.2
   • A. Base umpire signals delayed-dead ball and verbalizes “early”. The defense has the option to take the result of the play or “no-pitch” is declared and the runner is out.
   • B. Base umpire signals dead ball, ‘no-pitch” is declared and the runner is out
3. Two-umpire mechanics: R2/R1, no outs with a fly ball to the outfield that is caught2
   • A. The plate umpire has tag up responsibilities at 2B on fly balls
   • B. The base umpire has all tag up responsibilities at 1B and 2B on fly balls.
4. Two-umpire mechanics: R3/R2, one out with a fly ball to the outfield that is caught.2
   • A. If R3 advances, base umpire is responsible for all calls on R2 at 2B and 3B.
   • B. If R3 stays at 3B, plate umpire should commit to 3B.
   • C. A and B
5. Two-umpire mechanics: R1 is stealing on the pitch. The throw goes over the head of F4 towards centerfield. R1 sees the errant throw and without stopping advances towards 3B.2
   • A. The plate umpire is responsible for all calls on R1 at 3B.
   • B. The base umpire is responsible for all calls on R1 at 3B.
6. Once the game has begun, a bat not present in the umpire’s pregame inspection is discovered in the game or dugout. The coach explains a player who arrived from class after the game began brought the bat with her.2
   • A. The penalty for a bat not presented for pregame inspection still applies regardless of the apparently innocent circumstances.
   • B. The umpire can examine the bat and add it to the bat list.
7. Defensive personnel, except the nine defensive players on the field, must remain in the dugout, bullpen or team area while the ball is in play and during stoppages of play, including conferences, pitching changes, substitutions and injuries. Personnel directly involved in the stoppage of play (e.g., coaches, medical personnel, substitutes, etc.) are permitted to be out of the dugout, bullpen or team area.2
   • A. True. The umpire shall warn the violator, and if the violator does not immediately comply, the umpire should eject them. The next violation of this rule by anyone on the warned team will result in the ejection of the head coach.
   • B. False. Defensive personnel and bench players may exit the dugout during stoppages of play to interact with fans.
8. The pitcher throws the first two pitches to a batter that are called balls. The catcher or any infielder requests “time” to speak with the pitcher. The umpire suspends play and charges the defense with a player-to-player conference.2
   • A. When the defensive team is charged with a player-to-player conference, base runners may abandon the vicinity of their bases without it being a charged conference.
   • B. When the defensive team is charged with a player-to-player conference, base runners may not abandon the vicinity of their bases without it being a charged conference
9. The pitcher throws the first two pitches to a batter that are called balls. As the ball is returned to the pitcher, an infielder quickly runs to the circle, quickly slaps gloves with the pitcher giving her brief words of encouragement and then immediately returns to her position.2
   • A. This is not a player-to-player charged conference. The plate umpire should use good judgment in enforcing the Time Allowed Between Pitches Rule
   • B. A player-to-player conference is a meeting that takes place anytime a player(s) delays the game or requests a suspension of play for any reason and delivers a message to another player(s).
10. The offense must keep all personnel, except for those directly involved in the situation, in the dugout, bullpen or dead-ball area while the ball is live. These restrictions also apply during stoppages of play, including conferences, pitching changes, substitutions and injuries.2
    • A. True. The umpire shall warn the violator and issue a team warning. If the violator does not immediately comply, the umpire should eject them. The next violation of this rule by anyone on the warned team will result in the ejection of the head coach.
    • B. False. Offensive players may exit the dugout during stoppages of play to interact with fans.
11. #2 Walker, the starting DP, is exhibiting signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion and is immediately removed for a medical evaluation. Instead of using a temporary replacement player, starting Flex #15 Hyde enters the DP spot and the lineup goes from 10 to 9 players.2
    • A. #2 Walker, the starting DP, is allowed to resume her position in the game if she is cleared to return to play. She is not charged with a substitution in this concussion evaluation situation.
    • B. #2 Walker, the starting DP, has left the lineup and is only allowed to resume her position in the lineup one time if she is cleared to return to play. They have not used a temporary replacement player. Other players can continue to be substituted for either of these players and standard substitution rules will apply. They can also return #15 Hyde to the Flex position and return to 10 players in the lineup. Hyde retains full rights as the Flex.
