National Championship Sports | Fastpitch (2023)

Rule Changes for 2024 Season:

*Pitching pivot foot could become airborne with one push from pitcher's plate. (Definitions / 9.4, 4)

*In game pitching change, new pitcher must pitch to 3 batters or until inning/game, whichever comes first (6.5, 2, d)

*NCS will implement a $100 protest fee, at the discretion of the event director (5.2)

*All protests for an "illegal player" must be presented in real time and carries a $100 protest fee

*Illegal players will be ejected from the game, along with head coach and will be issued a 7-0 forfeit. Illegal players may not return to the event (Definitions & 4.16 (h) (i)

*Ineligible players (6.5, 5) instead of illegal players have changed. Read carefully rule set (6.5, 5) Re-entry (6.6) Ineligible players will be removed and play continues. NCS is placing a heavier burden on illegal players with ejection & 7-0 forfeit and a lighter penalty on ineligible (such as illegal substitute) with remove and play continues.

*Any tacky product may only be used by the offense. No defensive player will be allowed to have a tacky substance in play (9.13, 1)

*If in the judgement of the umpire, the throw takes the fielder into contact with the runner, it is NOT considered obstruction and the play continues (8.10)

*On-deck batters will occupy the circle behind the batter, regardless of dugout for safety (Definitions)

FASTPITCH COACHES:

Only adults that have performed a background check through the NCS Risk Management System are allowed in the dugout or on the field at an NCS Fastpitch Events

RE-CLASSIFICATION OF TEAMS:

NCS only re-classifies teams on the records that they hold in NCS events. Once all scores have been recorded into the system from various sites after a weekend of play, usually Monday Evening, NCS begins the process of re-classifying any teams that meet the following criteria:

• They have a minimum of 15 total games with NCS and a winning percentage of .750 or above.
• OR an NCS Event Host recommends that a team be re-classified before the above standard is reached

GUEST PLAYERS for FASTPITCH: (Effective 11-1-22)

• The NCS player ranking system and "Guest Player" option is now in effect:
  • If a tournament is an "Open" division event:
    • Teams may pick up 3 "Guest Players" regardless of player ranking, using the "Guest Player" option.
  • If a tournament is a "Class C" event:
    • Only 3 "Class C" players may be added to the roster, using the "Guest Player option. No higher class rankings are allowed, no exceptions.
  • If a tournament is a "Class B" event:
    • Only 3 players may be added to the roster, using the "Guest Player" option. These three players may be a combination of "Class B" or "Class C" player rankings.
  • If a tournament is a "Class A" event:
    • Only 3 players may be added to the roster, using the "Guest Player" option. These three players may be a combination of "Class A", "Class B" or "Class C" player rankings.
• All players added to a roster, via the "Guest Player" system, will automatically drop from the "Guest Player" option at the end of the event and will NOT be reclassified.
• Players simply added to a higher ranked roster, not utilizing the "Guest Player" option, will be permanently re-ranked to reflect the higher division moving forward. Only the "Guest Player" option should be used for this type of transaction.
• It does not matter how a player is ranked in another organization, only NCS criteria applies.

Age Qualifications for NCS Fastpitch:

Our fastpitch season runs from August 1 - July 31 each year.

Our birthdate qualifications run from January 1 - December 31 each year.

• When registering your team, ask yourself one question.... What is the age of your oldest player on your roster on December 31st.
  • The answer will tell you what age group your team should register for in fastpitch.....
    • Example: You want to register your team and play 12U all season long.
      • If the oldest player on your roster is 12 on December 31st....then your team is eligible to play in the 12U division all season...
      • If the oldest player(s) on your roster is 13 on or before December 31st, then you MUST either, drop that player(s) from the roster or play the entire team in the 14U division.

• This same age rule above runs true for all divisions throughout fastpitch 6U - 18U. If a player is older on December 31st than the age group you have registered for, then she is ineligible to play in that age group for the season or you must raise the entire roster to the older age group.

THERE ARE NO "GRADE EXCEPTIONS" IN NCS FASTPITCH!

All coaches on the playing field must be registered with NCS for the current playing season.

SEEDING INTO BRACKET PLAY WITH NCS FASTPITCH (Effective 4-17-23)

• Record
• Head to head with only 2 teams tied
• Runs Allowed
• Run Differential (10 Max per game)
• Runs Scored
• NCS Points Ranking
• Automated coin flip

Table of Contents

NCS Fastpitch

NCS Fastpitch MissionStatement

The NCS Fastpitchorganization will strive to provide the youth of today with opportunitiesthrough fastpitch softball, helping to expand their lives in the future.This will be accomplished by guiding the youth with the promotion of fairplay, teamwork, healthy competition, sportsmanship, leadership and the respectof others. While accomplishing the above we will strive to strengthen the livesof those we serve. Fastpitch softball should be used as a positivereinforcement to encourage hard-work, dedication and promote the pursuit of aquality education. This organization will strive to always do whatis right for the teams, regardless of the pressures from those individuals thatmay want to gain political or monetary advantages. Our motto will be“always do what is right and be honest and fair to all”. What we havelearned is growing this organization or any organization is about therelationships with our teams, league programs, and tournament directors with aneye towards quality, affordable invitational, and championship tournament playfor all. It is our goal that this philosophy reaches all teams under ourwatch.

The NCS Fastpitch program is currently in compliance with all Title IX requirements and NCS verifies all age and gender requirements by the birth certificate of that player. To avoid conflicts of these requirements, NCS stands ready to offer additional programs to our youth that reach out to all aspects of our society. If future demands require NCS to consider adding a youth coed program in the future, we stand ready to take it under advisement with the merits being the need, cost, feasibility, and safety of our youth.

The NCS Fastpitch (formerly IFA Fastpitch) would like to give special thanksto the NCAA, in particular, Dee Abrahamson, for allowing our organization touse the NCAA Fastpitch Rules to help guide us in developing a rule book for ouryouth program.

NCS National Website(s)

www.playncs.com

TO REGISTER A TEAMWITHNCS Fastpitch, www.playncs.com

Clickthe "Create an Account" link

ALLNCSFastpitch NATIONALEVENTS ARE UPDATED ON OUR WEBSITE EACH SEASON.INFORMATION PACKETS ARE DISPAYED ONLINE FOR TEAMS TO REVIEW.

Inrulings that are not found in the NCS Fastpitchrulebook,all decisions will revert to the current NCAA rulebook.

ConductPolicy_____________________________________

UMPIRESshould upholdthe integrity of the game; enforce its rules by observing the followingguidelines of professionalism and ethics:

·Maintain anddevelop an understanding of current IFA Fastpitch Rules.

·Be unbiased andfair in decision making, rendering them without regard to the quality of playon the field or the score.

·Honor allcontracts and assignments.

·Alcohol andtobacco are prohibited.

·When on-site or inuniform, do not fraternize with coaches, players or fans.

·Work with yourpartner(s) to arrive at decisions that are ultimately correct and fair.

·Listen and respondin a professional manner to coach’s concern(s).

·Information thatmight be used by a team’s future opponent should not be shared.

·Seek assistancefor the appropriate individuals in controlling unruly spectators and fans.

·Display adignified attitude and be polite towards the game and its participants.

COACHES are expected to comply with the following ethics andprincipals:

·Maintain anddevelop an understanding of current NCS Fastpitch Rules.

·Make sure playersare legally equipped and properly attired for practices and competition.

·Confine discussionwith the officials to the interpretation of the playing rules.

·Comply with theintent and spirit of the rules. Theintentional teaching of players to violate the rules is unjustifiable.

·Teach players torespect the integrity and dignity of the game, opponents, fans, officials andthe institutions they represent.

·Ban team personnelfrom using profanity or making personal or malicious remarks towards opponents,fans or officials.

·Abstain frompersonal action that might provoke players or spectators to unsportsmanlikeactions.

·Be in command ofplayers at all times, in order to prevent any unsportsmanlike acts towardofficials, fans or opponents.

·Seek assistanceform the appropriate individuals in controlling unruly spectators or fans.

·Be polite

ConductPolicy______________________________________

NCS Fastpitch, as an organization, reserves the rightto:

a) Interpret therules using the best judgment of its officials for fair and balanced play.

b) Restrict player movement(s) among teams withoutapproval from NCS Fastpitch staff.

c) Remove players from games / tournaments for violatingthe player conduct policies in Section 12 of this NCS Fastpitch rulebook.

d) Remove a coach from a game / tournament / forsufficient reasons of misconduct.Furthermore, if NCS Fastpitch determines the violations to be so severeas to consider this individual(s) a detriment to the girl’s and organization, NCSFastpitch reserves the right to permanently ban this person(s) by imposing aban, which can be determined by IFA.

e) Remove a spectator from a game / tournament / forsufficient reasons of misconduct.Furthermore, if NCS Fastpitch determines the violations to be so severeas to consider this individual(s) a detriment to the girl’s and organization, NCSFastpitch reserves the right to permanently ban this person(s) by imposing aban, which can be determined by NCS Fastpitch.

f) Determine player age qualifications, eligibility,special equipment uses and team tournament placement with regards to collegeplayers.

g) Determine rule sets or exceptions for tournaments atthe beginning of play that will be in effect for that tournament.

Age Qualifications and Tournament Eligibility

a) Age Eligibility:Players age on December 31 of current championship season,which is always retroactive August 1st – July 31 each year. Players may play up in divisions.

i) In alltournaments, beginning August 1, all players participating must be eligible forthe age division the team will participate in during that championshipseason. (Aug 1 – July 31)

b) 18U teams may elect to play "Open" or“A” Divisions, however, any player with prior college experience (amaximum of four (4) college players are allowed per roster) MUST play inthe “A” division. The collegeeligibility rule is not eligible for an exception.

Special Equipment:

Metal cleats will be allowed in the 14/16/18divisions ONLY. All other age divisionsare prohibited from wearing metal cleats.

SECTION 1 – Definitions_____________________________

Altered Bat (N)

A legal bat that has been structurally changed to enhance batperformance.

Appeal (C)

The umpire does not make a ruling until requested by a coach or playerabout a play.

Backstop (S)

A barrier behind home plate to stop a ball from going too far outsidethe playing area.

Ball

The ball that is struck, thrown, pitched, etc. A ball also refers to a pitch that does notenter the strike zone and is not struck at by a batter.

Base

One of four points which must be touched by a runner in order to score arun.

Base Coach

The two representatives of the team at bat who are stationed in thefirst or third base coaches’ boxes to direct the offense. No more than one representative may be in abox.

Base Path

The traditional path traveled by a runner who is attempting to advanceto the next base. It is defined by adirect line between the bases and 3 feet on either side of that line; unless afielder has the ball in her possession, and she is within 3 feet of the runnerand prepared to apply a tag. A baserunner that attempts to avoid a tag by running more than 3 feet to either sideof a fielder with the ball in her possession shall be declared out.

Base Runner

A base runner is an offensive player that is advancing, touching orreturning to a base.

Batted Ball

Any pitch that comes in contact with the bat. Contact may result in a fair or foul ball andneed not be intentional.

Batter

The offensive player whose turn it is to receive a pitch in eitherbatter’s box.

Batter’s Box

Area where the batter is restricted when batting.

Batter-Runner

An offensive player who started in the batter’s box but has left it inan attempt to reach base safely.

Batting Order

The official list of starting offensive players presented in the orderin which they are to bat and recorded on a lineup card.

Batting Out of Order

Failing to bat in proper order as listed on the official lineup card.

Blocked Ball

A live thrown or batted ball that contacts: (1) dead-ball terrain; or(2) contacts game personnel in unauthorized areas, non-game personnel, anobject that is neither part of the official playing area or official gameequipment, loose equipment.

Bunt

A legally batted ball not swung at but deliberately/purposely tappedwith the bat.

Bunt Attempt

Any non-swinging movement of the bat planned to tap the ball intoplay. Holding the bat in the strike zoneis considered a bunt effort. In order totake a pitch, the bat must be withdrawn – pulled away from the ball andbackwards.

Called Game

By order of the umpire, the game is ended.

Catch

The act of a fielder who, with their hand(s) and/or mitt/glove, securelygains possession of a thrown, batted or pitched ball. In establishing the legality of the catch,the fielder must hold the ball long enough to prove that they have ball controland that their release of the ball is (or could have been) intentional orvoluntary. If the fielder has made thecatch but drops the ball either in making a throw or transferring it to thethrowing hand, the ball shall be ruled a caught. For a legal catch, a fielder must catch andhave secure possession of the ball before falling, touching, or stepping into adead-ball territory. A fielder who fallsthrough or over a fence after making a catch shall be credited with acatch. A fielder who catches a ball whilestepping or contacting on a collapsible fence while the fence is vertical iscredited with a catch. A catch shall notbe credited if:

a. The ball strikes anyone or anything other than adefensive player while it is flight.

b. An entire foot is touching dead-ball terrain at thetime of the catch.

c. A fielder catches a thrown, batted or pitched ball withanything other than her glove/mitt or hand(s) in its proper place.

d. Immediately following a catch, the fielder collideswith an umpire, another player or fence or falls to the ground and fails tomaintain possession of the ball.

e. The fielder uses part of the uniform or equipment thatis displaced from its proper position.

NOTE:In this case, the ball is ruled a ground ball.

f. A collapsible fence is on or falling to the ground whenthe fielder contacts the ball.NOTE: In the case, batter isawarded a home run.

g. The fielder traps the ball. A batted line drive or fly ball is consideredtrapped if it hits a fence or ground on a short hop before being caught. A thrown ball is considered trapped if it iscaught but the ball is on the ground and the mitt/glove is over, rather thanunder it. A pitched ball is consideredtrapped if it is a strike but touches the ground on a short hop before beingcaught by the catcher. A ball preventedfrom hitting the ground by a player’s equipment (providing it is in its properplace) of body shall not be ruled caught until the ball is securely held in theplayer’s mitt/glove or hand(s).

Catcher

The defensive player to whom the pitcher throws when pitching to abatter. The catcher must be in thecatcher’s box in order to receive a pitch and, as

such, is the only player who can and must be positioned in foulterritory at the time of the pitch.

Catcher’s Box

The area to which the catcher is restricted from the time the pitchersteps on the pitcher’s plate until she releases the pitch.

Checked Swing

The restraining action taken by a batter to stop an attemptedbunt/hit/slap.

Chin Strap

A part of the helmet that must be worn (mandatory, if attached) whenused by an defensive or offense. (Notrequired as part of the catcher’s mask)

Coaches Box

Prior to release of the pitch, the area to which the two base coaches(one per box) are restricted.

Conferences

A defensive conference is a meeting that takes place anytime a defensiveteam representative delays the game or requests suspension of play for anyreason and delivers a message (by any means) to any defensive player.

A charged offensive conference is a meeting that takes place anytime anoffensive team representative delays the game or requests a suspension of playfor any reason and delivers a message (by any means) to any offensive coach,player and/or representative.

Courtesy Runner

Player allowed to run for catcher or pitcher. Runner is not considered a substitute.

Crow Hop

An illegal action in which the pitcher’s rear foot leaves the pitcher’splate and re-contacts the ground before the release of the pitch.

Dead Ball

A ball that is not in play and does not become live again until thepitcher holds it on the pitcher’s plate and the umpire signals/calls “Playball/Play.”

Dead-Ball Territory

That area beyond any real playing field boundary such as a rope, chalkline, fence, backstop, dugouts, bleachers or any imaginary boundary line asdetermined in the pre-game conference.

Defense

A team or player in the field attempting to prevent the offensive teamfrom scoring runs.

Delayed Dead Ball

A situation in which a violation of a rule occurs and is recognized bythe umpire with a delayed dead ball signal but in which the ball remains liveuntil the end of the play.

Double First Base

A safety base used at first base.The defense uses the white portion of the base and the batter-runnerproceeds to the orange portion of the base.

Dislodged Base

A base dislodged and displaced from its proper position

Dugout (Bench)

The area reserved for team and personnel engaged in the game.

Ejection

The exercise of an umpire’s power/authority to remove a player and/orother team personnel from further participation in a game.

Extra Inning

Play continuation beyond the regulation seven innings in an attempt tobreak a score that is tied.

Face Mask

A part of the helmet that protects the face and is mandatory for on-deckbatters and offensive batters.

Fair Ball

A legally batted ball that touches or bounds over a base, settles on oris touched on or over fair territory. Afair line drive, fly or grounder shall be judged according to the relativeposition of the ball and the foul line, including the foul pole, and not withrespect to the position of the fielder (on foul ground or fair) at the time theball is contacted.

Fair Territory

That part of the playing field within and including the foul lines fromhome plate to the bottom of the home run fence and perpendicularlyupwards. Home plate, the foul lines andpoles are considered part of fair territory.

Fake Tag

When a fielder, who neither possesses the ball nor is about to receivethe ball, obstructs a runner by pretending to have the ball and simulating atag, thereby causing the runner to stop or slow down.

Field of Play

The area within which the ball may be legally fielded and played.

Fielder

One of the nine players on the defensive team who takes a position onthe field and attempts to stop the offensive team from scoring. It may be the catcher, pitcher, firstbaseman, second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, right fielder, centerfielder or left fielder.

Fly Ball

A batted ball, whether foul or fair, that rises into the air above thetop of the batter’s head.

Flex

The abbreviation for “flexible player”, which refers to the player whostarts/begins the game in the defensive lineup but is not in the batting order.

Force Play

A play in which the base runner loses their right to occupy a basebecause the batter becomes a batter-runner who has not yet been put out.

Forfeited Game

A game declared ended and granted to an offended team by the umpire.

Foul Ball

A legally batted ball that is touched on or settles on or over foulterritory. A foul line drive, fly orgrounder shall be judged according to the relative position of the ball andfoul line, including the foul pole, and not with respect to the position of thefielder at the time the ball is contacted.

Foul Territory

That part of the playing field outside the third and first base linesfrom home plate to the bottom of the home run fence and perpendicularlyupwards.

Ground Ball

A batted ball, whether foul or fair, that bounces along the ground.

