SOFTBALL

from Referee Magazine - August 2022

LAST CALL

LINEUP LOGISTICS

Know the Differences in Card Infractions

By Brad Tittrington

During the course of a game, and a season, a lot of things can go wrong when it comes to lineup cards. One of those situations involves an inaccurate lineup card. It is important to know what constitutes an illegal lineup card and how it differs from other violations.

An inaccurate lineup card is one in which a starting player or substitute is listed incorrectly, such as an inaccurate name, inaccurate number or wrong position number. Too often, coaches, and even some umpires, confuse this situation with an illegal substitute (which will be described later). The penalties are much more severe for an illegal substitute so it is important for umpires to know the difference. One thing to keep in mind when it comes to an inaccurate lineup card is the player’s name takes precedence over the uniform number. If the player’s name is listed correctly, but the uniform number is listed incorrectly, it’s the name that matters. For example, if Jones is listed as the leadoff batter and the number listed is No. 1, but she is actually wearing No. 2, that spot on the lineup card belongs to Jones, not to whoever is wearing No. 2. However, the lineup card is still inaccurate and susceptible to a penalty if brought to the attention of the umpire. For purposes of this article, we are only going to examine if the number on the lineup card is inaccurate.

When it comes to the penalty for an inaccurate lineup card, it varies by code. In NFHS, the first offense is simply a warning to the offending

Ellen Degler, Chanhassen, Minn., takes a lineup change from a coach. It is important to know the differences in lineup infractions to make sure you enforce the proper penalty if one of them occurs and avoid a potential protest.

team. The next occurrence results in the head coach of that team being restricted to the dugout (3-1-3 Pen.).

In NCAA play, the penalties vary depending on the time it is reported. If the offensive team reports the infraction on its own player or if the defensive team is in violation but the player has not yet made a play (or if the offending player has made a play but another pitch has been thrown to a following batter) the coach may correct the information without penalty. One thing to note — if the pitcher or catcher is in violation, a pitch is considered a play (8.3.2 Eff. a).

If reported by the offensive team immediately after the offending player makes a play on defense, the card is corrected and the offensive coach can take the result of the play or nullify the play and have the batter assume the ball and strike count attained before the infraction was reported and each baserunner returns to the last base occupied prior to the pitch (8.3.2 Eff. b).

If reported by the defense during the offending player’s turn at bat, the lineup card is corrected without penalty and all runs scored and bases run are legal and the batter remains at bat (8.3.2 Eff. c)

If reported by the defense immediately after the offending player’s turn at bat, before a pitch is thrown to the next batter and before all infielders have vacated their position, the offending player is ruled out, all results from the batted ball are nullified (runners are returned to the last base occupied prior to the pitch), and the next batter due up is the batter who immediately follows the offending player (8.3.2 Eff. d).

If reported by the defense after the offending player’s turn at bat and a pitch has been delivered to the following batter, the statute of limitations has expired and there is no penalty. The card is corrected and all play stands (8.3.2 Eff. e).

If the inaccurate lineup card is reported by the defensive team while the offending player is on offense as a pinch runner or the tiebreaker runner, and it follows a pitch in which the baserunner has advanced one or more bases and before the next pitch is thrown, the offending player is called out, any advancement by other runners is nullified and the card is corrected. In all other cases involving runners who have not batted but are baserunners, the card is corrected without penalty (8.3.2 Eff. f, g).

In USA Softball and USSSA, the penalties are the same for an inaccurate lineup card involving an inaccurate number. In both codes, there is no penalty. The umpire will simply correct the card without penalty (USA Softball 4-1a-1; USSSA 5-1, 5.C).

Play 1: In the top of the eighth inning, using the tiebreaker rule, the offensive coach puts Smith in to run at second base. Smith is listed as No. 1 on the lineup card, but is actually wearing No. 11. The defensive coach alerts the umpire to the infraction (a) prior to a pitch being thrown to the leadoff batter, (b) after three pitches have been thrown to the leadoff batter, or (c) after the leadoff batter hits a single, which scores Smith, but before a pitch is thrown to the next batter. Ruling 1: In (a) and (b), according to NFHS rules, the lineup card will be corrected and the offensive coach is given a warning. In NCAA, USA Softball and USSSA, the lineup card is corrected and there is no penalty. In (c), according to NFHS, the coach is given a warning and all play stands. In NCAA, Smith would be ruled out, the batter remains at first and the lineup card is corrected. In USA Softball and USSSA, there is no penalty and the lineup card is corrected.