12. Starter #33 Miles is exhibiting signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion and is immediately removed for a medical evaluation. #12 Smith enters as the temporary replacement player. Later in the game, #18 Valdez enters the lineup in #12 Smith’s spot while #33 Miles is still receiving a medical evaluation.2
    • A. #12 Smith can be used as a standard substitute in the same lineup spot because she had not used up her eligibility prior to being used as the temporary replacement player. #18 Valdez is treated as a standard substitute, so if #33 Miles or another eligible substitute replaces #18 Valdez in the lineup, #18 Valdez is done for the game. If #33 Miles is allowed to return to the game, she retains full starter rights. Neither #33 Miles nor #12 Smith are charged with a substitution/reentry in this concussion evaluation situation.
    • B. If #33 Miles is allowed to return to the game, once removed a second time she is done for the game. #18 Valdez and #12 Smith have each been substituted for one time and each are done for the game.
13. #38 Cindy, a baserunner, is involved in a collision with a defensive player. She remains on the ground after the collision and is exhibiting signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion. #38 Cindy is removed from the game under concussion protocols. The offensive team has no remaining eligible players to replace #38 Cindy as a temporary replacement player.2
    • A. A forfeit is declared in favor of the defensive team as the offensive team is no longer able to field a full team of eligible players.
    • B. The offensive team may use a starter or substitute who has previously participated in the game to replace the injured player
14. Starting player #12 Smith is involved in a play that results in contact with a baserunner. As a result of the contact, #12 Smith is exhibiting signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion and is immediately removed for a medical evaluation. #6 Roberts enters as the temporary replacement player. In the next inning, #12 Smith is cleared by appropriate medical personnel to return to the game and resumes her spot in the lineup from #6 Roberts.2
    • A. #12 Smith returns to play with full starter rights. She can be withdrawn and reenter again. #6 Roberts, the temporary replacement player, can be used as a standard substitute in that same spot in the lineup because she had not used her eligibility prior to being used as the temporary replacement player. Neither #12 Smith nor #6 Roberts are charged with a substitution/reentry in this concussion evaluation situation.
    • B. #12 Smith has been substituted for by #6 Roberts. She may renter the game once for #6 Roberts. Once removed from the game, #6 Roberts may no longer be used as a substitute for the remainder of the game.
15. With no outs and runners on first base and second base, each base runner leaves her base before the pitcher releases a legal pitch and are both safe at the next base. The pitch was called strike three. The defensive coach opts to take the effect for leaving early.2
    • B. The batter is out on strike three. The umpires must determine which base runner was called out first and only she is out. The other base runner is returned to the base occupied at the time of the pitch.
    • A. "No pitch" is declared, the batter remains at bat with a 1-2 count and both base runners are out. Since the coach chose the effect for leaving early, it includes “no pitch”. The strikeout is nullified
16. The runner starting on first base leaves legally on the pitch. The pitch is bunted towards the first baseman who fields the ball and approaches the batter-runner to make the tag. The batter-runner stops as the runner from first base rounds second base and heads towards third base. As the first baseman goes to apply a tag, the batter-runner steps back toward home plate in an attempt to allow the runner from first base to reach third base.2
    • A. The ball is dead when the batter-runner steps back towards home plate. She is out, and the runner from first base is returned to second base.
    • B. The ball is dead when the batter-runner steps back towards home plate. She is out, and the runner from first base is returned to first base.
17. With runners on first base and second base, a ground ball is hit to the shortstop who throws to the second baseman at second base to retire the runner who started on first base. The runner from first base slides out of the baseline (i.e., the runner cannot reach the base) of second base in order to slide directly at the second baseman.2
    • A. The ball remains live. The runner has not committed an infraction of the rules.
    • B. The ball is dead, the offending runner is out and each other runner shall return to the last base legally touched at the time of the infraction. The umpire has the option to issue a team warning when this behavior is not egregious enough to warrant an ejection. The umpire may also rule interference if this contact prevents the defensive player from making another play.
18. When there is a collision between a runner and a fielder and the defensive player is obstructing the runner path to a base (plate), the runner may slide into the base (plate) and make contact with the fielder as long as the runner is making a legitimate attempt to reach the base (plate).2
    • A. If an obstructed runner deliberately collides into a fielder, the obstruction call will be ignored, and the runner will be called out. If the act is determined to be flagrant/ malicious, the ball is dead and the runner is declared out and ejected.