Halted Game

A game that is temporarily suspended by the umpire with the intent thatit will be resumed at some later date or time.The game shall be continued from the point of suspension, if resumed.

Helmet

Protective headwear most commonly worn by an offensive player. Helmets are required while running the bases,batting or in the on-deck circle.Catchers are required to wear a protective helmet while receivingpitches in a game. Other defensiveplayers may wear a helmet for safety reasons.

Home Team

The team that starts the game on defense (in the field). The home team may be determined in many ways(i.e., mutual agreement, conference, coin flip or tournament assignment,custom)

Illegal Bat

An inappropriate bat that does not meet acceptable specifications (i.e.,length, particular weight, material limits, barrel diameter) as set forth in Rule3.2

Illegal Pitch

Any pitch by the pitcher that is in violation of the pitching rules.

Illegal Player

A player who is not entitled to participate who competes in the game. The penalty immediate 7-0 forfeit.

Illegal Re-entry

A violation of the substitution rules that occurs when an ineligible player(one who is not entitled to play) is put back into the game. Penalty: Correct and continue

Illegally Batted Ball

A pitch contacted by the batter:1) with an illegal bat, 2) with an altered bat, 3) when one or both feetare on the ground and entirely outside the lines of the batter’s box at thetime of ball-bat contact, or 4) when any part of either foot is in contact withthe plate at the time of ball-bat contact.

In Flight

Any pitched, batted or thrown ball that has not touched an object, theground or a person other than a defensive player.

In Jeopardy

The term indicating that a ball is live and an offensive player may beput out.

Ineligible Player

A legally rostered player that has been removed from a game and re-entered incorrectly becomes an ineligible player.

Infield

That portion of the field in fair territory that may be skinned anddefended by the infielders and pitcher.

Infield Fly Rule

When declared by an umpire, a fair fly ball (not an attempted bunt or aline drive) that can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort whenrunners are on first and second or all three bases are occupied and beforethere are two outs in the inning. Anydefensive player positioned in the infield at the time of the pitch shall beconsidered an infielder for the purpose of this rule. The ball is live, the batter is out, whichremoves the force, but runners may advance at their own risk. The runners may tag up and advance as soon asthe batted ballis touched by a fielder. When adeclared infield fly becomes foul, it is treated as a foul ball, not an infieldfly.

Infielders

Fielders who defend the normally skinned portion of the field. They include first, second, third, shortstop,catcher and pitcher.

Inning

a. Portion of the game within which the teams alternate ondefense and offense and in which there are three putouts for each team.

b. Half Inning.Each team’s respective time in the field or at bat. The interval during which one team is on defenseand the other team is on offense. A halfinning ends when there is a third out or when, in the last inning, the winningrun is scored.

c. Extra Inning.One or more that extends the game in an attempt to break a tie score.

Intentional Base on Balls

“Ball four” is purposely thrown to a batter.

Interference

The act of an offensive player, umpire, coach or spectator that deniesthe fielder a reasonable opportunity to play the ball. The act may be unintentional or intentionaland the ball must have been playable.

Leap (Pitcher)

An illegal act in which the pitcher becomes airborne on her initialmovement and push from the pitcher’s plate.

Line Drive

A foul or fair batted ball that travels parallel to the groundimmediately off the bat, neither dropping to the ground or rising into theair. If caught, it is scored as an out.

Lineup Card

The card that contains positions, uniform numbers and both first andlast names of all starting players, listed in order in which they are to batand the uniform numbers and first and last names of all eligiblesubstitutes. In addition, it shallinclude the first and last name of the head coach.

Media Coverage

Media, authorized by the Tournament Director, may be allowed on theplaying field. Media may not use tripodsor other stationary devices. Shouldmedia personnel accidently come in contact with a live ball, the ball remainslive.

No Pitch

Declaration by an umpire that halts play and nullifies the pitch.

Offense

Team or player at bat attempting to score runs

On-Deck Batter

All on-deck batters will occupy the circle behind the batter, regardlessof dugout for safety.

Out

A declaration by the umpire indicating an offensive player has beenretired. Each team is permitted threeouts per inning.

Outfield

That portion of fair territory that is artificial grass or grass surfaceand typicallydefended by the outfielders.

Outfielder

Fielders (typically three) who defend the grass portion of the fieldbetween the normally skinned infield and home-run fence. They usually include the right, center andleft fielder.

Over slide

When sliding, the act of a base runner which loses contact with a base or passes it.

Overthrow

A thrown ball that goes beyond its intended target. The ball is live unless it becomes a blockedball or it enters dead-ball territory.

Pinch Hitter

A player who is inserted into the lineup in the place of thebatter. The pinch hitter will stay inthe lineup until she is replaced by another substitute or by the player forwhom she batted.

Pinch Runner

A player who is inserted into the lineup in the place of a baserunner. The pinch runner will stay inthe lineup until she is replaced by another substitute or by the player forwhom she ran.

Pitch

A live ball delivered with a legal underhand motion to the batter by thepitcher.

Pitcher

The defensive player designated to deliver pitches to batters.

Pitcher’s Pivot Foot

The pitcher’s pivot foot could become airborne with one push from the pitcher's plate. However, pitchers would not be allowed to replant their pivot foot, resulting in pushing off from a second point and the pitcher being farther away from the pitcher's plate.

Pitcher’s Stride Foot

The pitcher’s foot that extends forward toward home plate as she stepsto deliver the pitch to the batter. Itis also referred to as the lead foot.

Play

An attempt by a defensive player on a thrown or batted ball to retire abatter-runner or a runner. A pitch isnot a play except as it relates to an appeal play.

Play Ball

The directive given by the umpire to resume play or begin the game. It also indicates that the defensive playersare in position, the batter is ready to bat and the pitcher may deliver thepitch.

Protest

A formal inquest into the decision of an umpire.

Quick Pitch

A pitch released with the obvious intention of catching the batterunprepared to bat or off balance.

Rostered Players for Championship Play

No player will be allowed to be on more than one roster participating inNational play in any age or classification. Regional / AreaDirectors will have the discretion regarding rostered players in qualifyingtournaments leading to national play within their region. However, in no case shall the total number ofplayers on a roster exceed a maximum of 20 players.

Run

The act of an offensive player legally advancing to and touching homeplate without being put out.

Rundown

The act of the defense attempting to put out a base runner who is caughtoff base between two or more defensive players and who may either attempt toreturn to the previous base or advance to the next base.

Safe

A declaration by the umpire indicating that a runner is not out or hassuccessfully taken possession of a base and is no longer in jeopardy.

Slap Hit

A batted ball that has been struck with a short, chopping motion ratherthan with a full swing. The two mostcommon types of slap hits are:

1.Those in which thebatter takes running steps (within the batter’s box) toward the pitcher beforemaking contact with the pitch.

2.Those in which thebatter takes her stance as if to bunt but then either drives the ball into theground with a quick, short swing or punches it over the infield.

Starter

The players listed on the "official" lineup card given to theumpire before the start of the game.Each starter is entitled to be replaced and re-enter one time, as longas she assumes her original position in the batting order.

Strike

Any pitch that either is swung at by the batter and missed or enters thestrike zone without first touching the ground.A strike also may be called by the umpire for the batter’s failure toenter the batter’s box when so directed.

Strike Zone

The area above home plate between the top of the knees and the bottom ofthe batter’s sternum when she assumes her natural batting stance. When the top of the ball is on or within thehorizontal plane and either side of the ball is on or within the vertical planeof the strike zone, a strike is called unless the ball touches the groundbefore reaching home plate.

Substitute

A player not listed on the lineup as a starter, but who may legallyreplace one of the first 9 or 10 players (if DP is used) listed on the lineupcard submitted to the umpire before the start of the game.

Tag

The act of a defensive player in:

a. Touching a base with any part of the body while holdingthe ball firmly and securely in the gloved hand or hand; or

b. Touching a runner with the ball while securely held inthe gloved hand or hand.

Time

An expression used by the umpire to temporarily suspend play. The ball is dead, until the umpire indicatesthe resumption of play.

Turn at Bat

The action of entering the batter’s box until being put out, becoming abatter-runner or being substituted for while at bat.

Umpires

The individuals hired to rule on plays in the game. They are a plate umpire and one, two or threebase umpires.

Unreported Player

A player who has a legal right to enter or re-enter the game or changedefensive positions, but has not been reported to the umpire before herparticipation.

Visiting Team

The team that starts the game at bat.(Offense)

X-P's (X-tra Players) or X-Player

Teams may elect to bat 10 in an 8U, 10U or 12U line-up. 14U, 16U & 18U may, at the discretion ofthe tournament director, use the XP. X-Playersmay play defense at any time in the game, but must remain in the proper battingorder.

SECTION 2 – FIELD OFPLAY____________________________

The following informationregarding the field specifications and the playing facilities applies to allcompetition. In some cases,specifications applicable to hosting a national event may follow the strictestinterpretation of a rule. NOTE: Additional criteria may be requested as well.

2.1Backstop

A backstop is required. It shouldbe a minimum distance of 25 feet and a maximum distance of 30 feet from homeplate. It is recommended that thebackstop not extend over the playing field and be vertical. If the structure is brick or cement, it isrecommended that it be padded.

2.2Base, Pitching, Fence Distances (Required for allChampionship Play)

Division Bases Pitching Min.Fence Max.Fence

6U-8U 60’ Coach Pitch 150’ 225’

10U 60’ 35’ 150’ 225’

12U 60’ 40’ 175’ 225’

14U B 60’ 43” 200’ 225’

14U A 60’ 43’ 200’ 225’

16U 60’ 43’ 200’ 225’

16U Elite 60’ 43’ 200’ 225’

18U 60’ 43’ 200’ 225’

18U Elite 60’ 43’ 200’ 225’

2.3Bases / First (Double), Second and Third

2.3.1The double first base (if used) shall be usedat first base. The base is 15” X 30”,made of suitable rubberized material or canvas with half orange and halfwhite. The orange is over foul territory,and the white is over fair territory and is securely anchored to theground. NOTE: if the field is equippedwith a double base, IT MUST BE USED.

2.3.2Second and third bases shall be a suitablerubberized material or canvas bags securely anchored to the ground. Each bag shall be 15 inches square, filledwith soft material to a thickness of 3 to 5 inches. A release type base may be used. Bases may have tapered edges.

2.4Batter’s Boxes (optional, if drawn)

The batter’s boxes shall be 6 inches from home plateand shall measure 3 feet by 7 feet, with one on each side of home plate. The front line of each box shall be 4 feet infront of a line drawn through the center of home plate. The four lines must be drawn, if used.

2.5Catcher’s Box (optional, if drawn)

The catcher’s box shall be 7 feet in length from therear outside corners of the batter’s boxes and shall be 8 feet, 5 inches wide,including the lines. The lines must bedrawn, if used.

2.6Coach’s Boxes

Each coach’s box shall be marked by two lines. The first is a line 15 feet long drawnparallel to and 8 feet from the first and third baselines extended from theback edge of the bases toward home plate.The second line is 3 feet long drawn perpendicular to the end of the 15-footline closest to home plate.

2.7Dugouts

During play, no one except players, managers, coaches,trainers and scorekeepers shall occupy the dugout. All dugout participants must be in theirbench area or bullpen and remain there until the side has been retired or theball is dead. This excludes the on-deckbatter, batter, base coaches, base runners and the nine defensive players. It is recommended that all dugouts beenclosed at each end and at the rear.Each dugout should be able to accommodate all players and teampersonnel. It is recommended that eachdugout be located on the sideline boundaries at a point equal distance fromfirst base and home plate and third base and home plate, respectively.

2.8Fences

It is highly recommended that the playing field becompletely enclosed by permanent side line and home-run fences that are 4-6foot in height. Temporary home-runfences should be secured so as not to collapse on and displace the foulpole. Out of bounds line shall be usedto define dead-ball areas for unfenced fields that may be utilized.

2.9Field of Play

Infields may be utilized that have skinned artificialgrass or natural grass areas. Theoutfields should be a natural grass consistency, when possible.

2.10Foul Poles

The foul pole extends vertically upward from the foulline at the point it intersects the fence and should be plastic, wood ormetal. The foul pole should be outsideor attached to, but not inside the fence.The pole should be a minimum of 10 feet in height. To enhance the visibility of a ball leavingthe field of play near the pole, it is recommended that ascreening be attached to the fair side of thepole. The width of this screening shouldbe a minimum of six inches and should extend from the top of the pole downwardto the top of the fence.

NOTE: A field that does not have a home-run fenceshall not have a foul pole.

2.11Ground Rules

Special conditions for play may be adopted for localground rules by the tournament director.The home plate umpire shall enforce the local ground rules that havebeen established by the tournament director.

2.12Home Plate

A five-sidedslab of whitened rubber or other suitable material shall comprise homeplate. The measurements shall be 8 ½inches long on the sides and 17 inches wide on the edge facing the pitcher,which is parallel to the pitcher’s plate.The sides of the point facing the catcher shall measure 12 inches in length. Home plateshall be set in fair territory. With the17-inch edge facing the pitcher, the two 12-inch edges will coincide with thefoul lines extending from home plate to third base and to first base. Home plateshall be secured in the ground and have top edges that are beveled. Home plate should be set level with theground surface.

2.13Infield

Allowing for natural surface drainage, the infieldshall be level. It is recommended thatthe entire playing field be graded one percent from the edge of the pitcher’smound to the sideline boundaries of the field.

2.14Layout

Refer to the drawings shown on the official diagrampage for the layout of the playing field.

2.15Lines

All lines on the playing field shall be marked withnon-burning material that is not harmful to the eyes or skin, or chalk. Caustic material or lime of any kind isprohibited. Lines should be marked 2 to4 inches in width. The outside edge offirst and third base lines and their extensions should correspond with theoutside edge of third and first base.

2.16Non-regulation Field

Checking the playing field to be sure all is legal isthe responsibility of the umpires. Theumpires should make every effort to obtain the correct dimensions. Non-regulation fields, in which a game hasbeen started, shall not be protested for this reason.

NOTE: If a pitching or base distance is found to beincorrect, correct and continue without penalty.

2.17On-deck Circle

The on-deck circle shall measure 5 feet in diameter andshall be designated for the next batter to warm-up. On-deck circles are located to the side andaway from home plate.

2.18Pitcher’s Circle

The pitcher’s circle shall be an area with a 16 footdiameter (8 foot radius). This area isdrawn from the center of the front edge of the pitcher’s plate.

2.19Pitcher’s Plate

The pitcher’s plate shall measure 24 inches long and 6inches wide rectangle and be a slab or whitened rubber or other suitablematerial. The plate shall be fixed inthe ground and level with the ground surface. The measurement based on agegroup (Page 14) should be the front edge of the pitcher’s plate to the back point ofhome plate.

2.20Runner’s Lane

The runner’s lane should be skinned. This area is the last half of the distancebetween home plate and first base where the batter-runner must run to avoidinterfering with a fielder’s attempt to receive a thrown ball. It is bounded by a 30-foot line drawn in foulterritory parallel to and 3 feet from the first base line, beginning at a pointhalfway between home plate and the back edge of first base.

2.21Scoreboard / Scorebook

A visible display of score is recommended. It is recommended that a system shows balls,strikes, outs and score. It should beeasily visible by spectators and both teams.Scoreboards should not be placed directly in the field of vision by thebatter.

The official scorebook will be the responsibility ofthe home team, unless designated differently prior to the beginning of thegame. The umpire shall consult with the“official scorebook” with regards to counts and substitutions prior to makinghis/her final decision.

a. Electronic score systems are not considered verifiablein a dispute, thus IFA requires teams to use a manual scorebook.

b. In a dispute involving game results, theumpire/tournament director will ask the home team if they are keeping acorrect/accurate manual scorebook. Ifthe answer is no, the tournament director will ask the visiting team if theyare keeping the score via a manual scorebook. If the visiting team can be verified askeeping a correct/accurate scorebook, tournament host may designate thevisiting team as the official scorekeeper for the remainder of that game.

c. In the event, neither team is using a manual scorebook,the tournament host may make the judgement to utilize his/her decision based onthe home team version, visiting team version or umpire version at theirdiscretion.

2.22Sideline Territory

It is recommended that the unobstructed area betweenthe backstop and home plate and from the sideline to the baseline be 25-30 footdistance. This should be extended downthe line as deep as the home run fence.

SECTION 3 – Equipment andUniforms____________________

The NCS, National ChampionshipSports Fastpitch, is responsible for establishing the official playing rulesfor the sport. NCS is not responsiblefor approving and testing playing equipment.

Manufacturers of equipment haveundertaken the responsibility for the improvement and development of playingequipment that meets weight and size specifications. The NCS Fastpitch supports independenttesting agencies and/or to take necessary steps to ensure the production ofsafe products by manufacturers. The NCSFastpitch does not certify the safety of any softball equipment. Only the equipment that meets thespecifications of NCAA may be used in NCS Fastpitch competition.

Development of new equipment,technical or scientific standards for testing equipment or the approval/disapprovalof specific playing equipment is not the responsibility of the NCSFastpitch. However, NCS Fastpitch doesreserve the right to establish weight/size criteria and minimum/maximumperformance restrictions.

All equipment used in competitionshould be of a nature commonly available to the general public throughretailers. Protective equipment anduniforms must be worn properly and defective equipment must be replaced orrepaired immediately.

3.1 Ball

The red-stitched 12 inch natural or synthetic ball, yellow optic cover,with a COR of .47 and 375lb. Max compression, shall be used in all IFA. The 10 and under division shall use ared-stitch. natural or synthetic 11-inch ball, yellow optic cover, with a CORof .47, shall be used in NCS Fastpitch play.The umpire has the discretion to remove a ball, of any type, they deemin poor condition.

3.2 Bats – Game

Bat standards will be defined in NCS Fastpitch as those defined by theNCAA.

EFFECT – If a batter enters the batter’sbox with an illegal bat (one that does not meet NCAA specifications), upondiscovery, the bat shall be removed from the game (i.e., not returned to thedugout) the batter shall be declared out and base runners shall notadvance. If the batter enters thebatter’s box with an altered bat (one that enhances performance by beingstructurally changed); the penalty for an illegal bat shall be imposed, inaddition, to the batter being ejected from the game.