Play 2: After one pitch, the offensive coach alerts the umpire the leadoff batter is wearing a replacement uniform due to blood and the player’s number should be No. 3 instead of No. 11, which is listed on the lineup card. Ruling 2: In NFHS, the number is corrected on the card and the offensive coach is given a warning. In NCAA play, since the offensive coach corrected it before the at-bat was completed, the card is corrected without penalty. In USA Softball and USSSA, the card is corrected without penalty, regardless of when the infraction occurs.

Play 3: The DP is batting in the third spot in the batting order. In the

DID YOU KNOW?

The Women’s College World Series expanded from seven days to nine days in 2022. The expansion eliminates the need for doubleheaders for teams that lose the first day of competition. Teams that advance to the finals also receive a day off before the best-of-three championship round begins. This year’s competition had 10 umpires: Mike Bartling, Leah Bowen, Ron Burkhardt, Mike Burwell, Paul “Smokey” Edds, Naomi Erdahl, Fred “Bubba” Ewald, Terry Holt, Keith Kearney and Chris Nabors.

QUICK TIP

Never allow ground rules that conflict with official playing

rules. For example, if a fence is an extremely short distance from the plate, a ground rule may be proposed to award the batter two bases for a ball that goes over the fence as opposed to a home run. Or it may be suggested that three bases be awarded if the balls lands in a drainage ditch a far distance away from the plate. There is no provision in the rules to allow these modifications — don’t allow them.

TOOLS

Smitty Oversized Softball Umpire Ball Bag

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TEST YOURSELF

Each of the following includes a situation and possible answer(s). Decide which are correct for USA, NFHS, NCAA or USSSA rules and which might vary. Solutions: p. 81.

1. With R3 on third and no outs, B2 hits a fly ball to left field that’s caught by F7. R3 positions herself behind and not in contact with the base to gain a running start and touches third base after the catch. R3 arrives safely at home. a. There is no violation providing R3 touches third after the caught fly ball was first touched. b. Any violation would be considered an appeal play. c. The ball is dead and R3 is ruled out. d. The ball remains live and R3 is ruled out.

2. B1 swings and nicks the first pitch sharply and directly toward F2. The ball deflects off the catcher’s chest protector before it is secured in F2’s glove. a. Foul tip, ball remains live. b. Foul ball, ball is dead. c. Catch, batter is out.

3. With R2 on second base, B2 hits a pop-up in the infield to the left side of second base. The wind pushes the ball toward second and the ball hits R2, who is on the bag, and F6 ends up crashing into R2. The ball drops to the ground. R2 merely stood on second base and did not intentionally make contact. B2 ends up arriving safely at first. a. No penalty. The ball remains live with B2 on first and R2 on second base. b. Interference by R2. The ball is immediately dead, R2 is ruled out and B2 is awarded first. c. Interference by R2. The ball is immediately dead, R2 remains at second base and B2 is called out. d. Interference by R2. The ball is immediately dead and both R2 and B2 are called out.

4. With R3 on third and R1 on first and one out, B4 hits a fly ball in the gap in the right field. F9 races over and makes the catch. R3 remained on the bag and tagged up on first touch. R1, thinking the ball would hit the ground, was off on contact. F9 throws the ball in to first base ahead of a sliding R1. R3 had crossed the plate at the time R1 was ruled out at first. a. This is a timing play and R3’s run counts. b. Since R1 did not legally tag and is the third out of the inning, R3’s run does not count. fourth inning, the offensive coach puts the flex in to bat in the fourth spot in the batting order. The flex reaches first base safely. Prior to a pitch being thrown to the next batter, the defensive coach tells the umpire the flex batted in the wrong spot. Ruling 3: Ideally, the umpire would not have allowed the offensive coach to make this substitution as the flex is required to bat in the DP’s spot in the lineup. By allowing the flex to hit in another spot, this becomes an illegal substitution, not an inaccurate lineup card. In NFHS, the player is ruled out and restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the game (3-4-2 Pen.). In NCAA, the player is called out and ejected (8.3.4.2.3b Eff.). In USA Softball, the player is called out and disqualified for the remainder of the game (4-6c-3, 4-6f-2). In USSSA, the player is ruled out and the player and head coach are both ejected (5-7d Pen.).

