Rule-section

Situation

Interpretation

Action for 2003 text

1-105

also 11 3a and 3c1

2^nd sentence wording is incorrect? the ?or? should be an ?and? and ?either ? was omitted.

Probable reword- ?When the top of the ball is on or within the horizontal plane and either side of the ball is on or within the vertical plane of the strike zone, a strike is called unless the ball touches the ground before reaching home plate.?

10-13c/d

Previous letter c has been omitted, d should become c and placed before the effect.

Correct as noted

11-4g

Wording is not clear on the position of the ball.

Probable reword- ?While both the ball and runner are in fair territory and the runner interferes with a defensive player?s attempt to field a batted ball.?

11-5g

Wording is not clear on the position of the ball.

Probable reword: ?While both the ball and runner are in foul territory and the runner interferes with a defensive player?s attempt to field a batted ball.?

Diagram page 137

Diagram error in identifying the bottom of the strike zone is the bottom of a ball at the top of the knee.

Although the diagram seems to indicate it is the bottom of the ball, the bottom of the strike zone is any part of the ball at the top of the knee.

Correct diagram to reflect top of the knee as in 2000 text.

12-6c

A runner may not return to a missed base or a base left too soon on a caught fly ball?

Inadvertently deleted at end: ?when time/timeout has been called by an umpire?

Correct as noted

12-19b and 26c

note

Umpire?s action if a runner has missed home plate and the catcher misses the tag.

Text from 7-1b should be copied?that is ?if a runner misses home plate and the catcher misses or makes no attempt to tag the runner, the umpire should make no call or signal.?

Correct as noted

15-2k

Listings 1 through 5 are accurate but not inclusive.

Copy text from 7-1a numbers 1 through 5.

Correct as noted.

15-3l

The judge as to whether playing conditions permit the start of the second game of a doubleheader is listed as a responsibility of the plate umpire.

Actually, the plate umpire of the first game shall be the sole judge as to whether playing conditions permit the start of a second game of a doubleheader.

Correct as noted

Rule-section

Situation

Interpretation

Possible 2003 Action

1-63

If a last name is omitted on the lineup card, does that render the lineup card inaccurate?

No, omitted first names, uniform numbers or positions render the card inaccurate.  Players whose last name are omitted are ineligible.

Possible added note-

Note: Omission of a last name renders the player ineligible, not the card inaccurate.

3-1

Clarify limit for .50 COR.

Is the standard absolute (.5000) or rounded (.50999)?

The standard is rounded to two decimals so as long as the COR is less than .505, it would round to the maximum limit of .50.

3-3

In the effect, the rule mentions the presence of an illegal bat, does this also apply to an altered bat?

Yes

Probable reword- ?The presence of an illegal or altered bat in the on-deck circle?.?  Also ?Should the illegal or altered bat reappear??

3-6

Does the restriction on electronic equipment apply to information from the official scorer

a) using an electronic scorebook

b) using a PDA?

Scouting information gathered outside the dugout is to stay outside (i.e. not be given or relayed to team personnel) during the contest so relaying information from the official scorer (whether she uses any type of electronic device) is prohibitted.

Verifying the accuracy of score keeping decisions with the official scorer however is legal.  The distinction is that accurate scorekeeping (from any source whether it is scorepad or something electronic, from the official scorer or opposing scorekeeper) is information that is equitably shared with both teams and provides neither with a competitive disadvantage.  Scouting information advantages one team over the other and may lead to the outcome of the game favoring the better-equipped team, not the better team on the field.

Possible revision-

Note: Scoring and/or statistical information may be entered into electronic equipment in the dugout during the game.  In addition, scoring decisions may be verified with opposing teams and/or the official scorer as long as the information is of a scoring (rather than scouting) nature.

***3-8b

Several manufacturers have indicated difficulty in embossing the NOCSAE seal in catcher?s helmets.  Will the deadline be extended to allow for compliance?

No, the NOCSAE standard must be met by the deadline however the manner in which it is displayed will be changed.  Unlike batting helmets, the industry standard for marking the catcher?s helmet is a permanent mark (embossed, molded-in, indestructible or tamper proof sticker).  The text will be adjusted for allowance for any of those markings.