3.3 Bats – Warm-up

The warm-up bat must have a minimum barrel diameter of 2 inches andweigh no less than 39 ounces. The batshall have a safety grip 10-15 inches from theknob that is securely affixed and be a one-piece construction. No attachments (ie., donuts, fans, etc.) areallowed on an official bat, except Pow’R Wrap or the SwingSock attachments.

EFFECT – The presence of an illegalattachment or bat in the on-deck circle shall result in the equipment’s removalfrom the game (ie, not returned to the dugout) and the player shall bewarned. Should the illegal attachment orbat re-appear in the on-deck circle, the coach shall be ejected.

3.4 Casts / Splints / Braces /Prostheses

Casts, splints, braces and prostheses may be worn by players as long asthe equipment is well-padded to protect not only her opponents, but also theaffected player. Any such appliance withexposed pins, sharp edges, rivets or any form of external fastener that wouldpresent a danger, must be properly padded.The player must, in the umpire's judgment must be able to functionduring the game without limitations.

3.5 Catcher’s Equipment

All catcher’s must wear a mask with an attachable or built-in throatprotector, NOCSAC, approved body protector, shin guards which offer protectionto at least the knee to foot area and helmet with ear flaps. An attachable throat protector shall beunaltered, securely attached and commercially manufactured.

NOTE:Players receiving warm-up pitches off the field of play (dead-ball area,bullpen) must wear a mask with a throat protector. If warming up within the playing field area,a spotter (player/coach) must be utilized.

EFFECT – Violator(s) shall be warned bythe umpire. If the violator(s) does notimmediately comply, they shall not be allowed to catch or receive warm-uppitches for the remainder of the game; however, they shall not be ejected.

3.6 Gloves/Mitt

All players, except the catcher, must use a leather mitt/glove thatmeets the following maximum specifications:Palm width: 8 inches; highest finger top to bottom: 14 inches; topopening of web: 5 inches; web top to bottom: 7 ¼ inches; thumb top to bottomedge: 9 ¼ inches.The catcher may wear a leatherglove or leather mitt of any dimension.Gloves and mitts may not be the color of the ball, however, may be acombination of other colors. Thepitcher’s glove may be brown, tan, black or grey, or any combination of thosecolors.

EFFECT – The umpire shall direct thefielder to remove the glove/mitt, if noticed before a play. If the illegal glove/mitt reappears, theoffending player shall be ejected.

The offensive coach has the choice of taking the resulting play orhaving the play nullified, if a play is made with the illegal glove/mitt. If nullified, thebatter returns to bat, the runners returnto the bases occupied at the time of the last pitch and play is resumed/continued.

3.7 Helmets

a. Offense. While in the on-deck circle, batting orrunning the bases, each offensive player is required to wear a double-earflapprotective helmet with a face mask.Youth player’s who occupy first or third as coaches, must also complywith this requirement. NOCSAE stamp required.

EFFECT – If an umpire observes a playerwearing an illegal or damaged helmet while at bat, coming to bat or while onbase, the umpire shall direct the player to change, without penalty, to a legalhelmet. Failure to wear a legal helmet,when directed by the umpire, shall result in the ejection of the player.Intentionally removing the helmet while actively running the bases ordeliberately wearing a helmet improperly shall result in the player beingdeclared out, but shall not remove a force play. The ball remains live.

b. Defense. A helmet or facemask may be worn by adefensive player. If a pitcher wears ahelmet, it must be a non-glossy finish.

c. Face mask. An offensiveplayer may wear a helmet with a commercially manufactured protective face maskattached. The face mask must meet NOCSAEstandards for the mask and helmet combination and must be permanently attachedby the manufacturer or attached by a procedure approved by themanufacturer.

3.8 Jewelry

Players are prohibited from wearing exposed jewelry. Medical alert bracelets/medals or religiousjewelry may be visibly worn, however, it must be covered.

EFFECT –If an umpire detects a playerwearing jewelry, other than what is allowed, the umpire shall direct the playerto remove it. A player ejection willoccur if the player fails to remove the jewelry when directed by the umpire.

3.9 Shoes

Players must wear shoes with nylon, canvas, plastic, leather orsynthetic material uppers. The soles mayhave soft or hard rubber cleats or be smooth.

Shoes with detachable/removable cleats that screw into the sole of theshoe are allowed. Pitching toes areallowed for all players, as long as the pitching toes are securely fastened.

Metal cleats are allowed ONLYin the 14U, 16U and 18U divisions.

EFFECT – If a player(s) is observed usingmetal cleats in 12U & under, the player & head coach will be ejectedfrom the game.

Note: The game/penalty begins at the conclusion ofthe coaches meeting at home plate.

3.10 Uniforms

All eligible players should be attired with uniforms of the same color,style and trim, when possible. Exception:A player should not be penalized when a part of her uniform must bechanged because of factors out of her control.

a. Coaches should be neatly attired.

b. Inclement Weather Gear:Sweat shirts, pants, nylon windbreakers and jackets may be worn, if theweather permits.

c. Head Wear: Ifworn, headbands, caps and visors must be worn properly and may be mixed.

d. Jersey: Alluniform jerseys must have a whole number between 0-99, inclusive on theback. Players on the same team may notwear duplicate numbers. If duplicatenumbers exist, one of the players must change their jersey or only one playermay be in the game at a time. Numbers0-9 may have a zero in front of the number; however, this additional zero onlyhighlights the original number.(Ex. 0 and 00 = 0 / 5 and 05 =5). Only one single digit number with orwithout a zero in front may be used.

e. Shin/Knee Pads:Shin and Knee pads are permitted and colors may be mixed.

f. Shorts / Pants:Uniforms may be shorts, pants or combination of both.

g. Undershirts/undershorts (Sliders) – If worn, they mustbe worn as intended by the manufacturer (not slit, torn or frayed)

EFFECT – A player with a uniformviolation will be removed from the game until the correction is made.

h. The plate umpire shall havethe final say in all cases involving distracting color uniforms (optic yellow)worn by pitchers. If it is determinedthat the ball is obstructed by the color of the uniform then the pitcher shallslip a different color shirt over the uniform in question. This shirt does notneed a number or have team name/colors for defensive purposes, however, thesame player must remove the cover shirt when batting to clearly identify her byher playing number.

Note: It should be noted that different umpires willsee the ball better and may not see it as an issue; however, this is not partof an argument as this rule is strictly "judgment" in the name ofsafety.

3.11 Player Attire

a) Must be functional with noaccessories attached. Headwear/ facewear must be worn as intended by the manufacturer for safety purposes and noimproper accessories that may be glittery, distracting or the color of the ballmay be worn. Distracting headwear/facewear may not be worn.Uniforms, protective equipment and all accessories must be worn properlyusing the above guidelines.

SECTION 4 –GAME___________________________________

The defensive team is the team inthe field and its objective is to prevent the offensive players from becomingbase runners and advancing around the bases.

The offensive team is the team at bat and its objectiveis to have its batters become base runners and its runners advance legally,touching all bases (including home plate) without being put out. Each time this is done, a run is scored.

When three offensive playersare put out, a half-inning has been played and the teams change from defense tooffense and offense to defense, respectively.

4.1Scoring of Runs

1) The objective of the game is to score more runs thanits opponent. At the conclusion of the game,the winner of the game shall be the team that has scored, in accordance withthese rules, the greater number of runs.

2) Each time a runner legally touches first, second, thirdand home plate before the third out of an inning shall be recorded as one run.

3) No run shall be scored if the third out of an inning isthe result of:

a) A batter-runner being called out before reaching firstbase or any other runner forced out due to the batter becoming a batter-runner.

b) A runner being put out by a tag or live-ball appealplay before the lead runner touches home plate.

c) A preceding runner being declared out on an appealplay.

Note: An appealcan be made after the third out in order to nullify a run. This is also sometimes referred to as afourth out.

4.2Game Winner

The team that scores more runs in a regulation game isthe winner of the game.

1) The score of a called regulation game shall be thescore at the end of the last complete inning, unless the home team has scoredan equal number or more runs than the visiting team in the incompleteinning. In this case, the score shall bethat of the incomplete inning.

2) The score of a regulation tie game shall be the tiescore when the game is terminated

3) The score of a forfeited game shall be recorded as 7-0in favor of the team not at fault.

4.3Starting the Game

The game begins when both teams are ready to play andon the field and the plate umpire signals, “Play Ball”.

4.4Positions of the Offensive Team

The offensive team:

1) Must follow the original batting order throughout thegame.

2) May position base coach in the coach’s boxes at thirdand first base during its time at bat.

3) Must keep all personnel except the batter, runner’s,base coaches and on-deck batter in the dugout, dead-ball area or bullpen whilethe ball is in play.

4) Must not position any coaches or uniformed team membersnear or behind home plate, or behind the backstop while the pitcher is pitchingto the batter or throwing warm-up pitches.

5) May not take warm-up swings on the field of play withthe exception of the batter (provided they are outside the batter’s box) andthe on-deck batter (provided they are in the on-deck circle).

EFFECT – (4.4.4) & (4.4.5) – Theumpire shall warn the offender, and if the violator does not immediately moveaway, the individual shall be ejected from the game.

4.5Positions of the Defensive Team

During or at the start of a game, all players of thedefensive team, except the catcher, must be in fair territory while the ball isput in play.

1) Pitcher: Thepitcher is considered to be in the pitching position when the catcher is inposition to receive the pitch and the pitcher puts both feet on the pitcher’splate. The pitcher may not take thepitching position on the pitcher’s plate without being in possession of theball and may not simulate the pitching position, with or without the ball, whennear the pitcher’s plate.

2) Catcher: Whenthe pitcher steps on the pitcher’s plate, until she releases the pitch, thecatcher must be in the catcher’s box.

3) Outfielders/Infielders:All outfielders and infielders must be in fair territory from the timethe pitcher steps on the pitcher’s plate until she releases the pitch. No part of the fielder’s feet may be outsideor on the lines until the pitch is released

EFFECT – (4.5.1) – (4.5.3) – IllegalPitch (see Rule 9-8)

4)While the ball isin play, all personnel except the nine defensive players on the field mustremain in the bullpen, dugout or dead-ball area.

4.6Team in Field First

The designated home team shall take their positions inthe field at the start of the game and shall be the last team to bat in aninning.

4.7Live Ball

When the umpire calls “Play/Play Ball,” the ball is inplay and live. The ball remains in playand live until, for legal cause or at the umpire’s call of “Timeout/DeadBall/Time,” suspending play, the ball becomes dead.

4.8Delayed Dead Ball

1) A delayed deadball is a ball that remains in play and live even though a violation hasoccurred and been recognized by the umpire (through a delayed dead ballsignal). At the end of the playingaction the umpire shall call “Timeout/Time,” the ball becomes dead, and adecision is made regarding the rules infraction.

2) Under the following circumstances, a delayed dead ballis called:

a) Obstruction by the catcher

b) Illegal Pitch

c) Field Obstruction

d) Interference by the plate umpire

e) Detached equipment interference with a thrown or battedball.

4.9Dead Ball

1) A ball out of play is a dead ball. It may have become ruled dead or blocked.

2) While the ball is dead, no player may be put out, nobases may be run and no runs may be scored, except that runners may advance oneor more bases as the result of:

a)Acts that occurredwhile the ball was live (such as, but not limited to, an illegal pitch,obstruction, an overthrow, interference, a home run or other fair ball hit outof the playing field); or

b)As a result of adead-ball appeal.

3) Each runner must return to her base between pitches andafter a dead ball. A runner who mustreturn to a base while the ball is dead need not touch intervening bases.

4.10Resumption and Suspension of Play

1) “Timeout/Time” shall be signaled and called for thepurpose of suspending play. The umpireholds up a hand instructing the pitcher not to pitch until the catcher, batterand umpire are ready. The ball is deadand no other play shall be allowed until the umpire lowers his/her hand,signifying “Play/Play Ball.”

a)The umpire shallnot call “Timeout/Time” until a play has been completed.

Exception: When necessary,to protect an injured player, the umpires may suspend play immediately.

b)Umpires have the discretion of determining when a team is using tactics to slow down a game or speed up a game. If the umpire feels this is happening, he should first warn the offending person(s), stop the clock, and finally remove the offenders if they continue using these tactics.

c)The umpire shallnot call “Timeout/Time” after a base on balls until the batter-runner hasstopped at first base and each other runner forced to advance has stopped ather next base.

2) A runner, who is touching a base when “Timeout/Time” iscalled, may not advance nor return to her previous base during the suspensionof play.

3) If the pitcher pitches while the umpire is suspendingplay, a “No pitch” shall be declared.

4) After a dead ball, play resumes when the pitcher takesher place on the pitcher’s plate with the ball in her possession, the catcheris in the catcher’s box, all runners have reoccupied the base they occupied atthe time of the pitch and the umpire signals, “Play Ball”.

a) The pitcher must allow sufficient time for the runnerto return to her base.

EFFECT: When the runner is not given sufficient timeto return to a base, they will not be called out for being off base before thepitcher releases the ball. The umpireshall declare, “No Pitch.”

5)The base runner isobligated to return to her base without undue delay.

EFFECT: After allowing sufficient time for the runnerto retouch at the end of playing action, the umpire shall declare the runnerout.

4.11Conferences

1) Charged defensive conference

a) There may be a maximum of two defensive conference per inning or a total of three-charged defensiveconferences per game. When a defensiveconference has been charged, the plate umpire shall notify the head coach oracting head coach. The plate umpireshall record the inning in which it occurred on the team’s line-up card. A charged defensive conference ends when theteam coach/representative crosses the foul line.

EFFECT – The fourth, and each additional charged conference in aseven inning game, or for any charged conference in excess of one per inning inan extra inning game, shall result in the removal of the pitcher from thepitching position for the remainder of the game. The removed pitcher can play another positionon defense, but cannot pitch again. Ifthe pitcher returns to the pitching position after being removed and one pitchhas been thrown, the pitcher is ejected from the game.

2)The following arenot charged defensive conferences:

a)Requesting asuspension of play in order to remove the pitcher from the pitching position(provided the umpire is informed of the charge before the representative stepsover the foul line) or to make a defensive substitution.

b)Shoutinginstructions to the defense from the dugout without requesting a suspension ofplay.

c)Requesting asuspension of play for an obviously incapacitated player.

d)Conferring withthe defense during a charged offensive conference and being ready to play oncethe umpire instructs the offensive team “Play Ball / Play.”

e)Requesting asuspension of play in order to attend to a potentially injured or sickplayer. An umpire must supervise theprocess.

f)Requesting asuspension of play for a defensive player to make an equipment change.

3)Charged offensiveconference.

a)There may be amaximum of one charged offensive conference per inning. The plate umpire shall notify the acting headcoach or head coach when an offensive conference has been charged. The plate umpire shall record the inning inwhich it occurred and make note of t on the team’s lineup card.

EFFECT: The umpire shall not permit more than oneoffensive conference per inning. Acoach, who defies an umpire by holding another charged conference, shall beejected.

b) The followingare not charged offensive conferences:

i)Requesting asuspension of play in order to make a change in the offensive line-up.

ii) Shouting instructions to the offense without requestinga suspension of play.

iii) Conferring with the offense during a charged defensiveconference and being ready to play once the umpire instructs the defensive team“Play Ball / Play.”

NOTE: If the offensive team is not ready to play,they are in jeopardy of being charged with an offensive conference.

iv) Requesting a suspension of play in order to attend to apotentially injured or sick player. Anumpire must supervise the process.

v) Requesting a suspension of play for an obviouslyincapacitated player.

vi) Requesting a suspension of play for a runner to put ona sweatshirt / jacket.

vii) Requesting a suspension of play for a runner or batterto make an equipment change.

4.12Regulation Game

1) Seven innings shall be a regulation game, unless:

a) The game is extended because of a tie score.

b) The game is shortened because:

i) The umpire calls the game.

ii) The home team needs none or only part of its half ofthe seventh inning to score more runs than the visiting team.

c) It is a regulation game when the umpire terminates playby calling, “Game.” If, however, a teamwishes to lodge a protest or appeal on the final play of the game, it mustimmediately inform the umpire of that intent.

d) Free substitutions, speed-up or any other optionalrules may not be used.

e) In a time limit game, the minimum number of inning(s)rule is not in effect, however, the visiting / home team rule is still ineffect.

4.13Tie Breaker Rule

If, after thecompletion of seven innings (or a time limit has expired) of play, the score istied, the following tie-breaker may be used to determine a winner.

1) Starting with the top of the next inning, and eachhalf-inning thereafter, the offensive team shall begin its turn at bat with theplayer scheduled to bat ninth in that half-inning being placed on second base(e.g., if the No. 5 batter is the lead-off batter, the No. 4 batter in the battingorder will be placed on second base). Asubstitute may be inserted for the runner for scoring.

2) Whether or not the tie breaker procedure will be used,and when it shall be invoked, must be determined at the pre-game meeting. Use of the tie breaker rule also can bedetermined by tournament policy.

4.14 Called Game

1) The plate umpire shall declare a regulation called gameif, after five or more innings have been completed, she/he terminates play(i.e., lightning, rain, darkness, fire, panic or other causes that place thefans/players in danger). The score shallbe that of the last equal inning played, except that in the followingcircumstances, the score of the game shall be the total number of runs thateach team has scored:

a) If the home team has scored more runs at the end of itsfourth inning than the visiting team has scored in their five offensivehalf-innings.

b) If the home team has scored, in an unequal number ofinnings, more runs than the visiting team.

c) If the home team is at bat when the game is called andhas scored in the incomplete inning the same number of runs or more runs thanthe visiting team.

d) If a team is ahead by twelve or more runs after threeinnings, ten runs after four innings, eight or more runs after five innings.

e) Tournament games using time limits must complete aminimum of 50% of the scheduled time to constitute an official completed game.

i) For cancelled games that meet the 50%criteria, the last completed inning will be used to determine winners and tiebreakers, unless the home team is ahead after a half inning.