    • B. If an obstructed runner deliberately collides into a fielder, the obstruction call will be made, and the runner will be called safe. If the act is determined to be flagrant/ malicious, the ball is dead and the runner is declared safe and ejected.
19. There are runners on first and second bases with no outs. The batter is a slapper who runs out of the front of the batter’s box where she is hit by an illegal pitch. What is the result if she does not swing?2
    • A. The ball is dead and the offensive coach will have an option to take the standard effect for an illegal pitch (ball to the batter).
    • B. If the batter is hit by a pitch that has not yet reached the front line of the batter’s box, and is not judged as having been able to enter the strike zone, it is a “no-pitch”.
    • C. If the batter is hit by a pitch that does not reach the plate but would have been in the strike zone had it not hit the batter the ball is dead, he pitch is a strike, the batter is declared out if the pitch was a third strike; otherwise, they remain at bat. Each base runner must return to the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.
    • D. All of the above
20. With a 2-1 count, the batter is hit by a pitch. She obviously tried to get hit by the pitch that is entirely in/over the batter’s box.2
    • A. The batter is awarded first base. A batter is not required to attempt to avoid the pitch if it is entirely in/over the batter’s box.
    • B. The batter remains at bat with a 3-1 count. A batter is not required to attempt to avoid the pitch if it is entirely in/over the batter’s box. If the pitch is entirely in/over the batter’s box, a batter may not obviously try to get hit by the pitch. If she does, she would only be awarded first base if the pitch is not in the strike zone and results in ball four.
21. Which factors are used by an umpire to determine if a batter has swung at the ball or checked her swing?2
    • A. Did the batter make an attempt to hit/bunt/slap the pitch?
    • B. Was the barrel of the bat out in front of the batter’s front hip?
    • C. Did the batter roll her wrists?
    • D. Did the batter swing through the ball and bring the bat back or draw the bat back before the pitch arrived?
    • E. All of the above.
22. The pitcher, who is wearing a signal arm band, positions both feet in contact with the pitcher’s plate and gets the signal from the dugout. She has her hands separated and at her sides with the ball in her throwing hand. After receiving the signal, using the hand holding the ball, she reaches over to her opposite wrist and uses her finger to help locate the signal on her arm band. She then drops her hands back to her sides.2
    • A. The pitcher’s hands are not considered to have separated after coming together to start the pitch when she is using one hand to assist with finding a signal on her opposite wrist. There is no possibility that either the batter or umpire would think this act is the hands coming together to start the pitch.
    • B. Once the pitcher’s hands separate after coming together to start the pitch, an illegal pitch should be called.
23. Choose the best answer regarding when the pitcher’s pivot foot may lose physical contact with the pitcher’s plate.2
    • A. The pivot foot is in contact with the pitcher’s plate when the pitcher turns, twists or bends her pivot foot.
    • B. If the pivot foot has not reduced the distance to home plate.
    • C. The pivot foot must remain in contact with the ground; however, rocking onto either the toe or heel is allowed.
    • D. The pivot foot may never lose physical contact with the pitcher’s plate.
    • E. A, B, and C must all apply
24. The pitcher is in the proper pitching position. She looks at her signal arm band or to the catcher who, by her hand/arm movements, apparently gives the pitcher the signal. The pitcher then repositions her stride foot by moving it to another position, brings her hands together and begins the pitch.2
    • A. Legal pitch. The pitch may reposition her stride foot as long as she does not step backward.
    • B. Illegal pitch. The proper pitching position includes the position of the stride foot, which must be established before taking the signal. Once the pitcher takes the proper pitching position required for taking the signal, initially sets the toe of her stride foot, and takes the signal, she may not move that foot in any direction (backward, forward, sideways or off the ground) before starting the pitch. The first legal movement of the stride foot is the forward step when the pitching motion starts. However, once the pitcher has established her stride foot, simply dropping or rocking onto her heel is not a violation.
25. The coach or catcher is giving defensive signals to the infield while the pitcher is not in the pitching position.2
    • A. Taking a defensive signal from a coach or catcher prior to stepping on the pitcher’s plate is allowed. However, the pitcher may not look at the signal arm band until she is in the pitching position.
    • B. Taking a defensive signal from a coach or catcher prior to stepping on the pitcher’s plate is not allowed.