Possible reword- ?Beginning in January 2003, the helmet must meet the NOCSAE standard and bear a permanent mark (that is, be embossed or bear an indestructible sticker).?

***4-9

May the head coach of the home team be designated as the on-site administrator?

Technically yes however, the intent of the rule is to have an institutional administrator on-site to handle event management issues.  If a coach is designated as the on-site administrator, he/she must be prepared to leave the dugout or playing field to tend to the duties of the on-site administrator.

Possible reword- ?The on-site administrator shall not be a member of the softball coaching staff of either competing team.?

5-4a

Must an umpire inspect equipment for the second game of a double header or before each game of a tournament?

Yes, bats can become unusable or helmets cracked in any game and should not be allowed in subsequent ones.

5-6

During the pregame meeting, warm-ups shall be suspended.  Does that preclude warm-ups in the bullpens?

No, the suspended warm-ups refer to on the field of play.  Warm-ups occurring in the bullpen or outside the playing field are permissible.

Possible reword-?During the meeting, warm-ups on the field of play shall be suspended??

6-1a and 12-24

Runners on second and third with two outs. The batter swings and misses strike three but the catcher does not catch the pitch.  The runner from third scores. The catcher eventually recovers the ball and throws to the pitcher covering the plate who tags out the second runner also attempting to score (third out).  The batter-runner, thinking the inning was over, advanced toward BUT did not touch first base before the pitcher realizes she has a play and throws to first.

The throw beats the batter-runner but since there are three outs already, what is the effect?

The play at the plate is the apparent third out however the defense may appeal baserunning infractions in order to nullify the run.  When properly appealed, a dropped third strike is a force out, therefore the apparent runs do not count.

6-11a

Can a team gain a second defensive conference in an inning by sending a team representative out to be ejected but still have the opportunity to deliver a message?

Ideally, as a team representative approaches the field for a second conference, the umpire will prevent the excessive conference and therefore not have to eject the offender.  

In the event preventative umpiring does not prevent the situation, the offender should be immediately ejected and every effort made to prevent delivery of any messages sent from the dugout to the field.

6-11a

An assistant coach SPRINTS on the field for a 2nd conference in an inning, delivers the needed message to the pitcher and fielder(s). The umpire attempts to stop the coach but is avoided and therefore ejects the coach per 6-11a.  Two batters later, the same thing happens with the same defensive team, another assistant coach SPRINTS out with the same results--delivered message and ejection. What recourse is there to prevent the defense from taking advantage of excess conferences?

Upon the ejection of the first assistant coach, warn the head coach that you will not tolerate the willful disregard for the rules. Under 15-2 you clearly have not only the authority to order a coach to do or refrain from doing an unsportsmanlike act such as this but also you are obligated to conduct the game under conditions conducive to fair play.

At this point of warning, you also have several options...you can add that you will be writing the athletics director of this breach of the code of conduct (page 8) and abuse of the rules...you can inform the coach that should it happen again, the team will forfeit the game or you can simply issue a warning and not indicate what you will do if it occurs again.

In any event, if it occurs again, you can invoke 6-19a5, that is "If, after warning by the umpire, any one of the rules of the game is willfully and persistently violated" a forfeit is declared.

 It would certainly be unfortunate for the players and spectators to be penalized for the unsportsmanlike conduct of a coaching staff  but sometimes that is the only option to protect the integrity of the game.

The committee needs to consider if it is desirable to include the willful and persistent violation of a rule under rule 13, Misconduct.

It could be included in section 1 as unprofessional behavior which draws an ejection and 2 game suspension.  It could also be listed in section 2 with an automatic ejection for the first violation and a more stringent penalty for subsequent violations.

In addition, the committee should consider reiterating the sections of 6-19 (forfeited game) which are examples of misconduct in rule 13.

6-11a

Situation: a coach uses the one allowable conference early in an inning and then later reports a defensive switch of the pitcher and right fielder to the umpire.  The coach then goes to the mound and tells the pitcher to go to right field and signals for the right fielder to come pitch.  

a)does that trip to the mound to switch players count as a conference?

b)if after throwing one pitch, may the coach switch the players back to their original positions and gain both warm-up pitches for the returning pitcher and a conference for making a pitching change?

a)       No conference is charged since the substitution was given to the umpire and then the coach went to the mound to carry out the switch.

b)       The coach may switch the players back at any time however if the returning pitcher has already pitched in the inning, she may not be given warm-up pitches.  In addition, the coach has not used the one additional conference gained from the initial switch of players so that one conference is still available even though the coach already spoke to the starting pitcher earlier in the inning.   Note-a team can never have more than one conference available regardless of the number of pitching changes in an inning.