2) After a conference with the tournament official(s), thegame may be called at any time due to crowd behavior, facility problems orother causes that place the patrons or players in danger.

NOTE: If a game is delayed due to inclementweather, a facility problem, etc., a reasonable amount of time (not less than30 minutes) must elapse before the game is called.

4.15Halted Game

1) A halted gameshall be declared by the plate umpire, if play must be temporarily suspendedwith the intent that it will resume at some later date or time. When play resumes after having beentemporarily suspended, it must start at exactly the point of being halted. The batting orders and line-ups of both teamsmust be exactly the same as they were, subject to the rules of substitution,and any player who played or was announced as a substitute before the game washalted must be in the lineup when play resumes or be ineligible for the remainderof the game.

2) Whether or not the halted game rule will be used mustbe determined at the pre-game meeting.Use of the halted rule also can be determined by tournament policy.

NOTE: If the halted game rule is not utilized, agame stoppage with the score tied is considered a regulation tie game, not ahalted game and may not be resumed.

4.16Forfeited Game

1) A forfeited gameshall be declared by the umpires in favor of the team not at fault in thefollowing cases:

a) If, after the game has begun, one side refuses to play.

b) If a team is on-site, but refuses to begin a game whichis scheduled or assigned within five minutes after the umpire has called “PlayBall / Play”, unless such a delay in appearing or in commencing the game isunavoidable.

c) If, after play has been suspended by the umpire, oneside fails to resume play within two minutes after the umpire has called “PlayBall / Play.”

d) If, after warning by the umpire, any one of the rulesof the game is persistently and willfully violated.

e) If a team employs tactics obviously designed to shortenor delay the game.

f)If, because of theremoval of player(s) from the game by the umpire or for any cause, there arefewer than eight players on the team.

g) If the order for the removal of a player, teampersonnel or coach is not obeyed in a timely manner and a final 60-second forfeitwarning has been issued and has elapsed.

h) Illegal player (non-rostered) will be ejected from the game, along with the head coach and will be issued a 7-0 forfeit. The iillegal player may not return to the event.

i)If an ejected player is discovered to be participatingagain, in the same event, a 7-0 forfeit is declared and the team removed from the event.

2) The score of a forfeited game shall be 7-0 in favor ofthe team not at fault.

NOTE: All gameumpires must agree in order to declare a forfeited game.

4.17 Tie-breakerTournament Formula

NOTE: If there is amultiple team tie for a placement, each scenario must be brokenindependently. (Example: A three-way tie - Determine which teamfinishes first and then start the tie-breaking process from the beginning againfor the other two teams.)

4.18Maximum Time Limit between Half Innings

Each team will have a maximum of one (1) minutemid-inning to be ready to continue play of the game.

Effect: The team not ready to begin will have a ballor strike called against them. Eachadditional full or portion of a minute will result in additional ball or strikeuntil play resumes.

SECTION 5 – APPEALS AND PROTESTS____________________

***All protests for an "illegal player" must be presented in real time and carry a $100 protest fee!***

5.1Appeals

1) An appeal is a rule violation or play on which theumpire does not make a ruling until requested by a player or coach.

2) Submitting an inaccurate line-up card does notconstitute an appeal or penalty, the “correct and continue rule” is in effect.

3) The following may be appealed:

a) Missing a base.

b) Batting out of order.

c) Attempting to advance to second base after making theturn at first base.

d) Leaving a base on a caught fly ball before the ball istouched first.

4) Until put out, a runner is assumed safe. A runner is safe, if a proper appeal is notmade.

a) If a runner misses home plate and the catcher misses ormakes no attempt to tag the runner, the umpire shall make a safe signal anddeclare “No Tag”. If a proper appeal isrequested, by tagging the runner or plate before the runner returns to the plate, the runner shall be declared out.

b) If a runner passes first base before the throw arrives,she is considered to have touched the base unless an appeal play is made beforeshe returns to first base.

5) Appeals may be requested when the ball is dead (out ofplay) or live (in play).

a) Live-ballappeal:

i) A live-ball appeal is made by touching thebase the runner missed or left before a fly ball was first touched or bytagging the runner who committed the violation, provided she is still on theplaying field, and indicating to the umpire what is being appealed (ifnecessary).

ii) Runners may advance during the live-ball appeal play.

iii) A live-ball appeal can be made after a play on arunner.

iv) When the ball goes out of play, a live-ball appealcannot be made.

b)Dead-ball appeal:

i)Once the ball isdead, a coach or fielder (with or without the ball) may ask the umpire to makea decision on the appealed play.

ii) Runners may not advance as the ball remains dead untilthe next pitch.

iii) When the ball goes out of play, the dead-ball appealcannot be made until the umpire places a new ball into the game.

iv) If the pitcher has possession of the ball and is incontact with the pitching plate when making a verbal appeal, no illegal pitchis called.

v) When “Play Ball” has been declared by the umpire, andthe pitcher, coach or a fielder then requests an appeal, the umpire would againcall “Time” and allow the appeal process.

6) Appeals may be made after the third out.

7) Appeals must be made:

a) Before the next pitch, legal or illegal

8) More than one appeal may be made at a time, however,each appeal must be completed before the next appeal will be considered.

9) A runner may not return to touch a missed base or oneleft too soon on a caught fly ball if:

a) She has left the field of play

b) A following runner has scored

c) They are standing on a base beyond the base they lefttoo soon and “Timeout / Time” has been called by the umpire or the ball becomesdead.

10) With regard to the scoring of runs:

a) If there are two outs before the appeal on a runner,the appeal becoming the third out, no runners following the appealed out shallscore.

b) If the appeal is a forced third out, no runnerspreceding or following the appealed out shall score.

Notes:

i) If a forced runner, after touching the nextbase, retreats for any reason toward the base they had last occupied, the forceplay is re-instated, and they may again be put out if the defense tags the baseto which they were forced.

ii)There cannot be a force out if the batter does notbecome a batter-runner or runner.

11) If a runnerleaves a base too soon on a caught fly ball and returns in an attempt to retag,this is considered a timing play and not a force out. If the appeal is the third out, all runsscored by the runner in advance of the appealed runner and scored ahead of thelegal appeal would count.

12) An appeal may be made after the third out in order tonullify a run.

EXAMPLE: With one outand runners on first and third, the batter hits a fly ball that is caught. Each runner leaves the base before the caughtball is touched. An appeal is made atfirst base for the third out. Thedefensive team then

makes an appeal at third base. The runner on third then will be declared outalso and the run will not count.

5.2Protests: NCS will allow tournament directors to require a $100 protest fee.

1) Protests shall be allowed in the following cases:

a. Failure to apply the correct rule to a situation.

b. Failure to impose the correct effect for a givenviolation.

c. Misapplication of a playing rule.

2) Protests willnot be allowed on judgment calls.

3) Protest protocol should involve the following steps:

a. The coach shall immediately (before the next pitch)notify the plate umpire of his/her intent to protest.

b. If the game ends (legal contest) in a situation thatcan be protested, the offended team must immediately inform the umpire of itsintent to protest.

c. The plate umpire shall in turn notify the opposing headcoach, official scorekeeper and tournament director of the “said” protest.

d. If the protest occurs in a tournament, which has theprocess for an on-site protest resolution, the protest shall be ruled on beforeplay resumes.

i. On-site protest committee shall be determined by thetournament director at his/her discretion.

4) Decisions rendered on a protested game must result inone of the following:

a. The protest is considered invalid and the game canresume or the game score stands as played.

b. The protest is considered valid, the decision will becorrected and the game will resume from the point of correction.

c. If an "illegal player" has been determined, the opposing team will be awarded a 7-0 win. If an "ineligible player" has been determined, the team will be required to correct the situation and the game will continue.

SECTION 6 –PLAYERS AND SUBSTITUTES__________________

6.1Players on a Team

1) A team must have the required number of players presentin the dugout or team area to start or continue a game. All teams must have rosters online with players pending/approved on the event director's view.

a)Managers & coach must be listed on team account or roster to be eligible to coach on the field during games.

2) In the 14U / 16U / 18U Divisions, players listed in thestarting lineup and not available at game time may be substituted for andre-entered later. The players andnumbers by which they are identified are as follows:

a) Without a designated player – nine positions: pitcher (1), catcher (2), first baseman (3),second baseman (4), third baseman (5), shortstop (6), left fielder (7), centerfielder (8), right fielder (9).

Note:A designated player may not be used, if a team begins the game with nineplayers.

3) Inthe 8U / 10U / 12U divisions, players listed in the starting lineup and notavailable at game time may be substituted for and re-entered later. The players and numbers by which they are identifiedare as follows:

a) Without a designated player – nine or tenpositions: pitcher (1), catcher (2),first baseman (3), second baseman (4), third baseman (5), shortstop (6), leftfielder (7), center fielder (8), right fielder (9), X-Player (10) optional.

Note:A designated player may not be used, if a team begins the game with nineplayers.

4) A defensive player is permitted to change to adifferent defensive position at any time.The plate umpire and official scorekeeper need not be notified.

5) After starting a game with nine players, a team canplay shorthanded down to eight players, for any reason. A shorthanded position in the lineup is anautomatic out.

6) A game may begin with eight players, however, ifanother player arrives, that player must be inserted into the lineup at theninth batting position. Whenever a teamis playing with only eight players, an out will be taken when the last positionin the batting order appears.

7) Under no circumstances shall a team be permitted tocontinue a game, offensively or defensively, with less than eight players.

8) Only players, listed coaches and game personnel will beallowed in the dugout/field in any NCS event.

9) Players/teams may not play on multiple teams in the same weekend within the NCS organization. This includes different agedivisions within the event. Class C Players may be added to an "A" or "B" roster, however, a player on an "A" or "B" roster may NOT play in a Class C event.

10) NCS fastpitch currently offers girls divisions and stands ready to offer coed fastpitch division, if requested.

6.2 Defense Only (FLEX) and Designated Player(DP) Batter ONLY

The following regulations govern the use of a defenseonly (FLEX) and a designated player (DP) batter only.

1) 14U, 16U& 18U may use the XP player (10 batter) only at the discretionof the tournament director, including Championship Play.

a. The DP’s uniform number and name must beplaced in one of the first nine or ten batting positions (depending on whetheran XP are used) on the line-up card for 14U/16U/18U game.

b. The FLEX’s uniform number and name must beplaced in the last position on the line-up card.

c. The DP must remain in the same position inthe batting order throughout the entire game and can only bat/run for the FLEX(no one else).

d. The DP and FLEX may not be in the battingorder at the same time.

e. When the FLEX goes into bat in the DPposition, it counts as a substitute for the DP because she has left the gamefor the time being.

f. If the DP replaces the FLEX on defense, theFLEX position on the line-up card is removed.If the FLEX re-enters, it counts as a charged substitution for the FLEXand the FLEX position on the line-up card is re-established.

g. The starting DP, once replaced offensively,may re-enter (return to her original position in the batting order) onetime. If she does re-enter, she mustbat/run for the FLEX. She may just playoffense for the FLEX or, at the same time that she plays offense, she mayeither play defense for the FLEX or play defense for another player in thebatting order.

2) Age divisionsof 8U / 10U / 12U may only bat a maximum of 10 players at any time during thegame.

a. The DP’s uniform number and name must beplaced in one of the first eleven batting positions on the line-up card for the8U/10U/12U games.

b. The FLEX’s uniform number and name must beplaced in the last position on the line-up card, regardless of the number ofbatters.

c. The DP must remain inthe same position in the batting order throughout the entire game.

d. The DP and FLEX may not be in the battingorder at the same time.

e. When the FLEX goes into bat in the DPposition, it counts as a substitute for the DP because she has left the gamefor the time being.

f. If the DP replaces the FLEX on defense, theFLEX position on the line-up card is removed.If the FLEX re-enters, it counts as a charged substitution for the FLEXand the FLEX position on the line-up card is re-established.

g. The starting DP, once replaced offensively,may re-enter (return to her original position in the batting order) onetime. If she does re-enter, she mustbat/run for the FLEX. She may just playoffense for the FLEX or, at the same time that she plays offense, she mayeither play defense for the FLEX or play defense for another player in thebatting order.

6.3Ejected Player / Coach / Personnel

1) Umpires have the authority to remove a player and/orother team personnel from further participation in a game for just cause.

2) The directive/order for the removal of a coach, playeror team personnel must be obeyed in a timely manner.

EFFECT: If the directive/order for the removal of acoach, player or team personnel is not obeyed in a timely manner, a one-minuteforfeit warning shall be issued. If thewarning expires, a forfeited game shall be declared.

3) An ejected player may remain in the dugout, however,may not communicate with the umpires or opponents. An ejected coach must leave dugout, playingfield and facility and must not communicate with umpires or opponents. An umpire may also rule a player to leave thefacility.

EFFECT: The ejected player who communicates withumpires or opponents must leave the site of the competition.

4) Ejected non-playing personnel must leave the dug-outand playing field and may not communicate further with the umpires orteams. They may occupy space along theright field and left field foul lines beyond third base and first base orbehind the home run fence, but they may not go behind the backstop near thebullpens or dugout, or along the infield portion of the third and first baselines.

5) An ejected coach or player may not participate in thegame again.

EFFECT: (4 & 5) – If the directive/order for theremoval of a coach, player or team personnel is not obeyed in a timely manner,a one minute forfeit warning shall be issued.If the warning expires, a forfeited game shall be declared by the umpirein favor of the team not at fault.

6.4Starting Player

8U/10U/12U teams may elect nine or ten batters for thatgame. Once a line-up is submitted theline-up may not be reduced without an "outpenalty" in any spot in the batting order, not filled by aneligible substitute. 14U/16U/18U agedivisions may elect to use the XP Rule at the discretion of the tournamentdirector, including championship play.

8U/10U/12U coaches are entitled to decide whether theybat 9 or 10 batters and the opposing coach has that same option, however, it isnot required that each team utilize the same exact number of batters.

1) Once a lineup card has been reviewed and submitted tothe plate umpire, it becomes official and establishes that teams intentions forthe remainder of that game.

2) Any batter on the line-up card may play any defensiveposition.

3) Each starter is entitled to be replaced and to re-enterthe game one time, as long as she assumes her original position in the battingorder.

Exception: The FLEX mayre-enter either in the designated player’s (DP) position in the batting orderor in her original (last) position in the line-up.

6.5Substitute Player

1) Player substitutions shall be governed by thefollowing:

a) When the ball is dead, any player may be substitutedfor at any time.

b) At the time a substitute enters the game, the coach ofthe team making the substitution shall immediately notify the plateumpire. Projected re-entries are notallowed.

c) Substitutes shall be considered officially in the gamewhen reported to the plate umpire.

d) The substitute must take the place of the replacedplayer on the team’s line-up card.

e) The plate umpire shall record any substitutions on theline-up card and announce immediately, or cause to be announced any suchsubstitutions.

f) The plate umpire shall report the change to theopposing team and to the scorer before the next pitch.

g) When two or more substitute players of the defensiveteam enter the game at the same time, the coach shall immediately designate tothe home plate umpire the position of each player in the team’s batting order.

h) The batter may be removed before having received apitch, whether or not she has completed her turn at bat and whether or not theside has been retired.

i) Each substitute is entitled to be replaced and re-enterthe game one time as long as they assume their original position in the battingorder.

2) Pitcher Substitutions shall be governed by thefollowing:

a) The pitcher may be removed from the pitching positionbefore having delivered a pitch, whether or not the first batter facing her hascompleted her turn at bat and whether or not the side has been retired.

b) The umpire must remove the pitcher from the pitchingposition if the defensive team has already used the allotted three defensiveconferences in a seven-inning game, or for any charged conference in excess ofone per inning in an extra inning game.The removed pitcher may not pitch again for the remainder of the game,but may otherwise participate in the game.If the pitcher returns to the pitching position after being removed, andone pitch has been thrown, the pitcher is ejected from the game.

EFFECT: Apitcher who is removed by an umpire shall be ejected if they return to thepitching position and delivers one pitch

c) Following a pitching change, a relief pitcher may throwno more than five warm-up pitches. Playshall be suspended during that time.

EFFECT: A ballshall be awarded to the batter for each warm-up pitch in excess of five. Exception:This penalty does not apply if the umpire delays the start of play forany reason.

d) With an in-game pitching change, the new pitcher must pitch to a minimum of three (3) batters or until the end of the inning/game, whichever comes first. Injury to the pitcher, at the discretion of the umpire may override the three (3) batter minimum.

e.) A pitcher is not entitled to warm-up pitches if theyreturn to pitch in the same half inning of play.

EFFECT: A ballshall be awarded to the batter for each warm-up pitch. Exception: This penalty does not apply ifthe umpire delays the start of play for any reason.

3) Unreported substitutions shall be governed by thefollowing regulations:

a) If the coach in violation informs the home plate umpirebefore the offended team’s challenge, there is NO penalty regardless of the

b) Length of time the unreported player was in the game. The unreported player shall be declared“officially” in the game.

c) If an unreported player is reported to the home plateumpire by the opposing team before the pitch is made (legal or illegal); thereis NO penalty. The unreported playershall be declared “officially” in the game.

d) If the unreported player is reported by the defensebefore the offensive coach in violation informs the umpire and:

i) A pitch has been thrown, but the unreported playerstill is at bat.

EFFECT: Theunreported player is called out and declared officially in the game. Any advance by the base runners while theunreported player was at bat is legal.

ii) The unreported player has completed their turn at bat,but the next pitch (legal or illegal) has not yet been thrown or the pitcherand all infielders clearly have not vacated their normal fielding positions andhave not left fair territory.

EFFECT: Theunreported player is called out and declared officially in the game. Any advance by base runners as a result ofthe unreported player becoming a batter-base-runner is nullified and outs arealso nullified.

iii)The unreportedplayer has completed their turn at bat, but a pitch (legal or illegal) has beenthrown to the next batter, or the pitcher and all infielders clearly have vacatedtheir normal fielding positions and have left fair territory.

