The Starting Point
When the physical structure of a legal softball bat has been changed.
Altered Bat - USA Softball Rules Book Rule 1
If the fielder pulls their foot, on a FORCE PLAY what gesture does the umpire use while saying "off the base" and also giving a strong “safe” signal and a clear “SAFE” call.
What is "point with the left hand" - Mechanics Manual Page 62 2. Swipe Tag / Pulled Foor: a. Pulled Foot
This can be taken from anybody and anywhere
The pitching signal - Rule Supplement 40 C
When a player leaves the game for any reason other than an ejection in slow pitch, the minimum number of players allowed to continue the game when the starting line up has 11 players (10 defensive)
What is 10? (4-1C-3A)
During pool play these are the players who are listed on the lineup but may not be in a starting position.
Extra Players (extra hitters) (4-4G)
The act of an offensive player or team member, umpire or spectator that impedes, hinders, or confuses a defensive player attempting to execute a play. Contact is not necessary.
Interference - USA Softball Rules Book Rule 1
There are four times, after a ball has been batted that a Base Umpire will make a call at 3B, regardless of if it is Slow Pitch or Fast Pitch:
What is on a Batter Runner on a triple with no runners on base, the last runner into 3B, a lone runner on a fly ball advancement and on any return throw from the plate are or cut-off by a player. - MECHANIC MANUAL Page 68 G.
When the runner fails to keep contact with the base to which the runner is entitled until the ball leaves the pitcher's hand.
Leave Early. Dead Ball, No Pitch, Runner is Out and all other runners return - Rule 8.7.S
Class C and Below - The area where a slow pitch pitcher may deliver the ball to the batter.
What is the front edge of the pitcher’s plate to 6 feet behind within the 24-inch width of the pitcher's plate? (6C-1B)
This is the information you should have clearly defined on the lineup card to assure no illegal substitutions have occurred.
The number of re-entries completed by either the starting player or substitute (UM Ch4 D 6C)
A bat that does not meet the requirements of an official bat or warm-up bat.
Illegal Bat - USA Softball Rules Book Rule 1
When returning to home plate from a play at 3B and the ball is in foul ground, you should ________________________________, to a minimum of 10 – 12 feet from home plate, obtaining a 90 degree angle to the path of the runner.
Remain inside the diamond and move parallel to the base line - Mechanic Manual Page 53 Paragraph 3.b.
Exceptions to the on-deck batter shall be in the on-deck circle closest to the offensive team area.
Fast Pitch - Men's, Women's and JO, Modified - Men's - Rule 7.1.A
In slow pitch with stealing, this is when a runner can legally advance with liability to be put out.
When a pitched ball, legal or illegal reaches the front edge of home plate. (8-4F)
This is the statement made during the plate conference to indicate the lineup card has now become official.
“That’s official” any changes after this are considered a substitution (this answer can be something similar to this statement) (UM Ch3 Pre-Game Conference w/ Coaches)
The act of a defensive team member: Who hinders or impedes a batter from striking at or hitting a pitched ball and or who impedes the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally running the bases.
Obstruction - USA Softball Rules Book Rule 1
To indicate that interference has occurred the umpire should:
What is give a strong “Dead Ball” signal while emphatically calling “Dead Ball”. And point to the interference giving a strong “Out” signal and a verbal “Out” call. - Mechanics Manual Page 67 C. Interference:
No attempt to avoid being hit by a pitch results in?
The batter is not awarded first base, unless it is ball four. - Rule 7.1.F Exception
In slow pitch which position can have the same courtesy runner as any other player in the same half-inning?
What is the pitcher? (8-9A)
These are the 4 elements which appear on a properly prepared line up card.
What is position, name, jersey number and substitutes (4-1A-1& UM Ch4 D 6B)
A bat that does not meet USA Softball specifications or is on the current USA Softball non-approved bat list with USA Softball Certification Marks.
Non-Approved Bat - USA Softball Rules Book Rule 1
On batted balls to the outfield the BU should _______________________________ as you hustle inside the diamond to buttonhook at a minimum depth of 10-12 feet.
Pick up the ball and glance at the runner (PUBGAR) - Mechanics Manual Page 61 Paragraph 6. Watching the Ball second Paragraph.
The Extra Player can play defense for
Anybody, including the Flex - Rule 4.3.F and Rule 4.4.G
The run rule for slow pitch (except Men’s Class A, B and Seniors)
What is 20 after 3, 15 after 4 or 10 after 5 innings (5-9-3A)
For fast pitch, if used, this position should be listed last on the lineup card
What is the flex player (4-3B)