7-1a

Runners on first and third with one out.  Batter singles to right plating the runner from third.  The runner who started on first misses second but arrives safely at third.  The batter-runner is thrown out at second trying to advance (second out).  Defense appeals that the runner from first missed second (the third out).  Does the run score since it occurred before the appeal?

No.  Since the third out is a force play at second, not a timing play, the run does not score.

Consider adding as an approved ruling/example.

7-1

If the defensive team has inaccurately listed either their pitcher or catcher, when are they considered to have made a play?  Does throwing or receiving a pitch constitute making a play?

Both throwing and receiving a pitch are considered having made a play.  The coach of the offended team may bring the error to the attention of the umpire and request nullification of the results of the last pitch.  Strategy might dictate waiting until the penalty will be more advantageous however the offending team also has the ability to correct its own mistake without penalty.

7-1f

12-6c

12-25d

12-26b

Runner on first takes off on the hit and run. She hits second base and is on her way to third as the outfielder makes a diving catch for the first out of the inning. The outfielder jumps to her feet and overthrows the ball into the first base dugout (the runner is now half way between second and third as the ball leaves the fielder's hand). What is the proper call?

Initially, you have dead ball, the runner is awarded two bases (third base). BUT she never tagged up and according to rule 7, section 1f and rule 12, sections 25d and 26b, she cannot return to touch a base if she is on a base beyond the base she left too soon. So if the defensive coach appeals she never tagged up, you have an out.

Summer meeting to determine if this is the fair result since the runner is penalized for a mistake by the defender who threw the ball out of play.  

Committee to either change the rule or verify support for existing rule.

7-1f follow-up

During the dead ball or as the umpire awards the runner additional bases, if the runner attempts to return to tag up at first base, should the umpire stop the runner

Stopping the runner and pointing out she cannot return during the dead ball advantages the defense into making an appeal they might otherwise not have noticed.  Notice the re-touch but let the appeal or lack thereof take its course without stopping the runner.

7-1g

Runners on first and third with one out.  The batter doubles but misses first base, the runner from first misses second on her way to third, and the runner on third scores.  The defense appeals the two missed bases but does it matter in which order they appeal?

Yes.  When the defense initially appeals the batter missed first base, that is the second out.  The subsequent appeal for missing second is a timing play so if the runner from third has crossed the plate at the time of the appeal, the run scores.

If the defense initially appeals the runner missed second base, that is the second out.  The subsequent appeal for missing first is a force out, therefore the run does not score.

***7-2e

During the regular season, can a protest committee exist to facilitate protests in a tournament?

Technically the only time a protest committee has any authority is during an NCAA qualifying event (see 7-2f).  However if there is a tournament umpire in chief or a protest committee and a protest is lodged on the field, one or both may be consulted for an opinion to assist the umpires working the game in settling the dispute.  In either case, the protesting coach retains the right to protest to the softball secretary rules editor if the on-field resolution is not satisfactory.

8-2a

If the starting DP gets on base and is replaced by the Tenth Player to run the bases twice in a single game, the DP is then unable to play for its remainder (starter who has reentered).  If that position (the one the DP originally occupied but the Tenth Player currently holds) in the batting order comes up again, may the coach substitute for the DP even though there has been no one in that position for some time or must he/she substitute for the Tenth Player?

Once the starting lineup is created with a DP and Tenth Player, those positions exist throughout the game even if one of them is temporarily vacant.  The Tenth Player who entered the game to run for the DP is still the Tenth Player and retains all those rights.  The DP position still exists and a substitute may be entered in that spot in the batting order.

Some of the confusion regarding the DP and Tenth Player stems from using misnomers such as ?temporary DP? or from equating the phrases ?the number of players being reduced from 10 to 9 (text in the rule book)? with ?the available positions decrease from 10 to 9 (which is not true)?.

8-4d

Is the list of illegal players inclusive?

