SOFTBALL

from Referee Magazine - August 2021

by Referee Magazine

CLASSIFIEDS

Philip Freels, Knoxville, Tenn., has a perfect view to see all the elements on this play — the ball, the runner, the fielder and home plate. Plate umpires must adjust as athletes move in order to see the play and make the correct call.

MAKE YOUR MOVE

Umpires Must Adjust Positioning on Plays at the Plate

By Brad Tittrington

When it comes to adjudicating plays at the plate in softball, the one-size-fits-all philosophy no longer works. Every play is dynamic and no two plays are the same. The athletes are bigger, stronger, faster and much more athletic. As they change the way the game is played, we as umpires must change and adapt as well.

The speed at which the game happens now is faster than it has ever been. It requires umpires to read and react in tenths of seconds in order to get the best angle to see a play and rule on it correctly. We can no longer plant roots and expect to see everything and get the call right.

Force Plays. First, let’s take a look at force plays at the plate. Regardless of how many umpires are on the crew, the mechanics for force plays at the plate are the same. When the bases are loaded and there is a ground ball on the infield — and you know the play is coming to the plate — be prepared to move and make the call. Too often, umpires simply remove the mask and stay where they were to call the pitch and never move to an ideal location to see all the elements of the play — the ball, the plate, the runner and the catcher (or another fielder making the play at the plate).

The most important thing to do first is get depth. Ideally, you want to be 18-21 feet away on a force play so you can clearly see all the elements and not have the play blow up on you. Depending on what code you are working and where the ball is being thrown from will dictate your movement. In general for NFHS, USA Softball and USSSA, the plate umpire is going to maintain a 90-degree angle from the runner. This will take you first-base line extended in foul territory and roughly in line with the deepest corner or the right-handed batter’s box.

In NCAA, the new philosophy is to be somewhere between point-of-

plate and third-base line extended. The reasoning for the change is the traditional 90-degree angle from the runner could potentially straight-line you to the throw. Also, if the throw takes the catcher away from the plate, it turns this play into a potential tag play and the plate umpire will need to adjust quickly to get a “wedge” view to see the tag. The wedge is the area between the fielder and the runner, and the plate umpire must continually move along an arc to keep basically the same view the catcher has in order to see the tag. The classic 90 or traditional position does not allow the umpire to see that tag effectively. This positioning also gives the umpire a great look at the catcher’s foot to make sure she keeps it on the plate as she receives the throw and also allows the plate umpire a great view for potential obstruction.

In all codes, it is important for the plate umpire to adjust as the play develops. Just because you set up in one spot doesn’t mean you will finish there. Allow the play to dictate movement and move to improve your view. This is especially true if the catcher moves off the plate and the force out becomes a tag play. You must close down the distance first to 3-10 feet in NCAA and 10-12 feet in the other three codes. Then adjust to be able to see the tag and make the call. Also, be mindful you may have a secondary play after the initial force or tag play at the plate and be ready to move to make any secondary calls that are your responsibility.

Two-Person Tag Plays. The old philosophy for tag plays at the plate was pretty much always get to a spot first-base line extended, get set, watch the play and then make a ruling. The problem with this philosophy is that position doesn’t always give you a very good look at the play. In fact, it hardly ever gives you a great look at the play at the plate.

In order to make a correct call, you need to be able to see all the elements of the play. In the twoperson system, regardless of code, the plate umpire is typically somewhere in the holding zone between the plate and third base and has to move back to the plate to make a call. As a plate umpire, you need to read the play and react as quickly as you can. If a runner is heading for home and you know the throw is going to the plate, you need to hustle to the plate area to stay ahead of the play. It is nearly impossible to make a credible call if you are trailing the runner to the plate and having to make a call from behind. Judging whether a hand or foot got to the plate ahead of the tag is nearly impossible in this situation. You must stay ahead of the play in order to give yourself the best look and get the call right.

In NCAA, get to the point of plate and then move to maintain the wedge view. In the other three codes, get to a spot first-base line extended that allows you to see all four elements of the play. Ideally, you should be set before making the call as it is very difficult to make a call while moving. As the play develops, you may need to move a few steps either left or right in order to get a view, especially if it is a swipe tag. In NCAA, that means moving along the arc to keep a wedge view. In the other three codes, it may be as simple as taking a step or two to your left or right to get a view of the tag as opposed to staying still and being straight-lined on the play. The most important thing is to be able to see the tag and make a determination if that tag occurred before or after the runner touched the plate.

Three-Person Tag Plays. In all codes, the three-person system allows much greater coverage for the plate umpire. If a base umpire moves to the outfield, revert to two-person mechanics. If all umpires stay in, things are a little different.

