5 Softball Rules Explained By An Umpire

Рет қаралды 47,353

Күн бұрын

Umpire Grace just wrapped up her 21st season and umpires all age groups at all levels. Her experience includes travel ball, college showcases, high school, JV and middle school. Next year she will be at the collegiate level.
She covers 5 topics:
1) Obstruction vs interference - 1:21 - 5:48
2) The look back rule - 5:49 - 7:35
3) Drop 3rd strike rule with less than 2 outs and with 2 outs - 7:36 - 9:14
4) Does the tie go to the runner? - 9:15 - 9:56
5) What's the ruling when a catcher hits the batter while attempting to throw down to 3rd? - 9:57 - 11:55

Пікірлер: 130

@patrickmcgaughey3289 3 ай бұрын

As a new softball umpire, Umpire Grace "Splains it" better than most. Looking forward to more of her videos.

@brattrw54 10 ай бұрын

My daughter just started middle school softball this year. Your channel has been invaluable for me in helping her. Can't say thank you enough! This video was great... we were having some "interesting" discussions around most of these rules at one of the games. One that also actually got brought up a couple nights in a row is the infield fly rule.

@MegRemSoftball 10 ай бұрын

Makes me happy to hear! Thanks for following along!

@danacoleman4007 Жыл бұрын

Another great idea for a video!!!!!

@frankssoftballcorner Жыл бұрын

Awesome!

@Dragomosis 4 ай бұрын

Remember, the batters box DOES NOT protect you from an interference call on the batter. If you make any move, whether it be in the box or outside the box, intentional/unintentional, that interferes with the catchers ability to throw (a throw does not have to be made).

@leonwalts00 Жыл бұрын

Amazing video! Actual videos would be the only thing that could make it better! Thx!,

@dogpatch75 10 ай бұрын

Scoring the dropped third strike is often done incorrectly. Strikeouts are not putouts. On any strikeout, the pitcher is credited with the strikeout and the catcher is credited with the putout that results from strike three. Therefore the dropped third strike situation that results in an out would be scored as K/2U if the catcher tags the batter-runner for the putout or K/2-3 if the catcher throws to the first baseman for the putout. If the batter-runner successfully reaches first base, scoring notation would be either K/PB (passed ball) or K/WP (wild pitch) if the batter-runner successfully reaches first base. This situation should never be scored as stealing first base.

@juliebrown7028 Жыл бұрын

Obrigado.

@murphywalton6723 Жыл бұрын

Crazy question, but where could I get/order those yellow softball earrings for my 10u softball team?

@flash277 Ай бұрын

The ball must beat a batter/runner to first base for B/R to be out, so if the first base player catches the ball when the B/R steps on first base, the B/R is safe, so while it is never stated in a Rulebook a “tie” does go to the runner.

@danacoleman4007 Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Grace!!!!

@icommaDK Жыл бұрын

This was great - Thanks Meg!

@paulward4348 Жыл бұрын

meg meg 🥜🍞

@paulward4348 Жыл бұрын

💘🧡💛💓🙀 hi meg fracesn

@paulward4348 Жыл бұрын

@bronsonrueda1497 Жыл бұрын

Question about the look back rule. On a walk, if the pitcher has possession of the ball in the circle, before the runner gets to first base, and is not making a play… can the runner round first base and then go back to first base?

@danbarnard1087 Жыл бұрын

Here is the USA rule, but is the same in HS: Responsibilities of the batter-runner after reaching first base, and while the pitcher has control of the ball within the eight foot radius of the pitcher’s plate, including a base on balls or a dropped third strike, are as follows: 1 - A batter-runner who rounds first base toward second base may stop once, but then must immediately non-stop return to first base or attempt to advance non-stop to second base. If you want to get confused I will be happy to share the other list rules for the batter-runner who passes 1B while the pitcher has the ball in the circle.

@michaelmusselman8051 Жыл бұрын

yes, but I wouldn't coach it to be that way autoatically.

@GS-rf8dx Жыл бұрын

Yes they can. They have to go immediately back to 1st or continue to 2nd.

@dogpatch75 10 ай бұрын

Yes. The rule does not kick in until the runner stops.

@9983sp 4 ай бұрын

No on a walk, they can only advance one base.

@Liswathi 4 ай бұрын

I’ve had a couple of 10u girls run on a dropped 2nd strike. Confusing the catcher and causing a throw down to first and allowing a run to score. I’m the past, I’ve brought her back to finish the at-bat. I’m thinking that this should be covered in the plate meeting and called interference- out. Thoughts?

@MegRemSoftball 4 ай бұрын

As annoying as it is, it’s on the defense to know how many strikes the batter has.

@mbaker589 5 ай бұрын

Look-Back rule, with runners on base. What happens if the first base coach stops the batter-runner one foot short of first base? Does batter have to be on first base at what time before the pitcher releases the next pitch? Release of the ball?

@corygraham9916 3 ай бұрын

What???