See possible reword.

Possible reword a to read ?Entering or reentering the game in a position (offensive or defensive) to which she is not entitled.

New f-?An illegal player who enters the game as a  runner (ie an offensive player, including the TP, who runs for another offensive player) or as a batter (ie the TP batting for someone other than the DP).?  

Int or Obs

Runners on first and second with no outs.  A ground ball is hit into the pitcher?s circle that the pitcher fields and throws to third for the force out.  As the pitcher fields the ball, the shortstop (who is moving to field the ball near second base) and runner from second collide, causing the runner to fall to the ground and be retired at third base.  Is there interference on the runner for running into a fielder as she moved to field the ball or is the shortstop guilty of obstructing the runner?

Per rule 9, section 13a4d, ?If two fielders try to field a batted ball and the runner contacts one or both, the umpire shall decide which one is entitled to field the ball, ant that fielder only is entitled to protection.  Since the pitcher fielded the ball, only she is entitled to protection so there is no interference on the play.  However it should be noted that had the pitcher missed the ball, it would be umpire?s judgement as to if she had a reasonable chance to field the ball or if the first fielder with a chance to field it would be the shortstop.  

Per rule 9, section 13, section 18c1, ?A fielder who is not in possession of the ball, not in the act of fielding a batted ball, or not about to receive a thrown ball, shall not impede the batter, batter-runner or runner.?  This too, relates to judgement.  Since the pitcher was the protected player, the shortstop is guilty of obstruction and the runner should be awarded the base(s) she would have earned had obstruction not occurred.

Remember too, there is the possibility of a no call for inadvertent contact.  If the ball was clearly the pitcher?s to field, the shortstop obstructed the runner.  However if the ball was clearly the shortstop?s to field (but the pitcher miraculously snagged it), do not penalize the fielder.

9-8b or

9-18b

What?s the call if a batter, who is drawing her bat backward just prior to a pitch, contacts the catcher?

There are several possibilities here.  Often times the umpire?s holding the pitcher up until the batter has assumed her set position will prevent this situation.  But assuming it did not?

If the pitcher has not begun her motion, as soon as contact is made, the umpire should call no pitch and step out of the set position.  Everyone then resets without penalty.

If drawing the bat backward is an attempt to hinder the catcher, (as in showing bunt and then deliberately drawing the bat back to protect a base stealer) invoke the penalty for 9-8.  That is, the batter is out; the ball is dead on the interference.

If the contact impedes the batter?s ability to contact the ball, enforce catcher obstruction (9-18b).

9-8b or

9-18b

If a batter swings at a pitch so late that the ball is in the catcher?s glove, is the call interference on the batter, catcher obstruction or no call?

This is a judgement call with an overriding principle of penalizing the offender.  If the catcher anticipates the pitch and reaches forward to catch the ball over the plate, it is catcher obstruction.  If the catcher catches the pitch well behind the plate and the purpose of the swing is to impede the catcher, that is batter interference.  In the unlikely event both players are acting appropriately, it is generally a no call.

9-8c note

The batter swings and does not make contact with the pitch however her swing is so forceful that on the follow through, her bat hits the catcher and hinders her throw on a runner who is stealing.  NCAA baseball rule 6, section 2d specifies it is not interference but a strike, dead ball, and runners must return. Is this the correct call for NCAA softball?

In softball, it is interference.  Although the batter is entitled to an unencumbered attempt to hit the ball, the catcher is also entitled to make a play without being hindered by the batter.  In the situation you describe, the batter?s attempt to hit the ball ended when ball/bat collision did not occur so the catcher must now be entitled to throw.  Since the batter hindered the catcher, the penalty for 9-8b should be invoked.  

***

9-9a3

In the effect it states if the interference prevented a double play, two outs may be declared.  Is the second out the runner closest to home or the runner being played on?

The batter is out and the second out is the runner being played on.  The benefit of the doubt should go to the offended team (the defense) if the nature of the play precludes clearly identifying which runner was going to be played on.

9-9b

9-13e

With the bases loaded and one out, the batter hits a high infield fly ball toward first base.  The umpire invokes the infield fly rule however no infielder attempts to catch the ball.  The ball lands in fair territory where the batter-runner contacts it.  The first baseman subsequently fields the rebounded ball and tags the runner standing a step off first base.  What rule applies?