It is important for umpires to know the difference between an inaccurate lineup card and other issues that may crop up, such as unreported substitutes or illegal substitutes. The penalties for an illegal substitute are much stiffer and depending on the code, could lead to an ejection. Make sure you take the time to study up on this rule and its associated penalties so you can quickly fix the error and move on without much difficulty. Brad Tittrington is an associate editor for Referee. He umpires D-I softball and officiates women’s college and high school basketball, college and high school volleyball and high school football. 

When Infield Fly and Interference Collide

By Carlos A. Santana

Separately, the infield fly and interference rules continue to be a subject of discussion in many umpire meetings and training sessions. Understanding these rules independently can take some time. What happens when you have both on the same play?

Here is a scenario that could happen in any game. Runners on first and second with less than two outs. The batter hits a pop-up (a) near the first-base foul line or (b) between second and third base. In (a), as F3 is attempting to play the batted ball, the batter-runner interferes (as shown in the PlayPic on the next page). In (b), as F6 is attempting to play the batted ball, the runner from second base interferes. Let’s break down the rules and answer these scenarios as we go through them.

Infield Fly Rule

All codes agree any time there are runners on first and second or the bases are loaded, and there are less than two outs, the infield fly rule is in effect. In applying the infield fly, the umpire must consider several factors prior to the pitch. Some of these include the effects of the wind or the sun. Even the skill level of the players can play a role in determining the application of the rule. After the ball is batted, the umpire must be prepared to observe these factors, and many more, to quickly provide the information to the teams and the crew. Let’s assume for the purpose of this article that in both (a) and (b), the umpire has made the judgment the infield fly rule applies. This allows us to focus our discussion on the infield fly rule.

Interference Rule

All codes also agree interference is the act of an offensive player or team member which impedes, hinders or confuses a defensive player attempting to execute a play, in this case attempting to field a batted ball. In (a) and (b), the umpire has made the judgment interference has occurred. This allows us to focus our discussion on the interference rule.

Fair or Foul

For the infield fly rule to be applied, the batted ball must be fair. Interference, however, can occur with both a fair and a foul batted ball. A legally batted ball is fair if it is in fair territory when a runner, who is in fair territory, interferes with a defensive player’s attempt to field a batted ball. A legally batted ball is foul if it is in foul territory when a baserunner interferes with a defensive player’s reasonable chance to make a play on the ball. Although these definitions do not specifically include “over” fair or foul territory, it is universally understood that these territories extend above the playing surface.

Interference After Infield Fly

Now that we have made the judgment both infield fly and interference rules are to be applied, the question becomes how to apply them and where to place the runners. As stated above, all codes agree the batter is out when hitting an infield fly. All codes also agree a runner is out when interfering with a fielder attempting to make a play on a batted ball.

Two key questions must be addressed to rule properly. The first is, “When does the batter who hits an infield fly become a retired runner?” This is important in determining whether you have “interference” or “interference by a retired runner,” which have different penalties. The second question is, “At what point is the status of the ball determined on a fly ball?” This is crucial because an infield fly has to be a fair ball. Interference, on the other hand, can be applied on fair or foul balls.

The NCAA rulebook is the only one that specifically addresses this scenario. If interference occurs during the flight of a potential infield fly, the ball is immediately dead and the plate umpire shall judge if the ball is in fair or foul territory. If fair, the batter shall be declared out and if foul, infield fly would not have applied so the batter is returned to the batter’s box and a foul ball assessed to their count. In any case, the violator is out and runners return to the bases occupied at the time of the pitch (11.16 Note 7). The NCAA casebook also provides some clarity.

Play 1: With the bases loaded and no one out, the batter hits a declared infield fly right in the baseline between first and second base. The runner, on her return to first base following her leadoff, runs into the first baseman attempting to field the fly ball. In (a), the runner from third base tags and advances home; (b) the runners on second and third bases do not attempt to advance. In either case, is this interference even though the runner contacts the fielder who is already credited with the put out and is not making an additional play? Ruling 1: In both (a) and (b), the batter is out on the infield fly and the ball is immediately dead when the baserunner interferes with the first baseman making the catch. The runner from first base is out on interference and the other baserunners must return to the bases held at the time of the interference (AR 12-53).