@mbaker589 3 ай бұрын

@@corygraham9916 For the Look-Back rule to be in effect the ball must be live, the pitcher must have possession within the pitcher's circle, AND the batter-runner has touched first base or has been declared out. I'm wondering what happens if a coach stops a batter-runner just short of first base to avoid the Look-Back rule. My thought is that by having the batter-runner stand with one foot within six inches of first base but not having touched first base the Look-Back rule is not in effect, freeing up more courageous, faster runners on second and/or third base to be creative and daring. My question for this forum is, when does the batter-runner have to touch first base? So many seconds after ball four is called? When the pitcher gets a live ball within the circle? When the pitcher begins her pitch? When the pitcher releases a pitch? When and by what rule?

@davidclementi5434 Ай бұрын

@@mbaker589 First of all, there are very few situations that would require this sort of maneuvering to work, and there's a rule in effect in softball that whenever the batter/runner stops AND RETREATS on the way to First Base the UMPIRE RULES THEM OUT, BALL IS DEAD AND RUNNERS RETURN TO LAST BASE OCCUPIED.

@mbaker589 Ай бұрын

@@davidclementi5434 I can think of various plays were an aggressive runner on third could take great advantage of being free to work her magic toward home on a pitcher who was not paying attention, relying on the Look-Back rule to corral the runner. It doesn't need to happen a lot. A few situations here and there could add a run, here and there, that might move a L game to a W game. Could change the season standings. You didn't say what softball rules you were referencing but NFHS Girl's Fast Pitch has a rule that is close to what you stated. It is Rule 8-2-5 which says: The batter-runner shall be called out when the batter-runner steps back toward home plate TO AVOID OR DELAY A TAG BY A FIELDER. Wouldn't apply here.

@davidclementi5434 Ай бұрын

@@mbaker589 Please note in my assertion, I CAPITOLIZED the words AND RETREATS in my statement. (which should emphasize it) And unless my memory is at fault, the enforcement of the penalty requires an IMMEDIATE DEAD BALL...meaning the runners are frozen, and/or required to go back to the base occupied at the time of the Interference. No runs can/will score.

@alyl3647 Жыл бұрын

What about sliding and not sliding at home? Cause I’ve been told by a couple of umps that they aren’t required to do it but I’ve also been told that they are required to do it. So which one would it be?

@MegRemSoftball Жыл бұрын

If it's close, I recommend ALWAYS sliding. There are probably different rules for different leagues for youth.

@alyl3647 Жыл бұрын

@@MegRemSoftball ok cause my teams been in a couple of situations where the girl should’ve slid and didn’t hurting the fielder

@dogpatch75 10 ай бұрын

Sliding is not required by rule. Players should be trained to slide when the play is close. This requires developing a sense of knowing where the ball is and not always relying on the coach to tell them what to do during the play. They should learn how to slide with the objective of avoiding a tag, not straight into the base (and the tag). There are many situations where sliding is unnecessary. Sliding when not necessary and sliding straight into a player at a firmly anchored base increases injury risk. Average kids who are well coached should be competent at sliding by 12U.

@matthiasbreithaupt1391 7 ай бұрын

The rule book I use (NFHS) says runners are never required to slide, but if they choose to slide, it must be a legal slide; i.e. not with spikes high aimed at the fielder or with malicious intent, all of which is umpire judgement.

@davidclementi5434 Ай бұрын

Sliding is never required, but if a play is imminent then avoiding contact is advised. And anytime I see a player not sliding/being aggressive I make it a point to bring it up to the Head Coach what their players need to doing, because the next time it happens they will be called out. You'd be surprised at how many 'Coaches' teach their athletes how to intimidate the other teams by 'fudging' the Rules....

@raymondysais5215 2 ай бұрын

What if you have a pitcher hitting multiple players on base, what's the best call or do in that situation and start calling a warning on the pitcher and coach? If you can answer my question please and thank you 😊

@MegRemSoftball 2 ай бұрын

Not sure what you mean by she is hitting multiple players on base?

@sph33_ Ай бұрын

Late to this, but say there's runner interference that impedes the fielder from catching an infield fly. Could the umpire say both the runner and the batter who hit the easy infield fly ball be called out? Or is it just the runner and a then a strike given to the batter?

@MegRemSoftball Ай бұрын

Once infield fly is called, batter is immediately out.

@donniegraham1821 10 ай бұрын

Question about interference... If the defence touches or deflects the ball trying to make a play and the runner accidentally kicks the ball that the defender missed, at that point its a dead ball but is the runner out?

@camofc 8 ай бұрын

hi, softball player and shortstop here! i’m not completely sure but i know that if the runner touches the ball from a direct hit, that would make the runner(that also applies if a batter hits/bunts the ball and the ball touches them outside/on the field). i’ve been in interference situations but have never been in one like this but i would believe that kicking the ball and making it harder for the defender would make an out from the runner. this is not based on all facts but a personal observation from someone who plays softball!