As soon as the ball and runner collide, the ball is declared dead.  Since the contact occurred in fair territory, the batter is out by application of the infield fly rule and runners are returned to the bases occupied at the time of the pitch.  

Had the contact occurred in foul territory, the correct call would have been foul ball.  

Even though the batter-runner had been declared out on the infield fly and subsequent contact occurred, it is not batter-runner interference because no fielder was attempting to make a play at the time of the contact.

9-13a2

Runner on first with no one out.  The first baseman is playing in for the bunt as the batter hits a screaming line drive past the first baseman that the second baseman has absolutely no chance of getting to.  The ball hits off the runner?s shoulder (who is off the base) and deflects into right field. Is interference called?

Per rule 9-13a2, ?the baserunner may not contact an untouched, fair batted ball, after it passes an infielder if another fielder has a chance to make a play.?  If, in the umpire?s judgement, the right fielder had a chance to make a play, rule interference.  The rule is not intended to protect only the four infielders but any fielder, regardless of where she is positioned.

9-18c

With a runner on 2^nd and two outs, the batter singles to the outfield.  The runner from 2^nd collides with the third baseman but eventually progresses home.  As the throw comes into the infield, it is cut off near the mound and a play is made on the batter-runner attempting 2^nd.  The third out is made at 2^nd before the obstructed runner scores.  Does the run score?

On the obstruction call, the runner is awarded the base(s) she would have reached had there not been obstruction.  If the umpire believes the runner would have scored before the third out was made, the run would count.  If the umpire judges the runner would not have scored until after the tag at second, the run shall not score.  Note-this is only possible on a timing play and would not be the case if the third out was a force out.

10-2a4

If a pitcher is receiving a signal from the catcher, may she:

a) roll the ball in her hand;

b) roll the ball up her wrist and pin it against her leg?

Both would be legal.  The rule specifies the ball must be held and remain in either the bare or gloved hand. Rolling (not tossing) is legal since the ball remains in contact with the hand.  The heel of the hand constitutes the base of the wrist so contact is considered to be in the hand however rolling the ball past the wrist and up the forearm is not legal.

10-2c

Now that the pitcher has only 10 seconds to deliver the pitch, is it reasonable to allow her to bring her hands together for no more than 10 seconds?

The intent of shortening the time in which the pitcher must deliver the pitch is to keep the game moving.  The committee does not intend for opposing coaches and umpires to apply a stopwatch to determine time between pitches.  Instead, it is meant as a tool for umpires to engage if the pace of the game slows.  With that change, a shortening of the presentation of the ball should have been included but was not so enforce the rule as written.

The committee will address shortening the time in the summer meeting.

***

11 Intro

Between innings, is the batter restricted to any particular space for her warm-up swings similar to the on-deck batter who is restricted to the on-deck circle?

Since fields differ significantly in the foul space available, other than she is prohibited from being in the batter?s box, the batter may be anywhere in foul territory.  The intent of keeping her out of the batter?s box is to facilitate the pitcher?s warm-up.  Having the on-deck batter in her circle should facilitate movement of umpires and coaches with only having to navigate around the first batter.

11-2e

May a batter take a stride position at the front of the batter?s box and, as the pitch is delivered, move the rear foot backward toward the catcher (to reclaim the batter?s box from a catcher who has legally moved forward) and therefore be compensated for catcher obstruction if contact occurs?

No, since the only possible reason for moving backward is to hinder the catcher, this action is inconsistent with the spirit of the game and should not result in rewarding the offender.  

Note- the catcher may not obstruct, hinder or prevent the batter?s legitimate attempt to make contact with a pitch so movement by the batter that enhances her ability to contact the pitch is protected by catcher obstruction?s penalty.  The benefit of the doubt must go to the batter.

Possible addition:  A stride, if taken, must be forward toward the pitcher.  If the stride is backward and contact with the catcher occurs, there is no obstruction.  (Change old e to new f/ re-index)

11-5d

Runner on first, batter attempts to bunt but the ball goes directly from the bat to the catcher?s mitt, then rebounds into the air to the pitcher who catches the ball on the fly as the runner attempts to advance.  Effect?