26. With runners at first base and third base, 1-1 count, on the pitch the runner from first base attempts to steal and the pitch is called a ball. The plate umpire interferes with the catcher’s attempt to throw the runner from first base out at second base. The runner from first base stops running and the shortstop, who caught the thrown ball, begins to chase the runner from first base back towards first base. The runner at third base breaks for home.2
    • A. The ball remains live until the conclusion of the play. The umpire allows the result of the play to stand.
    • B. The ball is dead immediately when the runner from first base is not out on the initial throw by the catcher. The runner from first base is returned to first base and the runner from third base is returned to third base. The count will be 2-1.
27. In the first inning, the first baseman #10 is issued a warning for returning obstruction and her head coach is notified. Later in the game, #10 impedes the progress of the runner on first base legally leading off first base on the release of a 1-0 count pitch. The pitch is called a ball, and the catcher attempts a pick-off on the runner at first base where #10 tags the runner out.2
    • A. The ball is dead at the time of the apparent putout. The runner is awarded second base. The count is 2-0.
    • B. The ball is dead at the time of the apparent putout. The runner is awarded first base. The count is 2-0.
28. On an attempted pickoff, if a defensive player obstructs the base runner returning to the base2
    • A. If the defensive player is making a play on the returning base runner and obstructs her, the defensive player will still be charged with obstruction, but will not be given a warning.
    • B. If the defensive player is making a play on the returning base runner and obstructs her, the umpire may choose whether or not to charge the defensive player with obstruction and issue a warning.
29. The first batter of the game hits a fly ball to deep right field near the foul line. As she is rounding first base, she is obstructed by the first baseman, #34. The batted ball is not caught and lands foul.2
    • A. A rounding obstruction warning issued to #34 and her coach is notified. A fielder shall not obstruct a runner rounding a base at any time. Although the ball ended up being an uncaught foul ball, there is still a warning given.
    • B. No rounding obstruction warning is issued to #34. The ball ended up being an uncaught foul ball, no warning need be given.
30. Early in the game on a fly ball to right field which is eventually caught, the batter-runner rounding first base is obstructed by the first baseman, #14. A warning for rounding obstruction is issued to #14, and her head coach is notified. Later in the game, #14 again obstructs the batter-runner rounding first base on a caught fly ball to center field.2
    • A. The batter runner is awarded second base for the repeated violation for rounding obstruction by #14
    • B. The batter runner remains out on the caught fly ball.
31. The batter has a 3-1 count and although the next pitch is called a ball, no one acknowledges the base on balls. The next pitch is a foul ball. During the discussion about the correct count it is discovered that earlier in the at-bat the batter took a full swing but the plate umpire called the pitch a ball. Can the umpire change one of the balls to a strike and rule the batter out on strikes?2
    • A. Yes, as long as the batter has not completed her turn at-bat, the umpire may correct the count. In this case, the batter would be ruled out on strikes.
    • B. No, if there is a checked swing or full swing that is not ruled a strike, that must be appealed prior to the next pitch (legal or illegal). Once a pitch has been thrown, the call cannot be changed.
32. The batter has a 3-1 count and although the next pitch is called a ball, no one acknowledges the base on balls. The next pitch is a foul ball. Following the foul ball, the seventh pitch is a called strike for strike three. The offensive coach immediately requests the plate umpire award the batter the base on balls she had previously earned, thus negating the strike out.2
    • A. It is confirmed that the umpire made a mistake in the count and should have awarded the batter a base on balls prior to the seventh pitch.
    • B. The window of opportunity to correct the count no longer exists because the batter completed her turn at-bat. The result of the play remains the action from the last delivered pitch – strikeout.
33. The batter has a 3-1 count and although the next pitch is called a ball, no one acknowledges the base on balls. The next pitch is a foul ball. Before the seventh pitch, the offensive coach asks the plate umpire for the count and it is confirmed to be 4-2. Can the umpire correct the count and award the batter first base even though a pitch has been thrown after the mistake?2
    • A. Yes, as long as the batter has not completed her turn at-bat, the umpire may correct the count. In this case, the batter would be awarded first base because the rules say when a batter receives a fourth ball, she is awarded first base without liability to be put out.
    • B. No, once the next pitch had been thrown, the count cannot be corrected. The batter remains at bat with a 3-2 count.