EFFECT: If onbase, the unreported player is called out and declared officially in thegame. Any advance by base runners whilethe unreported player was at bat or due to her becominga batter-runner is legal.

d) If the unreported player is reported by the offensebefore the defensive coach in violation informs the umpire; and

i) The unreported player has made a play, but the nextpitch (legal or illegal) has not yet been thrown, the pitcher and allinfielders clearly have not vacated their normal fielding positions and havenot left fair territory, or it is the last play of the game and the umpireshave not yet left the field.

EFFECT: Theunreported player is declared officially in the game. The offensive team has the option of takingthe result of the play or having the last batter return and assume the ball andstrike count they had before the report of the unreported player witheach runner returning to the base legally occupied atthe time of the last pitch.

ii) The unreported player has made a play and the nextpitch (legal or illegal) has been thrown or the pitcher and the infielders haveclearly vacated their normal fielding positions and have left fair territory.

EFFECT: Theunreported player is declared officially in the game and the play willstand. In addition, each runner on baseat the time of the report is awarded one base.

iii) The unreported player has not made a play and the nextpitch (legal or illegal) has been thrown.

EFFECT: Theunreported player is declared officially in the game and all play will stand.

Notes:

a)If an unreported player is also an illegal player, thepenalty for an illegal player applies.

b)Violation of the unreported player rule may be reportedto the umpire at any time.

4) Injured player substitutions shall be governed by thefollowing regulations:

a) Substitutes for an injured player must be allowedadequate time to warm-up. Play shall besuspended during the time.

b) If an injury to a runner or batter-runner prevents themfrom proceeding to an awarded base, the ball is dead and substitutions may bemade. The substitute must legally touchall missed or awarded bases not previously touched.

5) Ineligible Player(s)

a) Players who compete in the game, but are not entitledto play include:

i) INELEIGIBLE Pitcher. A player who returns to pitchafter being removed from the pitching position by the umpire.

EFFECT: Oncediscovered, the Ineligible pitcher shall be replaced and all play stands.

ii) An ejected player entering or re-entering the game is an illegal player and grounds for a 7-0 forfeit.

b) The following regulations govern ineligible players;

i)If the coach inviolation informs the plate umpire before the offended team’s challenge, allplay stands, regardless of the length of time the ineligible player was in thegame. The ineligible player is replaced.

ii) If the ineligible player is reported to the plate umpireby the opposing team before a pitch is thrown (legal or illegal), the ineligibleplayer is replaced.

iii) If the ineligible player is reported by the defense beforethe offensive coach in violation informs the umpire and:

(1) A pitch has been thrown, but the ineligible player isstill at bat.

EFFECT: Theplayer is replaced by the correct batter and assumes the count and play continues. Any advanceby base runners while the player was at bat is legal.

(2) The ineligible player has completed their turn at bat, buta pitch (legal or illegal) has not been thrown to the next batter, or thepitcher and all infielders clearly have not vacated their normal fieldingpositions and have not left fair territory.

EFFECT: Theineligible player is called out and removed from the base.Any advance by base runners as a result of the ineligible player becoming abatter-runner is nullified.

(3) The ineligible player has completed their turn at bat, buta pitch (legal or illegal) has been thrown to the next batter, or the pitcherand all infielders clearly have vacated their normal fielding positions andhave left fair territory.

EFFECT: Theplayer is called out. Anyadvance by base runners while the illegal player was at bat or due to herbecoming a batter-runner is legal.

iv) If the unreported player is reported by the defensebefore the offensive coach in violation informs the umpire and:

(1)The ineligible playerhas made a play, but the next pitch (illegal or legal) has not been thrown, orthe pitcher and all infielders have not vacated their normal fielding positionsand have not left fair territory.

EFFECT: Theplayer is removed. The offensive teamhas the choice of having the last batter return and assume the ball and strikecount they had before the report of the ineligibleplayer with each runner returning to the base legally occupied at the time of the last pitch or taking the result of the play.

(2)The ineligible playerhas made a play and the next pitch (illegal or legal) has been thrown.

EFFECT: Theplayer is removed/replaced, and all play will stand.In addition, each runner on base at the time of the report is awardedone base.

(3)The ineligible playerhas not made a play and the next pitch (illegal or legal) has been thrown.

EFFECT: The playwill stand, and the player is removed/replaced

Note: Violationof the ineligible player rule may be reported at any time to the umpire.

6.6 Re-Entry

1) Any of theplayers, including FLEX and a designated player (DP) may be substituted andre-entered once, providing players occupy the samebatting positionwhen in the line-up order. The startingplayer and their substitute may not be in the line-up at the same time.

EFFECT: A player who illegally re-entered the gameshall be removed and subject to ineligible-player penalties.

Notes:

a)If a substitution violates both the player-substitutionrules and the re-entry rules, the unreported/ineligible player shall be removed and subject to ineligible player penalties.

b)Violation of the re-entry rule may be reported at anytime to the umpire.

2) A starting player removed from the pitching position asa result of a second charged defensive conference in one inning:

a)Cannot return tothe pitching position

b)May re-enter thegame at another position.

EFFECT: The pitcher shall be removed if they returnto the pitching position and delivers one pitch.

6.7Courtesy Runners (CR)

The team on offense (at bat) may use a courtesy runner(CR) for the catcher and/or pitcher at any time. The catcher and pitcher are identified asthose players who actually were playing those positions at the end of theprevious half-inning. In the top of thefirst inning ONLY, the catcher and pitcher areidentified as the players listed on the line-upcard. Neither the catcher, nor thepitcher is required to leave the game under this rule. All courtesy runners must be entered for thepitcher and catcher at any time.

1) First option for courtesy runner: A courtesy runner must be an eligiblesubstitute currently not in the game.

The CR may:

a) Run for the catcher or pitcher anytime during the samegame.

b) Run for the designated player, if the designated playerwas physically catching or pitching at the end of the previous half-inning.

2) The CR maynot:

a) Run for both the catcher and the pitcher during thesame inning.

b) Run for the designated player, if the designated playeris batting for the catcher or the pitcher.

c) When on base, be replaced by another courtesy runner,nor by the catcher or pitcher for whom she is running.

Exception: Another courtesy runner, catcher or pitchermay run should an injury occur.

d) Be used during the inning a substitute entered to batfor the catcher, even if she re-entered.

e) Be used during the inning a substitute entered to batfor the pitcher, even if she re-entered.

Exception: Should any offensive player be unable tocontinue for any reason or injured, with no substitutes available, the courtesyrunner must be used to replace the player and enters the game as asubstitute. If the courtesy runner isstill on base, the catcher or pitcher for whom she is running must return as abase-runner.

3)The coach of theteam on offense (at bat) must report each use of the courtesy runner to theplate umpire, otherwise, they are considered an unreported substitute. A player who violates the courtesy runnerrule or is not eligible is considered to be an illegal substitute.

SECTION 7 –BLOCKED BALL_____________________________

Blocked Ball - A live thrown or batted ball that contacts: (1) dead-ball terrain; or (2) contacts gamepersonnel in unauthorized areas, non-game personnel, an object that is neitherpart of the official playing area or official game equipment, loose equipment.

7.1 Foul Batted Blocked Ball

A foul batted ball becomes blocked when it contacts loose equipmentbelonging to either team or non-game/game personnel.

EFFECT:A foul ball is called. The ballis dead. Runners return to the baselegally occupied at the time of the pitch.

7.2 Fair Batted Blocked Ball

A fair batted ball becomes blocked:

1) When it contacts loose offensive equipment on theplaying field, but not involved in the game.

EFFECT:The ball is dead.

o No one iscalled out, if no apparent play is obvious.Each runner must return to the last base legally touched at the time theball became blocked.

o Interferenceis ruled, if the blocked ball prevented the defense from making a play. The runner closest to home at the time of theinterference shall be declared out and other runners must return to the lastbase legally touched before the batted ball hit the loose equipment.

2) When it contacts loose equipment belonging to thedefense.

3) When it deflects off a defensive player and crossesinto dead-ball territory (excluding a ball deflected over the home-run fence infair territory); or passes an infielder (excluding the pitcher), deflects off arunner or umpire, and crosses into dead-ball territory, provided no otherinfielder has a chance to make a play.

4) When it wedges under, bounces over or passes through afence or any designated boundary of the playing field; or lodges in theshrubbery, in the fence or in the vines on the fence.

EFFECT:The ball is dead. The batter isawarded second base and credited with a double (two-base hit). Each runner is awarded two bases from thebase legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

5) When it strikes the foul pole, above the fence level,or leaves the playing field in fair territory without touching the ground orgoing through the fence.

EFFECT:The ball is dead. Thebatter-runner is entitled to a home run, the base runner(s) are awarded homeplate.

7.3 Equipment Blocked Ball

1) No loose equipment (i.e., hats, mitts/gloves, jackets,helmets, on-deck batter’s bats, balls) detached parts of a player’s uniform ormiscellaneous items, other than that being legally used in the game at thetime, should be within playable territory as it could cause a blocked ball. Official equipment which may be withinplayable territory with no effect includes the catcher’s mask and helmet, thebatter’s bat, umpire paraphernalia, and any helmet which has unintentionallyfallen off the head of a defensive or offensive player during the course ofplay.

2) When a ball becomes lodged in the attached equipment orclothing of an umpire or offensive player.

EFFECT:The ball is dead. The batter andeach base runner are awarded the bases they would have reached had the ball notbecome lodged.

3) When a ball becomes lodged in the attached equipment orclothing of a defensive player.

EFFECT:The ball is live until it is judged by the umpire to no longer beplayable, at which time it is declared dead.

4) No base runner may intentionally remove her helmet orother personal equipment to purposely interfere with a thrown or batted ball.

EFFECT:The ball is dead. The runner isout. Each other base runner must returnto the last base legally touched at the time of the interference.

7.4 Live Thrown Blocked Ball

A live thrown ball becomes blocked:

1) When it is overthrown and crosses into dead-ballterritory.

EFFECT:The ball is dead. The batter andeach runner are awarded two bases from their respective positions when the ballleft the fielder’s hand.

Exception: When a fielderloses possession of the ball, such as on an attempted tag, and the ball becomesblocked, each runner is awarded one base from the last base touched at the timethe ball became blocked.

Notes:

a)The direction that a runner is headed when an overthrowoccurs has no bearing on the award.

b)When a runner touches the next base and returns to heroriginal base, the original base she left is considered the last base touchedfor the purpose of an overthrow award.

c)If two runners are between the same bases when anoverthrown ball leave(s) the fielder’s hand, the award is based on the positionof the lead runner (i.e., two runners between first and second will be awarded

d)Second and third; however, if two runners are betweensecond and third, both will be awarded home).

2) When it contacts loose offensive equipment on theplaying field, but not involved in the game.

EFFECT:

oThe ball is dead.If no apparent play is obvious, no one is called out. Each runner must return to the last baselegally touched at the time the ball became blocked.

oIf the blocked ball prevented the defense from making aplay, interference is ruled. The runnerclosest to home at the time of the interference shall be declared out, and eachother runner must return to the last base legally touched before the thrownball hit the loose equipment.

3) When it contacts loose defensive equipment on theplaying field, but not involved in the game.

EFFECT:The ball is dead. The batter andeach runner are awarded two bases from their respective positions when the ballleft the fielder’s hand. If two runnersare between the same bases, the awarded is based on the position of the leadrunner.

7.5 Catch and Carry Blocked Ball

A live thrown or batted ball becomes blocked when it is caught by afielder and carried into dead-ball territory.This is generally referred to as a “catch and carry.”

7.6 Pitched Blocked Ball

A pitched ball becomes blocked when it goes under or lodges in, over orthrough the backstop or into dead-ball territory.

EFFECT:The ball is dead. If the batterreceives a base on balls or legally advances on a dropped third strike and thepitch becomes blocked, she will be awarded first base only. All runners are awarded one base from thebase legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

7.7 Game Personnel in UnauthorizedAreas

A fair thrown or batted ball becomes blocked when it contacts gamepersonnel in unauthorized areas. (e.g.outside the dugout, but in the field of play).

1) When a fair batted ball contacts a member of thedefensive team.

EFFECT:The ball is dead. The batter isawarded second base and credited with a double (two-base hit). Each runner is awarded two bases from thebase legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

2) When a fair batted ball contacts a member of theoffensive team.

EFFECT:

oThe ball is dead.If no apparent play is obvious, no one is called out. Each runner must return to the last baselegally touched at the time the ball became blocked.

oIf the blocked ball prevented the defense from making aplay, interference is ruled. The runnerclosest to home at the time of the interference shall be declared out, and eachother runner must return to the last base legally touched before the battedball became blocked.

3) When a live thrown ball contacts a member of thedefensive team.

EFFECT:The ball is dead. The batter andeach runner are awarded two bases from their respective positions when the ballleft the fielder’s hand. If two runnersare between the same bases, the award is based on the position of the leadrunner.

4)When a live thrownball contacts a member of the offensive team.

EFFECT:

oThe ball is dead. If no apparent play is obvious, noone is called out. Each runner mustreturn to the last base legally touched at the time the ball became blocked.

oIf the blocked ball prevented the defense from making aplay, interference is ruled. The runnerclosest to home at the time of the interference shall be declared out and eachother runner must return to the last base legally touched before the thrownball became blocked.

SECTION 8 –INTERFERENCE & OBSTRUCTION______________

Interference

Interference is an act that denies a defensive player a reasonableopportunity to make a play (throw/field) anywhere on the playing field. The act may be unintentional or intentional,and the ball must have been playable.Interference may be caused by individual offensive players (runner,batter-runner, batter, on-deck batter), umpires, coaches, non-game personnel orspectators, and by the offensive team as a whole or by loose equipment thatbelongs to them.

8.1 Interference by On-Deck Batter

The on-deck batter may not interfere with the defensive player’sreasonable opportunity to make a play.

EFFECT:

o If theinterference is with a defensive player fielding a fly ball, the ball is dead,the batter is out and each other runner must return to the base legallyoccupied at the time of the pitch.

o If theinterference involves a pitched or thrown ball, the ball is dead. The runner closest to home plate at the timeof the interference shall be declared out and each other runner must return tothe last base legally touched at the time of the interference, unless forced toadvance.

8.2 Interference by Batter

Batter interference occurs while the batter is at bat and before shecompletes her turn at bat.

1) The batter shall not step directly in front of thecatcher, from one batter’s box to the other batter’s box while the pitcher isin the position ready to pitch.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. The batter is out. Each runner must return to the base legallyoccupied at the time of the pitch.

2) The batter shall not hinder the catcher or any otherfielder from throwing or catching the ball by stepping out of the batter’s box,or intentionally hinder a player (e.g., Play at home plate or a pickoff/stealthrow) while standing within the batter’s box.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. The batter is out. Each runner must return to the last basethat, in the umpire’s judgment, was legally touched at the time of theinterference.

Exceptions:

a) If there are fewer than two outs and a runner is advancingto home plate, the runner, instead of the batter is out. The ball is dead.

b) If the batter strikes out and interferes with thecatcher’s attempt to throw out a runner, the runner is also out. The ball is dead.

c) If the batter interferes with the catcher’s returnthrow to the pitcher (catcher is not making a play on a base runner) and therunner advances safely, the umpire should call time and return the runner(s) tothe base occupied at the time of the accidental interference.

Notes:

1)The batter’s box is not a “safe haven” for the batterwhen a play is being made at the plate.

2)If the catcher or her throw to a base hits the bat orthe batter while she is in the batter’s box, the ball is live and there is nointerference, unless the contact is intentional and initiated by the batter.

3) The batter may not swing and miss a pitched ball andthen intentionally hit it on a second swing or after it bounces off the catcheror her glove/mitt.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. The batter is out. Each runner must return to the base legallyoccupied at the time of the pitch.

Note: If thebatter swings and misses the pitched ball, but accidentally makes contact onthe follow-through, it is not interference.The ball is dead. All runnersmust return to the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

4) The batter may not release the bat in such a way thatit prevents the catcher from making a play or hits the catcher.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. The batter is out. Each runner must return to the base legallyoccupied at the time of the pitch.

Note: If the catcher trips over the bat after thebatter merely dropped it, there is no interference.

8.3Interference by Batter-Runner

1) The batter may not, after slapping/bunting/hitting afair ball, contact the ball with the bat a second time in fair territory. For example:

a) The batter may not contact the ball a second time whenshe is out of the batter’s box and the bat is still in her hand(s).

EFFECT: The ballis dead. The batter is out. Each runner must return to the base legallyoccupied at the time of the pitch.

b) The batter may not throw or drop the bat in such thatit lands on (hits) the ball in fair territory.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. The batter is out. Each runner must return to the base legallyoccupied at the time of the pitch.

Exceptions:

(1) If the bat is out of the batter’s hands (on theground), the ball rolls against the bat and in the umpire’s judgment, there wasno intent to interfere with the course of the ball, the ball is live, no one isout for interference, and base runner(s) may advance with liability to be putout.

(a) It is a foul ball if the ball touches the bat in fairterritory and then rolls to foul ground and stops. It is a foul ball if the ball rolls againstthe bat in foul territory.

(b) The ball remains live if the ball rolls against the batin fair territory. It is a fair ball ifit stops or is touched in fair territory.

(2) If the batter, after contacting a fair ball, is stillwithin the batter’s box and is still holding the bat in her hand(s) when shecontacts the ball a second time in fair territory, a foul ball is ruled; theball is dead; and each runner must return to the base legally occupied at thetime of the pitch.

c) The batter may not throw the whole bat into fairterritory and thereby with a defensive player attempting to make a play. (Intentionally or unintentionally)

EFFECT: The ballis dead. The batter is out. Each runner must return to the base legallyoccupied at the time of the pitch. Inthe umpire’s judgment, if interference prevented a possible double play, twoouts (the player being played on and the batter) may be declared.

Notes:

a)No interference is called if the batter simply dropsher bat and the catcher trips over it.

b)It is a foul ball if a part of the bat is touched bythe batted ball in foul territory.

c)The ball remains live and there is no interference ifthe bat breaks and a part of it is hit by the batted ball in fair territory ora part of it hits a fielder or a runner.