USA Softball also provided a clarification in June 2015.

Play 2: R1 on first, R2 on second base, one out. B4 hits a high fly ball to F6 who is in the baseline when R2 runs into F6. In (a), contact with F6 was before the ball was touched and (b) contact with F6 was after the ball was touched and the ball dropped. Ruling 2: In both (a) and (b), a dead ball should be called when R2 runs into F6 and R2 called out for interference (8-2f1). On this play, the infield fly rule is in effect. In (a), when R2 runs into F6, the status of the ball is fair and should be treated as such. In (b), when the ball is touched by F6 in fair territory, the ball becomes fair. In both cases, B3 should be called out due to the infield fly rule (8-2i).

What if the batter-runner is the one who commits the interference on this play? By interpretation from the leaders of each of the organizations, the batter is ruled out for interference and the ball is dead. You would not be able to get two outs on the batter in this situation by enforcing both the infield fly rule and interference. The interference takes precedent and is the only out you’d get on the batter. It would be extremely rare in this instance to get a second out unless the umpires determined the interference was intentionally done to prevent a potential double play.

Further Clarification

In looking back at the initial scenario proposed at the beginning of the article, the batter-runner becomes a retired runner when all the elements of the infield fly are satisfied. This means the batted ball must be deemed to be fair and catchable with ordinary effort by an infielder. In a scenario involving a fly ball, the ball status is not immediately determined. However, the ball becomes dead at the time of the interference. Therefore, the ball status is also determined at the time of the interference. At that time, if the ball is over fair territory, it is a fair ball and the batter is out. If the ball is over foul territory, it is a foul ball. In either case, the runner committing the interference would be out.

Any time there is an infield fly situation, the umpires must be ready to assess quickly all the factors that combine when the ball is batted in the infield. A good pregame discussion is vital to understanding how the crew will handle this situation. This play creates a situation where many things will happen in a matter of seconds. It’s crucial that the crew not give conflicting signals. Only in knowing all these things can the crew properly adjudicate this scenario. Carlos A. Santana lives in Honolulu. He officiates NCAA, NFHS and USA softball as well as NFHS basketball. 

CASEPLAYS

Ball Slips From Pitcher’s Hand

Play: With R2 on second, one out and a 1-1 count to the batter, F1 begins a pitch to the batter. As F1’s arm begins the backswing, after the hands have separated, the ball slips out of her hand and lands in the back of the pitching circle. R2 tries to advance to third as F1 picks up the ball and fires it to F5. F5 tags R2 before she reaches the base. Ruling: In all codes, since the hands have separated, this is considered a pitch. The ball remains live and all runners may advance at their own risk. R2’s out at third base would stand and the count to the batter would be 2-1 (NFHS 6-2-6; NCAA 10.7.2 Eff.; USA Softball 6A-3p Eff.; USSSA 6-1m).

Batter Interference?

Play: With R2 on second and no outs, F1 delivers a pitch to B2. B2 fakes a bunt attempt and intentionally misses the ball as R2 tries to steal third. B2 takes a step back, still remaining in the batter’s box, and is hit by F2’s attempted throw to third base. The plate umpire rules no interference as the batter remained in the batter’s box. Ruling: Incorrect ruling in all codes. The batter’s box is not a sanctuary when it comes to interference. Since the batter actively interfered with the catcher’s throw, interference on the batter should be ruled. In NFHS, USA Softball and USSSA, the ball is immediately dead, the batter is ruled out for interference and the runner shall be returned to second base (NFHS 7-4-4 Pen.; USA Softball 7-6t Eff.; USSSA 7-12 Pen.). In NCAA, it is a delayed dead ball and the defensive team can take the result of the play or the batter is out and the runner returned to second base (11.20.2 Eff.).

Fake Tag?

Play: R1 tries to advance to second base on a hit-and-run. B2 hits a ball to center. R1 does not see where the ball is hit. F4 simulates fielding a line drive, which causes R1 to slide into second base. Ruling: Legal play. Simulating fielding a batted ball does not constitute a fake tag and play should continue without penalty (NFHS 2-21; NCAA 9.5.3.5; USA Softball 1-Fake Tag; USSSA 8-13c, 11-2a).