In situations where the plate umpire does not rotate up to third and has the play at the plate, the plate umpire does not have to worry about being in a holding position between the plate and third base. The plate umpire can easily stay ahead of the play and get to a position as described in the section above.

In situations where there is a full rotation and the first-base umpire (U1) is responsible for plays at the plate, the first-base umpire must get to the point of plate as quickly

BY THE NUMBERS

91 Total runs scored in the Alabama Class 6A Area 3 Tournament game between Park Crossing High School and Sidney Lanier High School. 65 Total walks amassed in the game between the two teams. 29 Total combined hit by pitches between the two teams. 20 Total hits put up by the two teams.

5Hours in duration.

DID YOU KNOW?

The first collegiate softball game ever to be broadcast on network television happened May 29 as Game 2 of the NCAA Super Regional between Oklahoma University and the University of Washington took place on ABC. The umpires for the game were Bubba Ewald (plate), Carlos Guzman (U1), Megan Rabin (U2) and Cam Ellison (U3).

Bubba Ewald

, Carlos Guzman (U1), (U2) and Cam Ellison (U3).

THEY SAID IT

“I 100 percent do. I think that’s a great question, because the stakes are high, and I know umpires can’t see everything, and it’s a tough game to officiate. I know baseball has it, and if baseball has it, softball should have it.” — Oklahoma University softball head coach Patty Gasso on if softball should have instant replay.

SOURCE: OU INSIDER

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 R2 on second and one out, B3 takes a called third strike. R2 is stealing on the pitch and F2’s throw to third base hits B3 in the helmet and ricochets out of play. B3 had one foot in the batter’s box and one foot over the plate as she was heading to her dugout after striking out when she was struck by the ball. a. B3 is protected since she had one foot in the batter’s box. R2 is awarded home once the ball rolls out of play. b. B3 is protected since she had one foot in the batter’s box. R2 is awarded third base once the ball rolls out of play. c. B3 is guilty of interference, R2 is ruled out and the half-inning is over.

2. With no outs, R3 attempts to steal home. B2 moves, but remains in the batter’s box, and hinders the catcher’s ability to make a play on R3. a. The batter’s box is a sanctuary and the batter is protected. The result of the play stands. b. It is a delayed dead ball and the defensive team may choose the result of the play or the batter is out and R3 returns to third. c. It is a delayed dead ball and the team may choose the result of the play or R3 is ruled out. d. It is an immediate dead ball, the batter is ruled out and R3 is returned to third base. e. It is an immediate dead ball and R3 is ruled out.

3. Three-foot lane interference can occur on: a. A throw to the plate. b. A throw to first base. c. A play when the fielder does not throw the ball because the fielder withholds her attempt because of the location of the runner.

4. With R1 on first base and no outs, B2 hits a sharp one-hopper to F3. R1 returns to first base, after which F3 steps on first before B2 arrives. F3 then tags R1 while she is still in contact with first base. a. Both R1 and B2 are out. b. B2 is out on the force out and R1 remains at first. c. R1 is out for returning to the base and B2 remains at first. d. The defense may choose which runner is out. as possible and then be prepared to move to make a ruling on any plays at the plate.

The key thing to remember is the point of plate is not a calling position. It is simply an area to start and then the umpire must move to either the classic 90 or maintain the wedge, depending on the code. If U1 is late getting to the plate, the view will not be credible and U1 risks having to guess on the call and potentially being straight-lined.

The biggest thing to remember when making calls at the plate is to not grow roots. All plays are fluid and you need to move in order to keep all elements of the play in your view.

If you notice you are struggling in your games to make those tough calls at the plate, chances are you are not moving to improve your position. Stay focused, react and move as the play develops and in no time, you will be getting all those crucial calls at the plate correct. Brad Tittrington is an associate editor for Referee. He is a collegiate and USA Softball umpire. He also officiates women’s college and high school basketball, high school volleyball and high school football. 

Obstruction Deduction

When it comes to obstruction, one of the toughest decisions an umpire has to make is whether or not to call obstruction at the plate. No matter the situation, this call, or non-call, is going to irk one of the coaches and a potential argument is going to ensue.

Umpires, however, need to have the intestinal fortitude to make this call. By not calling it, umpires place the offensive team at a distinct disadvantage. Yes, making this call takes a potential out off the board. However, not making this call takes a potential run off the board.

While obstruction is a wideranging rule that can occur anywhere on the field, this article will simply look at obstruction at the plate that prevents a runner from scoring.