2) The batter-runner shall not interfere with a fielderattempting to field a batted ball. Forexample:

a) The batter-runner may not, after contacting a foulball, intentionally deflect the course of the ball in any manner while runningto first.

b) The batter-runner may not make contact with a fair,batted ball before reaching first base.

3) The batter-runner may not interfere with the catcher’sattempt to field a third strike.

Note: If bothplayers’ actions are appropriate to the situation and contact could not beavoided, it is inadvertent contact and neither interference or obstruction.

4) The batter-runner may not interfere with a fielder’sattempt to throw or to receive a thrown ball.For example:

a) The batter runner may not slide into first base tointerfere with another runner or the play.

b) The batter-runner may not run outside the runner’s laneand, in the judgment of the umpire, interfere with the fielder taking the throwat first base.

Exception: The batter-runner may run outside therunner’s lane to avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball and/or totouch the base on the last stride.

Note: The batter-runner is considered outside therunner’s lane if either foot is completely outside either line and in contactwith the ground.

5) Double bases (white and orange) at first base areencouraged for safety.

a) Fielders and runners may switch sides of the base, ifthe throw is coming from foul territory.

Note:Batter-runners should use the orange base when double bases are beingused.

6) While out of the batter’s box, the batter-runner maynot intentionally interfere with a thrown ball.

Note: Abatter-runner being hit with a thrown ball does not necessarily constituteinterference.

EFFECT{2)-3)-4)-6)}

o The ball isdead. The batter-runner is out. Each runner must return to the last baselegally touched at the time of the interference.

o In thejudgment of the umpire, if the interference is an obvious attempt to prevent adouble play, the runner closest to home plate shall also be called out.

7) The batter-runner may not interfere with a play at homeplate in an attempt to prevent an obvious out at home plate.

a) The ball is dead.Runner at the plate and the batter-runner are both out. Each other runner must return to the lastbase legally touched at the time of the interference.

8.4 CoachInterference

1) A coach may not interfere with a fielder who has areasonable opportunity to make a play on a foul fly ball.

EFFECT:The ball is dead. The batter isout. Each runner must return to the baselegally occupied at the time of the pitch.

2) A coach, while in our out of the coach’s box, shall notintentionally interfere with a thrown ball or interfere with the defensiveteam’s opportunity to make a play on another runner.

3) The third base coach shall not run in the direction ofhome plate (on or near the baseline) thereby drawing a throw with a runner inscoring position and while a fielder is attempting to make a play.

EFFECT:(2)-(3) The ball is dead. The runnerclosest to home plate shall be declared out, and each other runner must returnto the last base legally touched at the time of the interference.

Exception: If a thrown ball accidentally touches a coachin foul territory, the ball is live. Itis not interference if the individual tries to evade the ball or is not awarethat the ball is coming.

4) A coach (or anyone other than another runner who hasnot yet crossed home plate) may not physically assist a base runner while sheis actively running the bases and the ball is in play.

EFFECT:The ball is live. The assistedrunner is out. Each other runner may advancewith liability of being put out.

8.5 Non-game Authorized PersonnelInterference

If a live thrown or batted ballaccidentally hits a non-game personnel, the ball remains live. It is unintentional interference if theindividual tries to avoid the ball or is not aware of the ball coming. However, no non-game personnel mayintentionally interfere with a thrown or live batted ball.

EFFECT: Theumpire shall award the offended team the appropriate compensation, that inher/his opinion would have resulted had interference not taken place. The offending non-game personnel shall beremoved from the field.

Note: Authorizedmedia may be in foul territory but must be ready to react quickly to avoidbeing hit by an overthrown or batted ball.All photographic equipment must be carried. (May use a monopod, but not a tripod) No equipment may be left on the ground.

8.6 Runner Interference

1) The base runner may not interfere with a fielderattempting to field a batted ball. Forexample.

a) The base runner may not intentionally kick a ball thatan infielder has missed.

b) The base runner may not contact an untouched, fairbatted ball after it passes an infielder, if another fielder has a chance tomake a play.

c) The base runner may not contact a fair batted ball,while off base, before it touches a fielder or before it passes an infielder(other than the pitcher) who has a reasonable chance to make a play.

d) Physical contact by the base runner with an infielderattempting to field a fair batted ball shall be interference, provided thefielder had a reasonable chance to make a play and was prevented from doing so.

Note: If bothplayer’s action is appropriate to the situation and contact could not beavoided, it is inadvertent contact and neither interference nor obstruction.

i) When the defensive player, while watching the flight ofa ball, bumps a runner who is standing on a base and fails to make a catch on acatchable ball, the runner shall not be called out unless the hindrance isintentional. A runner must vacate anyspace needed by an infielder to make a play on a batted ball, unless the runnerhas contact with a legally occupied base when the hindrance occurs. This is an exception to the rule thatdefensive players must be given the opportunity to field the ball anywhere onthe playing field without being hindered.

ii) Merely jumping over the ball or running in front of afielder while proceeding to the next base is not interference, even though itmay be distracting to the fielder or screen the view of the ball. The runner may not at any time unnecessarilywave her arms or verbally distract the fielder.

iii)It is still interference if a batted ball is misplayedand remains in front of a fielder such that the fielder still has anopportunity to make a play, and the runner contacts the fielder.

Exception: If the misplayed ball bounds away or past thefielder and then contact occurs as the fielder and runner collide, this may beconsidered inadvertent contact, obstruction or interference.

iv)Interference occurs when the ball ricochets off onedefensive player, and another player still has the opportunity to make a play,but the runner intentionally interferes with the second fielder.

v) If two fielders try to field a batted ball and therunner contacts one or both, the umpire shall decide which one is entitled tofield the ball, and that fielder only is entitled to protection.

vi)Interference occurs when the ball ricochets off onedefensive player, and another player still has the opportunity to make a play,but the runner intentionally interferes with the second fielder.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. The batter-runner is awarded firstbase and credited with a base hit. Theoffending runner is out. Ifforced, (by the batter-runner being awarded first base)each other runner advances one base without liability to be put out. Ifunforced, each runner must return to the last baselegally touched at the time of interference.

Exceptions:

a) The batter is out if the interference prevents thefielder from catching a routine fly ball.

b) If the interference, in the judgment of the umpire isan obvious attempt to prevent a double play and occurs before the runner is putout, the runner being played on also shall be called out.

2) A base runner may not interfere with a fielderattempting to throw the ball.

3) The base runner may not intentionally interfere with athrown ball.

Note: A runner hit with a thrown ball does notnecessarily constitute interference.

EFFECT: (2& 3) The ball is dead. The offending runner is out, and thebatter-runner is awarded first base and credited with a base hit. If unforced, each runner must return to thelast base legally touched at the time of the interference. If forced, each other runner advances onebase without liability to be put out.

Exception: If the interference, in the judgment of theumpire is an obvious attempt to prevent a double play and occurs before theoffending runner is put out, the player being played on also shall be calledout.

4) The runner who is preceding the batter-runner and whois not yet out may not intentionally interfere in the judgment of the umpirewith a fielder who is attempting to catch a thrown ball or to throw a ball inan attempt to complete the play.

EFFECT:The ball is dead. The batter-runnerand runner are out. Each other runnermust return to the last base legally touched at the time of the interference.

5) A base runner, after scoring or being declared out, maynot interfere with a defensive player’s opportunity to make a play on anotherrunner.

EFFECT:The ball is dead. The runnerclosest to home plate at the time of the interference shall be declaredout. Each base runner must return to thelast base legally touched at the time of the interference.

6) A base runner may not remain on her feet andintentionally, with great force, crash into a defensive player (holding theball and waiting to apply a tag).

EFFECT:The ball is dead. The offendingplayer shall be declared out, even if the defensive player loses possession ofthe ball. Each other baserunner must return to thelast base legally touched at the time of the interference.

Exceptions:

a) If the intentional crash occurs after the runner iscalled out, the runner closest to home plate also shall be declared out.

b) If the runner intentionally crashes into a defensiveplayer holding the ball before she (the runner) is put out and, in the umpire’sjudgment, it is an attempt to break up an obvious double play, the player beingplayed on also shall be called out.

· If, in the umpire’s judgment, the collision isflagrant, the runner shall be declared out and also ejected from thecontest. The ball is dead. Each other base runner must return to thelast base legally touched at the time of the interference.

Notes:

a)In order to avoid a deliberate crash ruling, the runnercan go around the defender (within 3 feet), slide, jump over the top of thedefender holding the ball, or return to the previous base touched.

b)Should an act of interference (offensive) occur afterany obstruction (defensive), enforcement of the interference penalty would takeprecedence provided both violations involve the same base runner. For example:If an obstructed runner intentionally crashes into a fielder holding theball, the obstruction call will be disregarded, and the runner will be calledout for interference.

7) It is not interference and the runner is not out:

a) When the runner is hit with a fair untouched battedball (that has not touched or passed a base) while standing in foul territoryand no infielder has a reasonable chance to make a play.

b) When the bat breaks and a part of it is hit by thebatted ball in fair territory or a part of it hits a fielder or a runner.

c) When a batted ball is misplayed, the ball bounds awayor past the fielder, and then the fielder and runner collide. This is considered inadvertent contact.

d) When the runner is hit by a fair batted ball after ittouches or is touched by any fielder (including the pitcher), and she could notavoid contact with the ball.

e) When the runner is hit with a fair, untouched battedball that has passed an infielder (other than the pitcher) and, in the umpire’sjudgment, no other fielder had a reasonable chance to make a play. When said ball contacts the runner whilestill in flight it shall be considered a ground ball; it cannot be caught as afly ball.

f)When more than onefielder attempts to field a batted ball and the runner comes into contact withthe one who, in the umpire’s judgment, could not have made a play.

EFFECT: (a-f) The ball is live. All runners (including the batter-runner) may advance withliability to be put out.

g) When the runner is hit by a fair batted ball while incontact with the base, unless she deliberately interferes with the ball or afielder making a play.

EFFECT:The ball is live or dead depending on the position of the fielderclosest to the bases:

o The ball islive if the closest defensive player is in front of the base. All runners (including the batter-runner) mayadvance with liability to be put out.

o The ball isdead if the closest defensive player is behind the base. The batter-runner is awarded first base andcredited with a base hit. If forced, eachrunner advances one base with no liability to be put out. If not forced, each runner must return to thebase legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

8.7Spectator Interference

No spectator(s) shall enter the field or reach out ofthe stands and interfere with play. Thestands belong to the spectators and the field belongs to the fielders. Exception: It is not interference if the fielder reachesinto the stands or over the fence.

EFFECT:

o The ball isdead. The umpire shall award theoffended team the appropriate compensation (such as: an out, extra bases) that,in her/his opinion, would have resulted had interference not taken place.

o If the actclearly prevented a fielder from catching a fly ball in the field of play, theball is dead, the batter is out and the umpire shall award the offended teamthe appropriate compensation (such as: an out, return runners to bases) that,in her/his opinion, would have resulted had interference not taken place.

8.8 TeamInterference (Offensive)

1) No offensive team personnel shall stand or gatheraround a base to which a runner is advancing, thereby confusing the fieldersand adding to the difficulty of making the play. This includes but is not limited to: playersnot at bat, on deck or base, coaches not in the coach’s box, trainers,scorekeepers, managers and bat persons.

EFFECT:The ball is dead. The runner isout. Each other runner must return tothe last base legally touched at the time of the interference.

2) Offensive team personnel, other than base coaches,shall not touch a batter who has hit an out-of-the-park home run until theyhave contacted home plate.

EFFECT:The umpire shall issue a warning for a first offense in the game. For a second offense, the ball is dead andthe batter is out and credited with the last base legally touched at the timeof the interference. Each other base runner must return to the last legally touched at the time of the interference.

3) Offensive team personnel shall not interfere with adefensive player attempting to field a fly ball.

EFFECT:The batter is out. The ball isdead. Each runner must return to thebase legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

8.9 UmpireInterference

1) Umpire interference occurs:

a) When a fair, untouched batted ball strikes the person,clothing, attached equipment of an umpire before touching a fielder (includingthe pitcher)

b) When a fair, untouched batted ball strikes the person,clothing, attached equipment of an umpire before passing a fielder (other thanthe pitcher), or after passing an infielder (including the pitcher) but anotherfielder had a reasonable chance to make a play.

EFFECT: (a-b) The ball is dead. The batter-runner is awarded first base andcredited with a base hit.

i) If forced,each base runner advances one base with no liability to be put out.

ii) If not forced, each base runner must return to the baselegally occupied at the time of the pitch.

Exception: It is not interference and the ball remainsin play if the ball: (1) hits the umpireafter passing a fielder, other than the pitcher, and no other infielder has areasonable chance to make a play; or (2) hits the umpire after touching a fielder (including the pitcher).

Note: When said ball touches the umpire while stillin flight, it shall be considered a ground ball. It cannot be caught as a fly ball.

c) When the plate umpire or her/his clothing interfereswith the catcher’s attempt to throw out a runner on a steal or pick-offattempt.

EFFECT:Delayed dead ball is signaled. Ifthe runner is ruled out, the ball remains live and there is nointerference. If the runner is not out,she must return to the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

Note:It is not interference if a thrown or pitched ball strikes anumpire. The ball is live and each baserunner is entitled to advance with liability to be put out.

OBSTRUCTION(Defensive)

8.10Obstruction ---In all cases below: "If in the umpire's judgement, the throw takes the fielder into contact with the runner, it is NOT considered obstruction and the play continues!

Obstruction is the act of the defensive team memberthat impedes the progress of a batter-runner or runner who is legally runningbases, unless the fielder is in possession of the ball, in the act of fieldinga batted ball or hinders or impedes a batter’s attempt to make contact with apitched ball.

1) The defensive player must have possession of theball. When a play is about to happen, adefensive player may not block the baseline or base without possession of theball.

a) If the defensive player does not have the ball, it theresponsibility of the fielder to avoid and not hamper the runner’s progress,unless the fielder is in the act of fielding a batted ball.

b) If the defensive player has the ball, it is therunner’s responsibility to avoid the fielder.

i)The act may beintentional or unintentional.

2) Whenever obstruction occurs, whether a play is beingmade on a runner or not, the umpire will declare obstruction andindicate/signal a delayed dead ball. Theball remains live until the end of the play at which time; the umpire willnotify the offensive head coach of her/his options, if any.

Note:If other runners are advancing and an umpire accidentally calls“Timeout/Time” following a play on an obstructed runner, the method forplacement of the other runners is: Ifthey have not reached half way to the next base, they must return to the previous base. However, if they haveadvanced over half way, they are allowed to advance to the next base.

3) An obstructed runner is still required to touch allbases in proper order, or she could be called out on a proper appeal by thedefensive team.

4) An obstructed runner may not be called out between thetwo bases where she was obstructed unless one of the following occurs:

a) When another violation is being played upon.

b) The obstructed runner commits an act of interference.

c) The obstructed runner passes another runner.

d) A proper appeal is made for leaving a base before a flyball was first touched.

e) A proper appeal is made for missing a base.

f) The obstructed runner, after being obstructed, safelyobtains the base she would have been awarded, in the umpire’s judgment, hadthere been no obstruction and there is a subsequent play on a differentrunner. The obstructed runner is nolonger protected if she leaves the base.

5) If an obstructed runner is awarded a base she wouldhave made had there been no obstruction and a preceding runner is on that base,the obstructed runner will be awarded that base, and the preceding runner shallbe entitled to the next base without liability to be put out.

6) If the obstructed runner attempts to advance past thebase she would have reached had there not been obstruction or past the base shewould have been awarded for the obstruction, she is running with liability tobe put out unless she is between the two bases when she was obstructed. If she is put out, she remains out. The ball remains live.

7) Should an act of interference occur after anyobstruction, enforcement of the interference effect takes precedence providedboth violations involve the same base runner.

8.11 Typesof Obstruction

Obstruction includes:

1) Catcher Obstruction. The catchershall not obstruct, prevent or hinder the batter’s attempt to make contact witha pitched ball.

EFFECT: Delayeddead ball is signaled.

· If the battercontacts the ball and reaches first base safely and each other runner hasadvanced at least one base on the batted ball, catcher obstruction iscanceled. All action as a result of thebatted ball stands. Once a runner has passed a base, she is considered to have reached that base, even if she missedit.

· If the batterdoes not reach first base safely or if one of the other runners does notadvance at least one base, the coach of the offensive team has the option oftaking the result of the play. If thecoach does not take the result of the play:

i)The batter is awarded first base and an error ischarged to the catcher.

ii)If forced, each base runner advances one base with noliability to be put out. If not forced,each base runner returns to the base legally occupied at the time of thepitch. Exception: If the catcher steps on or in front of home plate or touches the batter or her bat while a pitched ball is on the way tothe plate and there is a runner on third attempting toscore on a squeeze play, each base runner advances onebase without liability to be put out whether forced or not.

Note:If a batter, during preliminary warm-up swings, hits the catcher or thecatcher’s mitt/glove, the umpire should immediately call “Timeout/Time” and notobstruction. The pitch or swing shouldnot be allowed since the batter’s concentration / rhythm could beaffected. Catcher’s obstructioninvolving a batter should be called only on the batter’s attempt to makecontact with the pitch.

2) FlagrantPlayer Obstruction: The fielder shall not at any timedeliberately (with excessive force) impede the runner, batter or batter-runner.

EFFECT: Delayeddead ball is signaled. The appropriateobstruction effect is applied, and in addition, the offender shall be ejectedwithout warning.

3) FielderObstruction: A fielder whois not in possession of the ball, not in the act of fielding a batted ball, maynot impede the runner, batter or batter-runner.A fielder may not fake a tag (without the ball) on a runner returning oradvancing to a base.

EFFECT: If theobstructed runner, batter-runner, batter is put out before reaching the base,they would have reached the base had there not been obstruction, the obstructedplayer shall be awarded the base they would have reached, in the judgment ofthe umpire, had there not been obstruction.Subsequent violation by the same individual may result in a one-baseaward to the obstructed player and each other runner forced to advance.