34. Team A utilizes a signal arm band for defensive and offensive purposes. While on offense, players attach the signal arm band to their belts.2
    • A. Illegal, it is not required that players wear a signal arm band, but if worn, it shall be worn on the arm and as intended by the manufacturer.
    • B. Legal, signal arm bands only have to be worn on the arm while playing defense
35. Between innings, a uniformed bench player wears a batting helmet to warm-up the pitcher at home plate while the catcher who was on base when the third out was made, is putting on her catcher’s gear.2
    • A. If the batter’s helmet has an attached faceguard, this is allowed.
    • B. Catchers and other uniformed team members who receive warmup pitches on the field of play must wear a helmet with facemask. The umpire shall warn the violator(s). If the violator(s) does not immediately comply, she shall not be allowed to receive warmup pitches or catch for the remainder of the game; however, she shall not be ejected.
36. Since defensive players are permitted to hang a towel from their pants, may batters have a towel tucked in the back of their pants while at bat and or running the bases?2
    • A. Offensive players are permitted to hang a towel from their pants while at bat or running the bases.
    • B. There’s no purpose for a towel hanging from batters’ or base runners’ pants unlike the one that might be used by defenders to keep their hands dry. Since we require batting gloves to be tucked in, towels should be treated the same for offensive players and eliminate worry about tags or detached offensive equipment should it fall out.
37. Players are using drumsticks or banging bats and balls in the dugout.2
    • A. Artificial noisemakers use. Umpires must enforce this on their own. The umpire shall issue a team warning. Any subsequent violation by the same team shall result in a behavioral ejection of the violator. If the umpire judges the act to be flagrant, the offender shall be ejected without warning.
    • B. Artificial noisemakers use. When brought to the attention of the umpire by the opposing coach, the umpire shall issue a team warning. Any subsequent violation by the same team shall result in a behavioral ejection of the violator. If the umpire judges the act to be flagrant, the offender shall be ejected without warning.
38. Starters and all substitutes must be present, in uniform, in the dugout area, and available to play at the start of the game in order to be listed on the lineup card.2
    • A. Substitutes not in uniform or in the dugout area and available to play at the start of the game are rendered ineligible for that game.
    • B. Substitutes must be listed on the lineup card, but are not required to be in uniform in the dugout area and available to play at the start of the game.
39. The defensive team inaccurately lists their pitcher or catcher on the lineup card. When are they considered to have made a play?2
    • A. The pitcher or catcher are not considered to have made a play until a pitched ball has been batted and a play is made on a runner or batter-runner.
    • B. Both throwing and receiving a pitch are considered having made a play. The offensive coach may bring the error to the attention of the umpire and request nullification of the results of the last pitch at any time. Strategy might dictate waiting until the penalty will be more advantageous, however, the defensive team also has the ability to correct its own mistake without penalty.
40. With the bases loaded and one out, the batter grounds a ball to the shortstop who successfully makes a short flip to the second baseman for a force out on the runner who started on first base. The second baseman throws the ball out of play beyond the first baseman. The batter-runner is awarded second base and the runners who started on second and third bases are awarded home. But the runner who started on second base missed third base and it is properly appealed. Do any runs score?2
    • A. On the appeal, the runner from second base would not score as the force out at second base on the runner who started on first base does not remove the force out at third base on the runner who started on second base.
    • B. On the appeal, the runner missing the base becomes the third out, but the key to the preceding run scoring is whether or not the out at third was a force out. If the runner missed the base before the out at second base, it is a force out and no runs would score. However, if the runner missed the base after the out at second occurred, the force was removed which makes the out a timing play and one run would score.
41. With runners on first and third bases and one out, the batter hits a fair ball down the line that rolls all the way to the home run fence. The runner from third apparently scores, the trailing runner arrives safely at third base, but misses second base and the batter-runner misses first base, but safely slides into second base. The defense appeals the two missed bases but does it matter which order they appeal in order to negate the run?2
    • A. Yes, the appeal of the batter-runner missing first base would remove the force out of the runner from first base missing second base, resulting in the appeal at second base being a timing play.
    • B. No, it does not matter because both missed bases were force outs. It is obvious if the lead runner’s missed base was appealed before the batter-runner, they would both be force outs but even if the appeals were in the opposite order, the result would be the same. If a runner is forced to advance at the moment the base is missed, an appeal of that base will always be a force out, but if the base missed was beyond the base to which she was forced, it is a timing play.