Because the ball goes directly from the bat to the catcher (whether on a bunt attempt or a swing), the options are foul tip or foul ball.  It is not a foul tip because it was not caught by the catcher.  At the moment it contacts the catcher but is not caught by her, it becomes a foul ball (strike) and therefore dead ball, runner returns to first.

11-11c

No one out.  Batter one doubles; batter three (improper batter) singles to outfield and is safe at second.  Runner who started on second advances to home but misses third base.  Note how the order of appeals impacts the outcome.

If the defense appeals the runner from second missed third, she is out (first out) and if the defense then appeals the improper batter before the next pitch, batter two is declared out for failing to bat (second out) and advance by batter three is nullified.  Batter three is now up to bat with 2 outs, no runners.

If the defense appeals the improper batter before the next pitch, batter two is declared out (first out) for failing to bat and since all advances are nullified, the runner is returned to second.  The next batter is the one who follows the player called out (that is, batter three) who now bats with one out, runner on second.  

11-14

With less than 2 out and first base occupied, the batter runner advances toward first base and draws a throw after a third strike not held by the catcher.  The throw ricochets off the batter-runner (who was out on strikes) allowing the runner to advance to second base.  Per ASA rules, the ball is dead and the runner returns to first.  Since the batter-runner is already out, you can?t have a double play on the same runner and exception 8-8p exempts the runner closest to home from being called out.  What is the NCAA ruling?

Rule 11, section 14 covers the general rule for dropped third strike.  The ball is live and runners may advance.  However since the batter-runner is already out on strikes, when she interferes with a defensive player?s opportunity to make a play, apply the penalty in rule 9, section 13e.  That is, the ball is dead and the runner closest to home at the time of the interference shall be declared out.  If there had been additional runners, they would be returned to the last base touched at the time of interference.

***

12-7

Is the runner protected from being forced off a base or would she be declared out if tagged while off the base.

If the runner has reached a base but is then forced to lose contact, the umpire has the discretion to declare her safe.  Collisions which occur forcing the baserunner off the base are dangerous and should not be encouraged.

Possible new 3-?When a runner reaches a base safely but the tag is applied with excessive force which causes the runner to lose contact with the base.  Note- the exception applies if the excessively forceful tag, and not the runner?s momentum, causes the loss of contact with the base.?

12-10

If a batter believes she has been struck out and leaves the playing area (i.e. enters the dugout), do the same penalties apply as if she was a base runner who abandons her base or a batter-runner who fails to advance on a base award?

No, the batter may be summoned from off the field of play and return to complete her turn at bat without penalty.

Personal observation? It does seem ironic that a batter?s error is correctable but a batter-runner or base runner who abandons a base or an effort to run the bases is declared out.

12-23b

Runner on third.  Batter receives a base on balls and trots down to first base.  After she is half way and the running lane has started, the catcher throws to first in an attempt to keep her from continuing to second.  1) The throw hits the batter-runner who is in fair territory or 2) the throw hits a part of the runner?s body which is over fair territory yet her feet are both in the running lane. NFHS calls her out for interference in both cases even though the base on balls awards her the base without liability to be put out.  Is the ball dead or live, may the runner advance and is it interference in NCAA play?

On the base award, the batter-runner cannot be put out solely as a result of a defender?s action.  However she can be put out for violating baserunning rules (see definition of without liability to be put out rule 1, section 117).

In the first situation, the batter-runner has violated rule 12, section 23b which stipulates she shall not run outside the runner?s lane and interfere with the fielder taking the throw at first base.  On the interference, the ball is dead, the batter-runner is out and each other runner returns to her base.

In the second situation, there is no interference since the batter-runner?s feet are within the runner?s lane. The ball is live and runners may advance at their own risk.  Note that in the second example, if the batter-runner, even though she is in the runner?s lane, intentionally interferes by waving her hands, interference would be enforced.

12-26e

12-18a

Batter hits a deep fly to center which looks like it will be caught. Batter runs to 1st, head down, touches the base and turns and walks back down the line towards home and her dugout. The wind blows the ball down and the center fielder does not catch the ball. She picks it up and throws it into the infield where the pitcher picks it up while in the circle.  The coach yells at the batter-runner to turn around and run back to 1st. The batter-runner stops her advancement to home looks at the pitcher, then breaks for 1st. The 1st base person tags the batter out.   Is the batter-runner out when she stepped back towards home?  If not, is she out for stopping and reversing her direction with the pitcher hold the ball motionless in the circle?