All codes use almost the same verbiage when it comes to the definition of obstruction. It is defined as the act of a fielder, not in possession of the ball nor in the act of fielding a batted ball, impeding the progress of any runner legally running the bases on a live ball. The act can be intentional or unintentional and there does not need to be contact in order for obstruction to be called (NFHS 2-36; NCAA 9.5.1; USA Softball 1 – Obstruction, R/S 36, USSSA 3 – Obstruction).

The key to calling obstruction is to be in the proper position. The umpire must be able to get a view of the baserunner’s path and determine if the catcher, or other fielder making a play at the plate, is in that runner’s path without possession of the thrown ball. In the past, catchers were often taught to block the plate, catch the ball, drop the knee and make the tag. The problem with this technique is the moment they block the plate without possession of the ball, they are potentially guilty of obstruction.

More recently, coaches have taught catchers to place their foot at the top left corner of the plate, catch the ball, then move the foot or leg to block the plate and make the tag. By having the left foot at the top corner of the plate, the catcher is allowing the runner a complete path to the plate and therefore is not guilty of obstruction, provided the catcher doesn’t move that foot to block the base before having possession of the ball.

When obstruction does occur, umpires need to know the signal and penalty for such action. When obstruction occurs, the calling umpire should verbalize “obstruction” and give the delayed dead-ball signal. The umpire should then allow the play to continue before potentially making any other

call. There are some differences between NCAA and the other three codes in regard to penalties.

In NCAA, when a fielder blocks the whole plate or basepath without the ball and the runner is subsequently tagged out at the plate, the umpire must judge if the runner was clearly beaten by the throw. If the umpire judges the runner was clearly beaten by the throw, obstruction should be ignored and the runner should be called out. This is a situation where the umpire should allow the play to develop before signaling anything or verbalizing anything. If the umpire determines the runner was not clearly beaten by the throw, the umpire should call time, signal and verbalize obstruction and award the runner home plate. It is important to note this exception only applies to obstruction for blocking the whole plate or path and does not apply to obstruction ruled for impeding the progress of a runner while the fielder is not in possession of the ball or in the act of fielding a batted ball (9.5.1 Note 3, A.R. 9-12, A.R. 9-13). For all other types of obstruction at the plate, the penalties are the same as the other three codes listed below.

In the other three codes and in NCAA situations not listed in the above exception, the runner is protected between the two bases where she was obstructed provided the runner does not commit a violation (interference, passing a runner, missing a base or leaving a base too soon on a caught fly ball and the defense properly appeals, the batter flies out for the third out). In these instances, the umpire should signal delayed dead-ball, verbalize “obstruction” and then allow the play to finish. If the runner scores, the obstruction is ignored. If the catcher’s obstruction did not allow the runner to reach the plate safely, the umpire should call dead ball and award the runner home (NFHS 8-4-3b Pen.; NCAA 9.5.3, 9.5.7; USA Softball 8-5b; USSSA 8-13).

Umpires need to be aware contact does not need to occur to have obstruction. Often, baserunners will alter their path or slide wide in order to avoid contact. If the fielder impedes her progress, it is still obstruction even though contact did not occur. Another thing to remember is a poor throw does not take away obstruction. If you have worked the game long enough, you have undoubtedly heard a coach say, “The ball took her there. What is she supposed to do, let the ball go to the fence?” Fielders have the ability to go and get a poorly thrown ball. However, they do not have a right to impede the runner’s progress in doing so. While a fielder is protected when fielding a batted ball, the fielder is not afforded that same protection on a thrown ball. A runner should not be penalized due to the defense making a poor throw.

Another thing to remember is a catcher who commits obstruction is not a sitting duck for the runner to barrel over. Even though obstruction is called, there is a penalty if the runner collides flagrantly or causes malicious contact. In NFHS, USA Softball and USSSA, if an obstructed runner causes malicious contact with the fielder (whether the fielder has the ball or not), she is out and ejected as the malicious contact supersedes the obstruction (NFHS 8-6-14; USA Softball R/S 13; USSSA 8-18d). In NCAA, the runner is declared safe on the obstruction call, however she is ejected for the flagrant collision (9.5.3.1 Eff.).

The biggest takeaway for umpires is to call the obstruction at the plate when it happens. Regardless of the code you are working, the level of play, the score or the inning, it needs to be called every time it happens. Be consistent with your calling of it and be prepared to use rulebook language when an unhappy coach comes out of the dugout to argue. Not calling it only causes players to continue to be in places they are not allowed to be by rule and potentially leads to more contact and more collisions. Call it accurately and consistently and it will help clean up your games. 

A fielder without possession of the ball may not impede the progress of a runner legally running the bases. In this photo, the catcher is clearly impeding the progress of the runner without possession of the ball and obstruction should be called. Not all obstruction calls at the plate are this obvious, however.