42. Left fielder #24 catches a batted fly ball, and the runner at third base legally tags up and attempts to score. The runner is put out on the throw from #24 (F7 to F2). Before the next pitch, the offensive coach reports to the plate umpire that #24 is not on the opposing team’s line-up card and also was not reported as a substitute. The plate umpire confirms both of these things to be true.2
    • A. #24 is an Illegal Player. If the offensive coach does not want the result of the play, the batter returns and assumes a 1-1 count. No out is recorded on the play. #24 is administratively ejected. The runner is returned to third base.
    • B. #24 is an Illegal Player. If the offensive coach does not want the result of the play, the batter returns and assumes a 1-1 count. No out is recorded on the play. #24 is administratively ejected. The runner is awarded home.
43. The defensive head coach notifies the plate umpire that the DP (#3) will pitch for the Flex (#10), reducing the number of players in the lineup to nine. Later in the game, that coach wants to enter a substitute (#11) into the Flex position and have her pitch, increasing the number of players in the lineup to ten. The DP (#3) will return to playing offense only.2
    • A. The umpire allows the change without first re-entering the starting Flex (#10).
    • B. The umpire notifies the coach that the starting Flex (#10) must first be re-entered before substitute (#11) can be entered into the Flex position.
44. Between half innings and during pitching changes, where can the batter due up first take warm-up swings?2
    • A. The batter may only take warm-up swings in foul territory closest to her dugout, provided she is outside the batter’s box.
    • B. The batter may take warm-up swings from either side as long as she is in foul territory and the umpire does not consider her too close to the home plate area.
45. A team representative initiates a second conference in the same inning with the same pitcher without making a substitution.2
    • A. The pitcher must be removed from the pitching position for the remainder of the game
    • B. The pitcher is not required to be removed from the pitching position. The team representative initiating the second conference shall be ejected.
46. For all games (media or non-media):2
    • A. Each team is allowed 7 charged team representative-to-player conferences per regulation game with a maximum of 1 per half inning and an additional defensive conference allowed for each pitching change if that pitcher has not already pitched in the half inning (which counts toward 1 of the 7 allowable conferences). The team representative(s) or player(s) who initiates an unallowed conference shall be immediately ejected.
    • B. Each team is allowed 7 charged player-to-player conferences per regulation game with a maximum of 2 per half inning. The team representative(s) or player(s) who initiates an unallowed conference shall be immediately ejected.
    • C. Each team is allowed 1 charged team representative-to-player conference and 1 charged player-to-player conference per half inning for each extra inning. Any remaining conferences from regulation do not carry over into extra innings. The team representative(s) or player(s) who initiates an unallowed conference shall be immediately ejected
    • D. All of the above.
47. For all games (media or non-media), teams are allowed a maximum of 90 seconds between innings and at the start of the game for warmups. During this time, the pitcher is allowed to throw any number of warmup pitches; the pitcher may only throw to first base once.2
    • A. At the end of the time limit, if the defensive team is not ready to play, a ball will be awarded to the batter.
    • B. At the end of the time limit, if the offensive team is not ready to play, a strike will be assessed to the batter
    • C. A and B
48. The batter hits a foul pop-up between the third base line and the dugout. The third baseman collides with the runner at third base who is not in contact with the base. The batted ball eventually lands high in the stands.2
    • A. The umpire should call dead ball immediately upon contact between the third baseman and the runner. This is interference. The runner at third base is out, and a foul ball is called.
    • B. The umpire should delay a dead ball call until they can determine if the ball is playable and by whom. This is not interference. A foul ball is called
49. On a ground ball to shortstop, her errant throw to first base pulls the first baseman up the line toward home plate. The first baseman, who is not in possession of the ball but is attempting to catch the throw, makes contact with the batter-runner who is in the runner’s lane and has not yet reached first base.2
    • A. If the fielder steps into the base runner’s path to field the errant throw and does not have possession of the ball in her glove or hand, this is obstruction by the fielder. The fielder is not protected as she would be if she were the first fielder fielding a batted ball.
    • B. This is interference. The fielder has the right to field an errant thrown ball.