When coaches sit on buckets outside of the dugout, they are ripe for causing blocked balls and interference. It is important for umpires to know what the penalties are if a coach blocks a live ball or interferes while out of the dugout.

Block Charges

In an ideal world, all softball fields would have fully enclosed dugouts. This would prevent coaches from ever being out of the dugout to give signs. However, umpires are lucky if some of the fields they work on even have proper dugouts. And at some tournaments, the tournament directors allow buckets to be out of the dugout because there are no sightlines for the catchers to see their coaches inside the dugouts at some complexes.

So, what does that mean for umpires? Well, aside from liability issues for allowing coaches out of the dugouts, umpires must know the rules for blocked balls and interference, and how to adjudicate them properly. If it is not a tournament director directive, umpires should get coaches out of live-ball territory and keep them in the dugouts to avoid these issues, but that is not reality. Coaches will continually creep toward the field and umpires may not be aware they are in a live-ball area. Next thing you know, a thrown ball ricochets off the bucket or a fielder trips over a coach’s foot while trying to catch a pop up.

First, let’s look at blocked balls and the penalties associated with those. A blocked ball is a live ball which is touched, stopped or handled by a person not engaged in the game; or touches any object which is not part of the official equipment or playing area (such as a bucket).

The easiest thing to remember about a blocked ball is the team at fault cannot benefit from blocking the ball. If a thrown ball becomes blocked by the defensive team, the ball is dead and runners are awarded two bases from the time of the release of the thrown ball. If the ball contacts the offensive team and the ball becomes blocked, the ball is dead. If no play was obvious, no one is called out and runners must return to the last base touched at the time the ball becomes

dead. If the blocked ball prevented the defense from making a play, interference should be ruled and the runner being played on (NFHS and USA Softball) or the runner closest to home at the time the ball became blocked (NCAA and USSSA) is ruled out. All other runners must return to the last base touched at the time the ball became blocked (NFHS 2-2-3, 5-1-1g, 8-4-3e, 8-6-15; NCAA 9.9, 9.10, 9.11, 12.12.7.2, 12.12.8.3, 12.17.3; USA Softball 8-5g-3; USSSA 8-14c, 8-17).

If it is a pitched ball that becomes blocked, the runner would be awarded one base or interference would be called if the offensive team prevented an obvious play from being made.

If a batted ball hits the offensive team members in foul territory, it would be a foul ball if no play was obvious, and interference if the umpires deemed a player had a chance to make a play on the ball.

Play 1: With runners on first and second, both stealing on the pitch, the pitched ball gets by the catcher and rolls toward the offensive team’s dugout. An assistant coach, sitting on a bucket, picks up the ball as the catcher goes to retrieve it. The runner from second had just rounded third and was attempting to try to reach home and the runner from first had rounded second and stopped. Ruling 1: In all codes, the ball is dead. If the umpires ruled the catcher had an opportunity to make a play on the runner on third, the runner who started on second would be ruled out and the runner who started on first would be returned to second. If the umpires ruled the catcher did not have an opportunity to make a play, the runners would be placed on second and third.

Play 2: With a R1 on first, B2 singles to right. R1 attempts to go to third and F9 throws the ball wildly to third. The ball ends up rolling toward the dugout and hits a bucket the pitching coach was sitting on and the ball is prevented from entering the dugout. Ruling 2: The ball is blocked once it hits the bucket and is ruled dead. In all codes, the runners are awarded two bases from their location at the time of the release of the throw by F9. In this case R1, who had already advanced beyond second, would be awarded home. B2 would be awarded second (assuming B2 had not yet reached first on the release of the throw). If B2 had already attained first before the release, B2 would be awarded third base.

The easiest thing to do to avoid having to remember the blocked ball rules is to keep team members and loose equipment in the dugout. It will save a lot of headaches and arguments. However, even if you do your job, some coaches or players will get excited and come out of the dugout while the ball is live and you may have to rely on your rulebook knowledge to nail these plays. 

Size: 5.5” x 8.5” Pages: 80

Be ready when hit with the unexpected.

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