Although the batter-runner may not step back toward home plate to avoid or delay a tag by the fielder, 12-26e does not apply because the steps back toward the plate were not to avoid or delay the tag.

The look back rule allows for a runner who is in motion when the ball is returned to the pitcher within the circle, to continue in the direction she is going or immediately and directly go back in the other direction. Once she determines that direction, she cannot change (unless one of the circumstances in c occurs). Therefore, the batter-runner who is dejectedly moving along the foul line toward home as the ball reaches the pitcher in the circle may now choose to reverse her direction and attempt to return to first.

***

14-1j

In a tournament situation where the home team is decided by coin toss and then that team?s scorekeeper is determined to be the official scorer, may the scorekeeper alert his/her own coach as to lineup irregularities?

If the scorekeeper is attached to one of the participating teams and is situated in the dugout, he/she may alert others in the dugout regarding lineup irregularities.

Possible addition to J- ?Note- in the unfortunate circumstance that the official scorer is in the team?s dugout, he/she may communicate with his/her own team.  At all other times, information gained outside the dugout shall not be communicated into the dugout.?

***7-1e

The runner misses second base by a step but just touches the corner of third base,  Even though an appeal is made at third
(the umpire called the runner safe), an appeal may be made at second on the same runner.

7-1g3

With one out and runners on first and third, the batter hits a fly ball that is caught.  Each runner leaves her base before the caught ball is touched.  An appeal is made at first base for the third out.  The defensive team may then makes an appeal at third base before the infielders leave the infield to nullify the run.  Correct?

The runner on third will then be declared out also, and the run will not count.

7-2c

With one out and runners on second and third, the batter flies out.  The runner on third base tags up after the catch, but the runner on second does not.  The runner on third crosses the plate before the ball is played at second for the third out.  The umpire does not allow the run to score. 

The question as to whether the runners left their bases before the catch and whether the play at second was made before the runner from third crossed the plate are solely matters of judgement and are not protestable.  It is a misapplication of a playing rule and a proper subject for protest if the umpire fails to allow the run to score.

9-13e

Runners are on first and third with one out.  The batter hits a ground ball to the shortstop who throws to second base for the second out.  During the attempt to throw out the batter-runner, the runner who started on first base interferes with the throw.  Meanwhile the runner on third base has crossed home plate (before the interference).  Does the run score?

On the interference call, the runner closest to home is called out (the batter-runner).  Since the batter-runner is the third out, the run does not score.

This is the printed approved ruling in text but it is in regular size font.  It needs to be resized and be consistent. 

All situations should be examples or approved rulings; one or the other.

12-7c

With fewer than two outs, if a batter, while running the bases after a home run outside the playing field, passes a preceding runner, the batter is out, but all preceding runners score.  With two outs, only those preceding runners score who have touched the plate before the batter is declared out.  

True, this is a timing play, not an appeal play.

This is the printed approved ruling in text?

see above.

12-12c 

ex 1

The right handed batter who lays down a bunt in front of home plate is on a collision course with the catcher if she runs in a direct line to first base.  Each player at this point is within legal rights-the batter taking a path in a direct line to first base, and the catcher coming out from behind home plate to field the ball.  If there is a collision, what is the effect?

In determining the consequences, the questions that have to be answered are: 1)Did the batter alter direction in any way and draw contact in an attempt to receive an obstruction call? 2) Did the catcher alter her attempt to field the ball in any way so as to draw an interference call and 3) Could the catcher actually make an out on the play?

If the answers to these questions do not result in obstruction or interference, the ball is live and contact is considered inadvertent

This is the printed example (should it be approved ruling?) in text but need to address whether catcher actually make an out or a play.

12-12c

note 2

The batter-runner collides with the first baseman who is attempting to make a play on an 

errant throw up the line (towards home plate).  The runner has a right to the baseline in this case

and the first baseman has the right to field an errant thrown ball.  

This is the result of the ?normal? flow of the game, and the play should be ruled incidental contact with no effect or penalty.

This is the printed example in text?

should it be approved ruling?