50. In the bottom of the seventh inning of a tied game, bases are loaded with two outs. The batter singles to right field. The base runner on third base scores but the base runner from first base joins in the celebration rather than advancing to second base.2
    • A. If the base runner from first base is declared out for abandonment it is a timing play, and if the runner from third base had touched home plate before the runner from first base is declared out, the run would score
    • B. If the defense appeals that the runner from first base did not touch the base to which she was forced, the runner from first base is declared out and the run does not count.
    • C. A and B
51. With bases loaded, the batter hits a ground ball back to the pitcher. The pitcher throws to home plate for the force out of the runner from third base. The catcher then attempts a throw to first base. The batter-runner is past 30 feet, not running in the runner’s lane, and is hit by the throw, interfering with the fielder at first base taking the throw.2
    • A. The ball is dead at the time of the interference by the batter-runner and she is called out. The out on the runner from third base stands. The remaining base runners are returned to the bases they occupied at the time of the pitch.
    • B. The ball is dead at the time of the interference by the batter-runner and she is called out. Nullify the out on the runner from third base and return all base runners to the bases occupied at the time of the pitch.
52. A fielder makes a shoestring catch and immediately lifts her glove in the air over her head to show the umpire that she has possession of the ball. As she does so, the ball trickles out the palm of her glove and lands on the ground.2
    • A. Since the release was not voluntary, is it not considered a catch
    • B. Because the ball landed on the ground as a result of a secondary move and not as part of the action of the catch, she has completed the catch. Secondary moves include throwing the ball, transferring the ball from glove to throwing hand and demonstrating possession of the ball to the umpire.
53. The runner on second base leaves too soon on a caught fly ball. As the defense is making a live ball appeal at second base, the runner is obstructed while returning to attempt to tag up.2
    • A. The runner is protected between the two bases where she was obstructed even if she is attempting to return to tag.
    • B. If the runner would not have returned safely to second base before the throw arrived, she would remain out.
54. On a batted ball to shortstop, the catcher who is not in possession of the ball, obstructs the runner from third base advancing towards home. Before the throw from the shortstop is even close to the catcher, the runner from third base remains on her feet and with excessive (flagrant) force collides into the catcher.2
    • A. The ball is dead, the runner is safe on the obstruction and is issued a behavioral ejection. The run scores.
    • B. Whenever obstruction occurs, whether a play is being made on a runner, obstruction shall be called and a delayed dead ball is signaled. If the runner collides flagrantly, the ball is dead, and the runner is declared out and ejected.
55. A runner is obstructed sliding into a base. She overslides the base, loses contact with it, and is apparently tagged out.2
    • A. Delayed dead ball is signaled. The act of obstruction awards her this base. The oversliding is viewed as part of the runner’s action that was obstructed.
    • B. When an obstructed runner overslides a base, she is liable to be tagged out.
56. The base runner is stealing second on the pitch. Prior to being in possession of the ball, the shortstop is partially blocking second base. The runner slides and makes contact with the shortstop’s leg, who then catches the ball and tags the base runner.2
    • A. Obstruction will be ruled. A fielder not in possession of the ball nor in the act of fielding a batted ball shall not impede the runner. The ball is dead at the time of the apparent put out and the runner is awarded second base.
    • B. The shortstop was not blocking the whole base. The runner is declared out.
57. Can an obstructed runner still be called out if she was “clearly beaten by the throw”?2
    • A. No, an obstructed runner cannot be called out when a fielder blocks the whole base or base path.
    • B. Yes, the runner may still be called out if she was clearly beaten by the throw involving a play in which the blocking of the base or base path has no bearing on the play.
58. After a routine defensive play by the shortstop, the third and second basemen go over to slap gloves with her.2
    • A. The purpose and intent of the no huddle defense rule is not to delay the game after an out. Actions that are quick, do not delay the start of the next batter at bat and do not constitute “meeting on the mound or elsewhere on the field” are allowed.
    • B. This is a violation of the no huddle defense rule.
59. The pitcher, catcher and batter all assume their respective positions in preparation for play. For no apparent reason, the batter leaves the batter’s box.2
    • A. Since the umpire did not grant time, the umpire should continue the 10-second count and award a strike to the batter if the count expires.
    • B. The umpire should immediately grant time to the offense
60. The pitcher has neither foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate and looks at her signal arm band or to the catcher who, by her hand/arm movements, apparently gives the pitcher the signal.2
    • A. This is an illegal pitch.
    • B. This is legal

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