@matthiasbreithaupt1391 7 ай бұрын

I’m an umpire. Interference is the act of intentionally or unintentionally preventing a fielder from making a play. Interference is called if a batted ball hits a runner BEFORE it has passed an infielder (pitcher is not considered an infielder for purpose of this rule). So, if the ball ricochets off the shortstop and hits the runner, there is no interference, shortstop had her chance. E6, live ball ~ this describes your play scenario. Different play: hard smash to the right side; both 1B and 2B go for the play. Ball gets by 1Bman,then hits the runner heading to 2nd. This is interference even though ball passed the 1Bman, because in the umpire’s judgement the 2Bman could have made the play.

@camofc 7 ай бұрын

@@matthiasbreithaupt1391 omg thank you! this really helpful as a shortstop!😁

@paulward4348 Жыл бұрын

fraces ward love meg

@studio1200am Жыл бұрын

Does Umpire Grace have her own channel?

@MegRemSoftball Жыл бұрын

No but she has tiktok!

@paulward4348 Жыл бұрын

☺☺

@Sophiawordshorts Жыл бұрын

Hi cold I just wanted to say I love your KZfaq channel I just saw it today and it's me Sophia remember from today

@MegRemSoftball Жыл бұрын

Hi Sophia! So glad you're following!

@paulward4348 Жыл бұрын

@@MegRemSoftball

@paulward4348 Жыл бұрын

😄

@paulward4348 Жыл бұрын

@hectormachado4680 Ай бұрын

? Can an outfielder occupy a base after a batted ball in 8u softball

@MegRemSoftball Ай бұрын

Do you mean can an outfielder cover a base?

@hectormachado4680 Ай бұрын

@@MegRemSoftball yes

@hectormachado4680 Ай бұрын

Thanks

@hectormachado4680 Ай бұрын

@@MegRemSoftball so watching over game they put left and right center fielders on n 2nd after our girls were running around just 1 defender with no play at 2nd is that obstruction just wondering

@9983sp 4 ай бұрын

Why does softball have to make everything complicated with the rules?

@rayburwell591 Жыл бұрын

PLEASE REFRESH YOURSELF WITH THE RULE REGARDING BATTER INTERFERENCE!!! You are completely incorrect with your interpretation. You are confusing people with the interpretation you are giving. The batter's box is not a safe haven and we can absolutely have interference by a batter who is in the batter's box. The rule does not state she must intentionally interfere and I'm really sad to hear you say this. The rule (per NFHS, USA and USSSA, the top three sanctions and the rulesbooks by which all other sanctions feed off of) says "any movement which interferes with the catcher's attempt to make a play on a runner". All sanctions have agreed upon this and given interpretations to say unless that batter remains still in the batter's box, she is at risk of being called out for interference.

@julienaudet9782 Жыл бұрын

100% agree!! ^^^^^ We saw this 1000 times just this past season in college world series. Batter stays in the box just to be in the way.........some attempt to be a statue but that still has not worked and gets hit in the head and umpire calls batter out! She has to attempt to vacate the box.

@jeffreyphillips1234 10 ай бұрын

@@julienaudet9782 Oops. Not quite right. The batter is in jeopardy of being called out if she does as you stated, "She has to attempt to vacate the box". @rayburwell591 has quoted the rule book and is correct when he quoted, "any movement which interferes with the catcher's attempt to make a play on a runner". If that movement is judged to have impeded, hindered or confused the defense, the batter is out. Now, if in the judgement of the umpire, the catcher intentionally/deliberately throws the ball at the batter to try "create" batter interference, we would have a different ruling. Possible ejection would be warranted. It takes a little more experience and training for the umpire to sort through that situation. When I have ruled it unintentional, I have explained to coaches that if the batter was an actual statue, the throw still would have hit her. The catcher does have to throw around the batter. These discussions are great to have. It helps us all out. Read and re-read the rule book, is what I say.

@paulward4348 Жыл бұрын

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@paulward4348 Жыл бұрын

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@paulward4348 Жыл бұрын

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@julienaudet9782 Жыл бұрын

Your rule about batter staying in the box when catcher is making a play on runner at 3rd is totally not accurate!

@paulward4348 Жыл бұрын

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@paulward4348 Жыл бұрын

@breeze7876 Жыл бұрын

Hell I'm the umpire and the tie goes to the runner. If you want the runner to be out the ball has to beat the runner. The first baseman has to receive the ball before the runner gets there in order for it to be an out. I'm the umpire and that's the way I see it. Ties always go to the runner. And if you want to argue the point what happens when the ball gets there first? Runners out. What happens when the ball gets their late? The Runners safe. And if the ball and the runners foot get there at the same time the ball didn't get there first so . . . . . the runner is safe. If I'm on the field that's the way I see it.

@platinum2882 Жыл бұрын

NO SUCH RULE RUNNER IS SAFE OR OUT. UMPIRE NEEDS TO USE HIS OR HER BEST JUDGEMENT SAFE OR OUT.

@mptr1783 8 ай бұрын

If youre an umpire, show us the rule that says "tie goes to the runner". Youre paid to make a decision.....its either safe or out. I hope you don't tell the coach "it was a tie so shes safe"

@Dragomosis 4 ай бұрын

The rule is the runner needs to BEAT the ball to the base. If it’s the same time, it doesn’t mean it’s a tie, it means the runner failed to beat the ball to the base.

@paulward4348 Жыл бұрын