CASEPLAYS

Non-Pivot (Stride) Foot

Play: The pitcher has her pivot foot on top of the pitcher’s plate and her non-pivot (stride) foot six inches behind the pitcher’s plate as she takes the signal from the catcher. The pitcher then brings her hands together and takes a step backward with her non-pivot foot. As she separates her hands, she steps toward home plate and pushes off with her pivot foot and drags away from the pitcher’s plate. Ruling: Legal in NFHS, USA Softball and USSSA. The pitcher may take a step backward with the non-pivot foot prior to the start of the pitch, which is defined as the hands separating in those three codes (NFHS 6-1-1, 6-12a, 6-1-2b; USA Softball (6A-1c; 6A-1e); USSSA 6-1a, 6-1e-1, 6-1e-2). In NCAA, this would be an illegal pitch as once the pitcher initially sets the toe of her stride foot, she may not step back any farther to increase the distance behind the pitcher’s plate (10.1.2.2, 10.2.1.2).

Catch or HR?

Play: With the bases loaded and two outs, B6 hits a deep fly ball to left field. The left fielder races back to the temporary fence and launches herself toward the ball. She jumps in the air, makes contact with the temporary fence while in the air, catches the ball and then lands a couple of feet beyond the temporary fence, while maintaining possession and control of the ball in her glove. The umpires rule a home run. Ruling: Incorrect. In all codes, this is a catch and the batter should be ruled out for the third out of the half-inning. To be ruled a catch, the fielder must have secure possession of the ball before stepping, touching or falling into a dead-ball area. The left fielder met this criteria as she securely possessed the ball before touching dead-ball territory (NFHS 2-9-4; NCAA 9.2.2; USA Softball 1 - Catch/No Catch; USSSA 3 – Catch).

Keep an Eye on ’Em

While it is always important to keep eyes on runners, it is especially important when multiple runners are on base. Not only do umpires need to see runners touch each base, they must also make sure runners do not pass each other, as illustrated in the MechaniGram.

When multiple runners are in motion, it is imperative umpires know which runners are their responsibility. For simplicity’s sake, this article will only focus on the two-umpire system.

If the base umpire moves to the outfield, the plate umpire is responsible for all runners. This requires the plate umpire to get out from behind home plate and move to the holding position in front of the pitcher’s circle in order to have angles and views on all potential plays on the bases.

If the base umpire does not move to the outfield, then the base umpire is responsible for the batter-runner all the way to third base and all other runners at first and second base. The plate umpire is responsible for all runners going to third base (except the batter-runner) and all runners at home.

The majority of time a runner passing another runner occurs on fly balls to the outfield. A baserunner may head back to the bag to tag up in cases where it appears the outfielder will make a catch easily. When the outfielder ends up dropping the ball, the batter-runner has often passed the baserunner who started on first. If both umpires are looking at the ball instead of focusing on the runners, this could easily be missed.

With only a single runner on first, this should be a fairly easy call as the base umpire moves to a position to see both the catch and the runner tagging up from first. The base umpire should easily see if the batter-runner passes the

R1 R2

baserunner. Where it gets a little trickier is with multiple runners on base. In all codes, except NCAA, the plate umpire is responsible for the lead runner tagging up and the base umpire has all trail runners.

In NCAA, the plate umpire only has tag-up responsibilities on R3 at third base and the base umpire has responsibility for both R2 and R1. When the base umpire is responsible for multiple runners, it can be difficult to see the batter-runner passing R1 at first base if it happens quickly and the runners then readjust. Ideally, the base umpire is able to get into a position to see both runners tag up. That may not always be possible, however, and the base umpire must watch the lead runner first and then shift to see the runner at first base. Sometimes, the plate umpire may have a better look and may see this situation with a broader view of the entire field.

All four codes agree how umpires should handle a situation in which a runner passes a preceding runner. In order to be called out, the trailing runner must completely pass the preceding runner. The ball remains live and the trailing runner is called out. There are two instances, however, where that is not the case. If the preceding runner was obstructed or the passing of the runners occurs on a foul fly ball that is ultimately uncaught, there is no out and runners are returned to their proper order once the ball is declared dead (NFHS 8-6-4; NCAA 12.4.3; USA Softball 8-7d; USSSA 8-18o).

One interesting caveat to the rule is a situation when a runner passes a preceding runner during an overthe-fence home run. For instance, if a team hits a grand slam with two outs, all runners still have an obligation to perform their baserunning duties properly. If a runner passes a runner, only the runs scored prior to that passing would count. With less than two outs, only the runner who passes a runner would be ruled out and that run would not count. The remaining runs would still count. 