Exceptions:

a) A fielder shall not position herself in the runner’sline of vision to intentionally distract the runner or intentionally prohibither form seeing the first touch of a fly ball or the release of the pitch.

b) A fielder shall not at any time obstruct a runnerreturning to or rounding a base. Ifthere is no immediate play or a throw is not made, a fielder who is waiting toreceive a ball (throw) may not impede the progress or return of therunner.

EFFECT: (a – b)

i)Delayed dead ball

(1)First violation:The umpire shall issue a warning to the offending individual and notifythe coach.

(2)Subsequent violation:By the same individual shall result in a one-base award to theobstructed runner and each other runner forced to advance. The awards shall be to the base beyond thebase where the obstruction

occurred unless the runner safely advances further on her own. In which case, no award is given.

c) A fielder shall not at any time obstruct a runner fromher base path during a rundown and prohibit her from returning to or advancingto a base.

EFFECT: Delayed dead ball issignaled.

i)If the obstructed runner is safe or put out at the basebeyond the one she would have reached had there not been obstruction, the ballremains live until the conclusion of the play.The umpire will then notify the offensive coach of her/his options, ifany.

ii)If the obstructed runner is apparently put out beforereaching the base she would have reached had there not been obstruction, a deadball is called. The obstructed runnerand each other runner affected by the obstruction will be awarded the base(s)she/they would have reached had there not been obstruction.

d) A fielder shall not act in a manner to distract thebatter or position herself in the batter’s line of vision.

EFFECT: Delayed dead ball is signaled.

i)If the batter contacts the ball and reaches first basesafely and each other runner has advanced at least one base on the batted ball,all action as a result of the batted ball stands. Once a runner has passed a base, she is considered to have reached the base, even if she misses it.

ii)If the batter does not reach first base safely or ifone of the other runners does not advance at least one base, the coach of theoffensive team has the option of taking the result of the play or awarding aball to the batter and advancing each other runner one base. If the pitch is “ball four” or hits thebatter, the batter is awarded first base and each runner is awarded one base.

iii)The pitch does not have to be released.

iv)The umpire shall issue a warning to the offendingindividual and notify the coach.Subsequent violation by the same player shall result in ejection.

4) EquipmentObstruction: A fielder shall not use her cap, helmet,mask, chest protector, glove/mitt or any part of her uniform that is detachedfrom its proper place on her person to intentionally contact or catch a fairbatted, thrown or pitched ball.

EFFECT: Delayed dead ball issignaled.

i)If equipment interferes with a fair batted ball or witha batted foul ball that, in the opinion of the umpire, might become fair, thebatter-runner and each other runner is awarded three basesfrom the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch but may advancefarther with liability to be put out.

ii)If the illegal catch or touch is made on a fair hitball that, in the judgment of the umpire, would have cleared the home run fencein flight, the batter-runner is entitled to a home run, and each base runner isawarded home plate. The ball may havebeen prevented from going over the fence by detached player equipment which isthrown, tossed, kicked or held by a fielder.

iii)If equipmentinterferes with a thrown ball, the batter runner and each other runner isawarded two bases from the last base legally touched at the time of the throwbut may advance farther with liability to be put out. Exception:If no play is apparent, there is no penalty.

iv)If equipmentinterferes with a pitched ball, the base runner(s) is awarded one base from thebase occupied at the time of the pitch but may advance farther with liabilityto be put out. Exception: If no play isapparent, there is no penalty.

SECTION 9 –PITCHING_________________________________

9.1Defensive Positioning Required for a Legal Pitch

1) The pitcher is considered to be in the pitchingposition when with her hands apart, she steps forward, puts one or both foot onthe pitcher’s plate and the catcher is in position to receive the pitch. If she begins with both feet on the rubber,she cannot step any further back.

2) The pitcher may not take the pitching position on thepitcher’s plate without being in possession of the ball, and she may notsimulate the pitching position with or without the ball when near the pitcher’splate.

3) The catcher must be within the catcher’s box from thetime the pitcher steps on the pitcher’s plate until the pitch is released. No part of the catcher’s feet may be outsidethe lines until the pitch is released.

Exception: When the batter is positioned in the front ofthe batter’s box, the catcher may move closer to the plate without effect. The catcher, however, must avoid catcher’sobstruction as the batter legally has the right to the entire batter’s box.

4) All outfielders and infielders must be in fairterritory from the time the pitcher steps on the pitcher’s plate until thepitch has been released. A fielder isconsidered in the field of play if her feet are touching the line or are infair territory.

EFFECT: Delayeddead ball is signaled, and illegal pitch enforced (See Rule 9.8)

PITCHINGPROCEDURES

9.2 TakingSignals

1) Before starting a pitch, the pitcher must comply withthe following:

a) The pitcher is considered in the pitching position whenshe has her hands apart, her pivot foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate,both feet on the ground within the 24-inch length of the pitcher’s plate, thehips in line with first and third bases and the catcher is in the position toreceive the pitch.

b) The ball must be held and remain in one hand, eithergloved or bare.

c) The ball may be held behind, at the side or in front ofthe body.

Note: Rolling (not tossing) the ball is legal aslong as contact is maintained with the hand (including the wrist)

d) While in the pitching position and taking the signal,the pitcher must take or appear to take a signal. The signal need not come from the catcher.

Note: The rule doesnot preclude the pitcher from taking an earlier signal from someone whoindicates the desired pitch and/or location nor the pitcher from referring toan arm band prior to complying with the rule.

e) the pitcher’s hands must come together in view of thehome plate umpire for not more than five (5) seconds.

9.3 Startof the Pitch

The pitch officially begins and cannot be discontinuedonce the hands have separated after coming together.

PITCHING: The pitchingmotion consists of the stride/step, windup, and delivery

9.4 Stride/ Step

1) Any part of each foot in contact with the ground orpitcher’s plate must be completely within the 24-inch length of the pitcher’splate.

2) The stride foot may be on or behind the pitcher’s plateas far back as desired.

3) Once the pitcher initially sets the toe of her stridefoot, she may not step back any further to increase the distance behind thepitcher’s plate.

4) Having pushed off from the pitcher’s plate, the pitcher's pivot foot could become airborne with one push from the pitcher's plate. However, pitchers would not be allowed to replant their pivot foot, resulting in pushing off from a second point and the pitcher being farther away from the pitcher's plate. .

a) No crow hopping is allowed. The pitcher may not replant, gain a secondstarting point and push off her pivot foot.Once having lost contact with the pitcher’s plate, the pivot foot may not bear weight again until the pitch is released.

EFFECT: (9.4/ 1-4) Illegal Pitch (See Rule 9.8)

9.5 TheWindup

The windup phase of the pitch starts when the handscome together and ends when the hands separate.Any windup desired may be used provided she does not, after having takenthe signal and bringing her hands together:

1) Make any movement to pitch without immediatelydelivering the ball to the batter.

2) Separate her hands and then return the ball to bothhands.

3) Stop and change directions more than twice.

EFFECT: (9.5/ 1-3) Illegal Pitch (See Rule 9.8)

9.6Delivery

The delivery phase of the pitch begins when the handsseparate and ends with release of the pitch.In delivering the ball to the batter, the pitcher must comply with thefollowing:

1) Once the hands have separated and pitching arm beginsthe clockwise motion that will result in the release of the pitch, not morethan 1 ½ revolutions of the pitching arm may occur.

2) The stride/step and delivery of the ball to the battermust take place at the same time.

3) The pitched ball must be released underhand

a) The wrist must not be farther from the hip than theelbow.

b) The hand must be below the hip.

4) The release of the ball and the follow-through of thewrist and hand must be past the straight line of the body and forward.

5) After releasing the ball, the pitcher may not makeanother arm revolution.

EFFECT: (9.6/ 1-5) – Illegal Pitch (See Rule 9.8)

THE PITCH

9.7Dropped During Pitch

1) The ball is dropped by the pitcher before her handshave come together and then separated.

EFFECT: The ballis live. There is no penalty. Base runner(s) may advance with liability ofbeing put out.

2) The ball accidentally slips from the pitcher’s handduring the act of delivering the pitch.

EFFECT: If thebatter does not have a reasonable opportunity to hit the ball, a defensiveplayer may retrieve it. The ball remainslive. A ball is awarded to thebatter. Base runner(s) may advance withliability to be put out.

3) The pitcher shall not intentionally bounce, roll ordrop the ball in order to prevent the batter from hitting a pitch.

EFFECT –Illegal Pitch (See Rule 9.8)

9.8Illegal Pitch

Any pitch by the pitcher that is in violation of the pitchingrules. When an illegal pitch occurs, itshall be called immediately by the base or plate umpire.

EFFECT:

a)The plate umpire calls “Illegal” for both the batterand catcher to hear clearly. The baseumpire calls “Illegal” for nearby players to hear clearly. Failure of player to hear the call shall notvoid the call.

b)At the same time, the umpire gives the delayeddead-ball signal and waits to call “Timeout/Time” until the pitch has reachedthe plate or play has been completed.

i)If the batter is hit by an illegal pitch, the coach hasthe option of a called “ball” or the “hit by pitch”.

ii)If the batter does not reach first base safely or ifany runner fails to advance at least one base, the coach of the offensive teammay choose the result of the play or the standard effect for an illegal pitch.

iii)Illegal pitch, which is that a ball is awarded to thebatter and no runner(s) automatically advance, unless forced or the result ofthe play.

iv)If the batter reaches first base safely on ball four asa result of an illegal pitch, other runner(s) not forced, may run at their ownrisk.

v)The umpire who called the illegal pitch shall explainthe violation to both the pitcher and her coach, if requested.

9.9 Quick Pitch

A pitch, “quick pitch”, intended to catch the batter by surprise, shallbe ruled as “No Pitch”.

EFFECT:The ball is dead. All subsequentaction on that pitch is canceled.

9.10 No Pitch

“No Pitch” shall be acknowledged when:

1) While play is suspended, the pitcher pitches the ball.

2) The pitcher fails to allow sufficient time for arunner, who is legitimately off base, to return. (i.e., after a foul ball)

3) A quick pitch is delivered by the pitcher.

4) A runner is called out for leaving her base before theball leaves the pitcher’s hand.

5) The batter is hit by a pitch out of the batter’s boxassuming she did not attempt to bunt or swing.

EFFECT: (1-5) The ball is dead. All subsequent action on the pitch iscanceled.

6) A coach or player commits any act (i.e., calls“Timeout/Time” or uses any similar word/phrase) while the ball is live and inplay for the clear purpose of trying to make the pitcher deliver an illegalpitch.

EFFECT: “No Pitch” declared.

i)Warning given to the offending team.

ii)Repeat of any such act by any member of the team thathas been warned shall result in the violator(s) being ejected from the game.

REGULATIONS GOVERNING PITCHINGSITUATIONS

9.11 Discontinuing a Pitch / SteppingOff the Pitcher’s Plate

1) The pitcher may remove herself legally from thepitching position (both feet on plate) by stepping backward (notforward/sideways) off the pitcher’s plate before the beginning of the pitch.

2) The pitch officially begins and cannot legallydiscontinued once the hands have separated after coming together.

EFFECT: (9.11 / 1-2) Illegal Pitch (SeeRule 9.8)

9.12 BallRotation

1) To begin a game, the plate umpire should have a minimumof two game balls. (All balls must meetspecifications of rule 3.1) Once the game has begun, additional balls must besupplied, as needed, by the tournament representatives / home team, as setforth in the tournament guidelines/rules.

2) A game ball is in play until such time that it isrejected by the umpire (scuffed, discolored or otherwise unsuitable) for playor leaves the playing field. Eachpitcher shall have a choice of game balls at the start of her respectivehalf-inning and may request a different ball at any time.

a) If a pitcher does not like a ball she has, she mustreturn it to the plate umpire before receiving a different ball.

b) Pitcher may not hold more than one ball at a time fortrial purposes.

c) Game may not be unduly delayed. (i.e., retrieving a particular ball that hasbeen fouled out of play)

9.13Foreign Substance on the Ball / Items on Pitcher

1) Under the supervision and view of the umpire, a resin(any drying agent) may be used. In no case, may a pitcher or defensive player utilize a tacky substance on the field. Ifforeign substance (including resin) are applied, the pitcher’s fingers andhands must be wiped off to avoid defacing the ball or transferring substancesto the ball. No player or other teampersonnel may apply moisture or a foreign substance to the ball nor do anythingelse to deface the ball.

EFFECT: For thefirst offense an illegal pitch shall be called.(See Rule 9.8) On the second offense, the pitcher shall be ejected.

2) The pitcher who brings a resin bag to the pitchingcircle is responsible for removing it each half-inning as she leaves the field.

3) The pitcher shall not wear any item on the pitchinghand, fingers, forearm or thighs, wrist that an umpire considersdistracting. This includes a sweatband,batting glove, loose lacing on a glove or ball colored logos. Exception: The pitcher’s hand, fingers, wrist, elbow orforearm may be taped for injury, providing the tape is a neutral color.

4) Pitchers may wear casts, braces, splints or prostheseson their pitching arms, provided such devices do not cause safety risks orcreate unfair competitiveadvantages.

5) Anysuch device with exposed exterior fasteners that would present a hazard must bepadded properly. Any such device shouldnot bedistracting in color and mustfunction in a way that does not alter the natural motion of the pitching arm.

EFFECT (9.13 / 2-4) The pitcher shall remove the itemupon the request of the umpire or be ejected from the game.

9.14 Intentionally Pitching at a Batter

The pitchershall not deliberately attempt to hit the batter with a pitch.

EFFECT: If, in the judgment of the umpire, such aviolation has occurred, the umpire shall warn the pitcher and both opposingcoaches that future violations by any pitcher will be cause for immediateejection of the pitcher and the head coach.If, in judgment of the umpire, the situation warrants drastic action todiffuse a potentially volatile situation, the umpire may eject without firstwarning her. Each coach should bewarned, but the coach of the offending team may be ejected at this time if the umpire believes it is appropriate. Awarning may be issued to both teams before the start of the game or at any timeduring the game.

9.15 Intentional Base on Balls

1) Teams may elect tointentionally walk a batter at any time during the at bat, by simply having thecatcher notify the home plate umpire of this intent. The request should come from the catcher, notthe dugout.

9.16 Returning a Pitched Ball to the Pitcher

The catcher must return the balldirectly to the pitcher after a foul tip and each pitch not contacted.

Exceptions:

a) When the batter becomes a runner.

b) When there is a runner(s) on base.

c) After a strikeout

d) When a checked swing is appealed on a third strike

e) After an attempted putout or putout made by thecatcher.

f) When the batter is not entitled to first base but runsanyway.

g) An errant throw intended for the pitcher.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. Runners may not advance. A ball shall be awarded to the batter. On the first offense, the offending playershall be warned. On subsequent offenses,the offender shall be ejected from the game.

9.17 Throwing to a Base from the Pitcher’s Plate

The pitcher shall not throw to a base during a liveball while her foot is in contact with the pitcher’s plate after she has takenthe pitching position. If the throw fromthe pitcher’s plate occurs during the live-ball appeal play, the appeal is canceled.

Note: The pitcher may remove herselffrom the pitching position by stepping backward off the pitcher’s plate beforeseparating her hands.

EFFECT: Illegal Pitch (See Rule 9.8)

9.18 TimeAllowed Between Pitches

The pitcher must be on the pitcher’s plate and thebatter in the batter’s box within 10 seconds after receiving the ball or afterthe umpire calls “Play ball”. After boththe pitcher and batter are in position, the pitcher has 10 seconds to bring herhands together. The pitcher has not morethan five (5) seconds to deliver the pitch.

EFFECT: If five seconds have elapsed and the pitcherhas not yet pitched, an additional ball shall be awarded to the batter. If two minutes have elapsed and the pitcherhas not yet pitched, a forfeited game shall be declared by the umpire crew in favorof the team at bat.

Exception: Intentionallyviolating the rule in order to walk the batter without pitching shall notresult in a ball being awarded to the batter, but each runner shall advance onebase without liability to be put out. Onthe first offense, the umpire shall issue a warning to the offendingplayer. On the second offense, theoffending player shall be ejected from the game.

9.19Warm-Up Pitches Allowed

1) At the beginning of each half inning, the pitcher maythrow not more than five (5) warm-up pitches.Play shall be suspended during this time.

2) After a pitching change, a relief pitcher may throw notmore than five (5) warm-up pitches. Playshall be suspended during this time. Apitcher shall not be allowed warm-up pitches if returning to pitch in the samehalf-inning.

EFFECT: (9.19 / 1-2) A ball shall be awarded to thefirst batter faced for each excessive warm-up pitch.

3) If replacing a pitcher due to injury, the reliefpitcher must be allowed adequate time to warm-up. Play shall be suspended at this time.

4) After a substantial delay caused by inclement weather,injury or delayed play by the umpire, the pitcher shall be given adequate timeto warm-up.

5) Coaches may warm up pitchers between innings and guardwarm-ups on the sideline during game.

SECTION 10 –BATTING________________________________

BATTER

10.1 OnDeck Batter

1) The on-deck batter will be behind the batter andrestricted to the on-deck circle.

2) The on-deck batter must wear a helmet.

3) The warm-up bats used by the on-deck batter must meetthe specifications of Rule 3.3.

4) The on-deck batter may leave the on-deck circle toavoid interfering with a defensive player’s opportunity to make a play, todirect a teammate attempting to score or to take her turn in the batter’s box.

EFFECT:

a)If the on-deck batter interferes with a defensiveplayer attempting to field a fly ball, the ball is dead, the batter shall bedeclared out, and each runner must return to the base legally occupied at thetime of the pitch.

b)If the on-deck batter interferes with a defensiveplayer attempting to make a play on a runner, the ball is dead, the runnerclosest to home plate at the time of the interference shall be declared out,and each other runner must return to the last base legally touched at the timeof the interference.

BATTING

10.2 LegalPosition in the Batter’s Box

1) The batter has ten (10) seconds after being directed bythe plate umpire to take their position in the batter’s box.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. A strike is called. If this pitch is the third strike, the batteris declared out.

2) Both feet of the batter must be completely within thelines of the batter’s box. No part ofthe foot may be outside the lines until the pitch is released.

EFFECT: If theumpire sees a line violation before the start of the pitch, the umpire shallcall “Timeout/Time” and direct the batter to get into the box. If the batter fails to comply within 10seconds, a strike is called. The ball isdead. No pitch has to be thrown.

3) The pitcher must deliver the pitch and the batter shallnot leave her position in the batter’s box once the pitcher has taken(simulated taking) a signal from the catcher, both hands have touched in fullview of the umpire and the hands have separated.

EFFECT:

a)If the batter holds up her hand, steps out of the boxor uses any other action as if requesting time and the pitcher legally deliversthe ball, it shall be called a ball / strike, depending upon the location ofthe pitch. The ball remains live.

b)If the pitcher hesitates or stops in her delivery as aresult of the batter holding up her hand, stepping out of the box or using anyother action as if requesting time, it shall not be an illegal pitch. Since both the batter and pitcher haveviolated the rule, “No Pitch” shall be declared.

c)If, in the umpire’s judgment, the batter’s action is adeliberate attempt to create an illegal pitch, the ball is dead, “No Pitch” iscalled, and all subsequent action on that pitch is canceled. A warning shall be issued to the offending team and the batter. A repeat of thistype of act by any member of the team warned shall result in the offender beingejected from the game.

4) The batter may not contact the pitch (moment ofbat/ball contact) when any part of the foot is touching home plate, even thoughshe may be touching the lines of the batter’s box. In addition, the batter may not contact thepitch when an entire foot is touching the ground completely outside the linesof the batter’s box.

EFFECT: Whetherthe ball is fair or foul, the batter shall be declared out immediately. The ball is dead.

10.3 Balls and Strikes

1) The strike zone is the area above home plate betweenthe top of the batter’s knees and the bottom of the sternum when she assumesher natural batting stance. The ballmust be between the vertical and horizontal plane of the strike zone to be astrike. A ball touching the groundbefore it reaches home plate cannot be a strike, even if it passes through thestrike zone.

a) A pitch shall be judged to be a ball or strike inrelation to the batter’s natural position as the pitch crosses home plate.

b) A pitch shall be judged to be a ball or strike as itcrosses home plate, not where it is caught by the catcher.

2) A called ball is awarded to the batter:

a) When a legal pitch that is not struck by a battertouches the ground before reaching home plate, touches home plate or does notenter the strike zone.

Note: If apitched ball strikes the ground in front of the batter and the batter swings atit, the ball is in play if hit and strike if missed.

3) A called strike is charged to the batter.

a) For each legally pitched ball that enters the strikezone without first touching the ground.The top of the ball must be on and with the horizontal plane and eitherside of the ball must be on or within the vertical plane of the strike zone tobe a strike.

b) Each legally pitched ball that is swung at by thebatter and missed.

EFFECT: The ballis live. Each runner may advance withliability to be put out.

c) For each foul tip.

EFFECT: The ballis live. Each runner may advance withliability to be put out. The batter isout if it is the third strike.

d) For each foul ball when the batter has fewer than two strikes.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. Each runner must return,without liability to be put out, to the base legally occupied at the time ofthe pitch.

e) When the batter bunts foul after the second strike.

EFFECT: If thebunt attempt is caught in the air, the ball is live. If the bunt attempt results in a foul ballnot legally caught, the ball is dead, the batter is out, and each runner mustreturn, without liability to be put out, to the base legally occupied at thetime of the pitch.

f) For each batted ball that touches any part of thebatter’s person or clothing when she is in the batter’s box and has fewer thantwo strikes.

g) For each pitch that hits the batter while the ball isin the strike zone.

h) For each pitched ball that touches any part of thebatter’s person as she swings and misses.

EFFECT: (10.3-3 / f-h) The ball is dead. Runners may not advance. Each runner must return, without liability tobe put out, to the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

i) When the batter fails to take their position in thebatter’s box within 10 seconds after being directed to by the plate umpire.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. No pitch has to be thrown. A strike is called. Each runner must remain on the base legallyoccupied at the time of the pitch.

10.4 FairBall

1) A fair batted ball shall be judged according to therelative position of the ball and the foul line, including the foul pole, andnot with respect to the position of the fielder (on fair or foul ground) at thetime the ball is contacted. A legally battedball that:

a) Touched on or settles on or over fair territory betweenhome plate and first base, or between home plate and third base.

b) Touches first, second or third base, unless a runner orfielder previously touched it while the ball was in foul territory.

c) While over or on fair territory, touches the person,attached equipment or clothing of an umpire or player.

d) First touched or first falls over or on fair territorybeyond first or third base.

e) Bounces past or over first base or third baseregardless of where the ball hits after passing the base.

f) While over fair territory, passes out of the playingfield beyond the home-run fence or while in flight, hits the foul pole.

Note: While inflight, when a batted ball hits the top of the home-run fence while in fairterritory and then bounces over the fence, it is a home run.

10.5 FoulBall

1) A foul grounder, line drive or fly shall be judgedaccording to the relative position of the ball and the foul line, including thefoul pole, and not with respect to the position of the fielder at the time theball is contacted.

a) The ball is touched on / settles on or over foulterritory between home plate and first base or home plate and third base.

b) Touches the dirt or touches the batter or home plateand then hits the batter while she is still within the batter’s box.

c) While over or on foul territory, touches the person,attached clothing or equipment of an umpire or player or any object foreign tothe natural playing surface.

d) Rolls or bounces past first / third base on or overfoul territory.

e) Touches the bat or touches the dirt or home plate andthen hits the bat a second time while it is still in the batter’s possessionand the batter is still inside the batter’s box.

f) First falls or is touched on or over foul territorybeyond first or third base.

g) While both the runner and the ball are in foulterritory, the runner interferes with a defensive player’s attempt to field abatted ball.

h) Hits the pitcher’s plate and rolls untouched to foulterritory before reaching third or first base.

i) Goes directly from the bat to any part of the catcher’sequipment or body other than her hand or gloved hand.

10.6 FoulTip

1) A batted ball that travels directly from the bat to thecatcher’s hand or mitt/glove and is legally caught by the catcher.

Note: Any battedball that travels directly from the bat, to any part of the catcher’s body orequipment other than the hand(s) or mitt/glove, is a foul ball and dead. It is not a foul tip.

2) A runner may advance on a foul tip withouttagging. The foul tip is treated as anon-contacted pitch.

EFFECT: (10.6 / 1-2) A strike is charged to the batter,the ball is live and each runner may advance with liability to be put out. The batter is out if it is the third strike.

10.7Bunts, Slaps, Hits

1) HIT: A legallybatted fair ball is a hit.

a) No intent to contact the ball is necessary.

b) The ball is live.

c) As soon as the batter legally hits a fair ball, thebatter becomes a batter-runner.

d) Whether forced or not, the base runners advance withliability to be put out.

e) If a fair-hit ball should touch a runner or umpirewhile still in flight, it shall be considered a ground ball. It cannot be caught as a fly ball.

2) BUNT: A bunt is alegally batted ball, not swung at, but intentionally tapped with the bat.

a) The dropped third strike rule applies on a missed buntattempt with two strikes.

b) Holding the bat in the strike zone is considered a buntattempt. In order to take a pitch, thebat must be withdrawn from the strike zone.Another words, pulled backward away from the ball.

c) A bunt that is caught in the air remains in play andlive, regardless of the number of strikes on the batter, whether it is foul orfair.

d) If with fewer than two strikes, the batter’s attempt tobunt results in a foul ball not legally caught, it is a strike and the ball isdead. With two strikes, the ball is deadand the batter is declared out.

3) SLAP: A slap hit isa batted ball that has been hit with a short, chopping motion rather than afull swing. A slapped foul is treatedlike any other foul ball and shall not result in an out unless caught inflight.

REGULATIONSGOVERNING BATTING

10.8 Bat

1) ALTEREDBAT: A batter shall not take an altered bat intothe batter’s box. Any bat that has beenaltered shall be removed from the game.

EFFECT: The ball is dead. The batter shall be declared out and ejectedfrom the game. Each runner must returnto the last base legally occupied. Thebat shall be removed from the game.

2) BROKEN BAT: When the bat breaks and a part of it hits a fielder or a runner ora part of it is hit by the batted ball in fair territory, the ball remainslive. It is not interference. If a part of the bat is touched by the battedball in foul territory, it is a foul ball.

3) ILLEGALBAT: A batter should not take an illegal bat intothe batter’s box.

4) NON-APPROVEDBAT: A batter shall not take a non-approved batinto the batter’s box.

EFFECT: (10.8/ 3-4) The ball is dead. The batter isdeclared out and base runners shall return to the base last occupied at thetime of the pitch. The bat shall beremoved from the game. Exception: Advance is legal on a non- contacted pitch orball four.

5) THROWN BAT: When a bat isthrown into fair territory, whether intentionally or not, and it interfereswith a defensive player attempting to make a play, interference shall becalled.

EFFECT: The ball is dead. The batter is out. Base runners shall return to the last baseoccupied at the time of the pitch. If,in the umpire’s judgment, interference prevented a double play, two outs may bedeclared.

10.9Batted Ball off Batter, Clothing, Attached Equipment

When a batted ball hits the dirt, home plate or thebatter, and then hits the batter, the ball is dead immediately

EFFECT:

a)If the batter is out of the batter’s box and the ballis considered fair, the batter is declared out, and each runner must return tothe base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

b)If the batter is in the batter’s box, a foul ball iscalled, a strike is charged to the batter if she has fewer than two strikes,and each runner must return to the base legally occupied at the time of thepitch.

c)If the batter is out of the batter’s box and the ballis considered foul, a foul ball is called, a strike is charged to the batter ifshe has fewer than two strikes, and each runner must return to the base legallyoccupied at the time of the pitch.

10.10Batting Order

The batting order that is provided to the plate umpiremust be followed throughout the game, except that a starting player may bereplaced by a substitute who must take the place of the starting player in thebatting order. In addition, the FLEX mayreplace the designated player on offense.The first batter listed on each team’s line-up card shall lead off herrespective team’s half of the first inning.After the first inning, the first (lead-off) batter in each inning shallbe the player whose name follows that of the last batter who completed her fullturn at bat in the preceding inning. Ifthe third out in an inning is made before a batter completes her turn at bat,she shall be the first batter in the next inning and she shall start with a 0-0count.

10.11Batting Out of Order

1) When a batter fails to bat in proper order as listed onthe official line-up card, the player is batting out of order.

2) The defensive team is the only one that can make anappeal play for batting out of order.The defensive team forfeits its right to appeal batting out of orderwhen one illegal or legal pitch has been made to the following batter or whenthe pitcher and all infielders have clearly vacated their normal fieldingpositions and have left fair territory.

3) The effect for batting out of order varies dependingupon when the infraction is reported to the plate umpire.

EFFECT: (10.11 / 1-3) If the error is reported whilethe incorrect batter is at bat, the correct batter may take her place andlegally assume any balls and strikes.Any runs scored or bases advanced while the incorrect batter was at bat shall be legal.

Note: A wrong batter at the plate may be correctedby the offensive team with no effect.

a)If the error is reported after the incorrect batter hascompleted her turn at bat and before an illegal or legal pitch has beendelivered to the following batter, or before the pitcher and all infieldersclearly have vacated their normal fielding positions and have left fair territory: (a) the player who should have batted isout; (b) all results because of a ballbatted by the improper batter or because of the improper batter’s advance tofirst base as a result of obstruction, an error, a hit batter, walk, droppedthird strike or a base hit shall be nullified; (c) the next batter is the player whose namefollows that of the player called out for failing to bat; (d) if the batterdeclared out under these circumstances is the third out, the correct batter inthe next inning shall be the player who would have come to bat had the playerbeen put out; and (e) if the third out is made on a player before the report ofthe infraction, an appeal may still be made in order to reinstate the correctbatting order.

b)If the error is reported after the first illegal orlegal pitch to the next batter or after the pitcher and all infielders clearlyhave vacated their normal fielding positions and have left fair territory: (a) the turn at bat of the incorrect batter is legal; (b) all runs scored and bases run are legal; and (c) the next batteris the player whose name follows that of the player who batted out of order.

Notes:

a)No runner shall be removed from the base she isoccupying to bat in her proper place except the batter who has been taken offthe base by the plate umpire (as in the effect above). She merely misses her turn at batwith no effect. The batterfollowing her in the batting order becomes the legal batter.

b)Players who have not batted and who have not beencalled out have lost their turn at bat until reached again in the regularorder.

c)The announcer shall announce the players as listed onthe line-up card. The public-address announcer:umpires or official scorer shall not call attention to the improperbatter. If this occurs, the plate umpireshall warn the public-address announcer and/or the official scorer that on thenext infraction, he/she will be removed from that position.

10.12Checked Swing

1) Regardless of whether or not the batter checked herswing, a pitched ball should be called a strike when it is in the strike zone.

2) A pitched ball should be called a ball when the plateumpire is blocked out or in doubt, regardless of whether or not the batterchecked her swing.

3) When the catcher requests the home plate umpire toappeal to a base umpire regarding a checked swing, the appeal must be made.

Note: As a general rule, there are four factorswhen attempting to determine if a batter has swung at the ball or checked herswing:

i)Did she roll her wrists?

ii)Was the bat out in front of her body?

iii)Did she swing through the ball and bring the bat backor draw the bat back before the pitch arrived?

iv)Did she make an attempt to hit/bunt/slap the pitch?

10.13Dropped Third Strike Rule

1) When with fewer than two outs and first base occupied,the catcher fails to catch a third strike before the ball touches the ground.

EFFECT: Thebatter is out. The ball is live. Base runners may advance with the liabilityof being put out.

2) When with two outs or fewer than two outs and firstbase is unoccupied, the catcher fails to catch a third strike before the balltouches the ground.

EFFECT: The ballis live. The batter becomes abatter-runner with the liability to be put out.Base runners may advance with liability to be put out.

10.14 Hitting Ball a Second Time

1) A batter may not, after contacting a fair ball, contactthe ball with the bat a second time in fair territory.

EFFECT:

a)If the bat is still in the batter’s hand(s) when theball is contacted a second time and the batter is out of the batter’s box, theball is dead,the batter is out, and each runner must return to the base legallyoccupied at the time of the pitch.

b)If the bat is still in the batter’s hand(s) when theball is contacted a second time and the batter is within the batter’s box, theball is dead, a foul ball is ruled, and each runner must return to the baselegally occupied at the time of the pitch.

c)If the bat is out of the batter’s hand(s) (on theground), the ball rolls against the bat in fair territory and, in the umpire’sjudgment, there was no intent to interfere with the course of the ball, theball is live. If it stops or is touchedin fair territory, it is a fair ball. Ifthe ball touches the bat in fair territory and then rolls to foul ground andstops, it is a foul ball. If the ballrolls against the bat in foul territory, it is a foul ball regardless.

d)If the bat is out of the batter’s hand(s) (thrown ordropped) and it hits the ball in fair territory, the ball is dead, the batteris out, and each runner must return to the base legally occupied at the time ofthe pitch.

2) The batter may not, after contacting a foul ball,intentionally deflect the course of the ball in any manner while running tofirst or intentionally interfere with the catcher’s attempt to field a thirdstrike.

EFFECT: Thebatter is out. The ball is dead. Each runner must return to the base legallyoccupied at the time of the pitch.

3) The batter may not swing and miss a pitched ball andthen accidentally hit it on the follow-through or after it bounces off thecatcher or her mitt/glove.

EFFECT: Thepitch is a strike. The ball isdead. The batter is declared out if thepitch was a third strike; otherwise, she remains at bat. Each runner must return to the base legallyoccupied at the time of the pitch.

4) The batter may not swing and miss a pitched ball andthen intentionally hit it on a second swing or after it bounces off the catcheror her mitt/glove.

EFFECT: Thebatter is declared out. The ball isdead. Each runner must return to thebase legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

10.15 Hit Batter (By Pitch)

1)A batter isawarded first base when a pitched ball neither swung at nor called a striketouches any part of the batter’s person or clothing while she is in thebatter’s box.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. The batter is entitled to firstbase without liability to be put out.Runners may not advance, unless forced.

Notes:

i)The batter’s hands are not considered part of the bat

ii)It does not matter if the ball strikes the groundbefore hitting the batter.

2) The hit batter shall not be awarded first base underthe following circumstances:

a) The batter obviously tried to get hit by the pitch ormade no attempt to avoid the pitch.

EFFECT:The ball is dead. The pitch is aball or strike (depending on its location), and the batter remains at bat,except the batter is declared out if the pitch was a third strike or the batteris awarded first base if the pitch was “ball four”. Runners advance, if forced.

b) The batter is hit by a pitch in the strike zone.

EFFECT:The ball Is dead. The pitch is astrike. The batter is declared out ifthe pitch is a third strike; otherwise, she remains at bat. Each runner must return to the base legallyoccupied at the time of the pitch.

c) The pitched ball touches any part of the batter’sperson as she swings and misses for a third strike.

EFFECT:The ball is dead. The batter isdeclared out. Each runner must return tothe base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

d) The batter is hit by a pitch out of the batter’s box,assuming she did not swing or attempt to bunt

EFFECT: “No Pitch”

e) The pitcher shall not intentionally attempt to hit thebatter with a pitch.

EFFECT:The umpire shall warn the pitcher and both opposing coaches that futureviolations by any pitcher will be cause for immediate ejection of the pitcherand the head coach. If the umpiredetermines intent, he may eject the pitcher and/or head coach without awarning.

10.16Illegally Batted Ball

An illegally batted ball occurs when the battercontacts the pitch and:

1) Either one or both of the batter’s feet are in contactwith the ground entirely outside the lines of the batter’s box. -Penalty is a dead ball / called strike

2) Any part of the batter’s foot is touching home plate,even though she may be touching the lines of the batter’s box.

EFFECT:(10.16 / 1-2) The ball is dead. The batter shall be declared out. Each runner must return to base legallyoccupied at the time of the pitch, whether the ball is fair or foul.

Note: When batter’s boxes are not drawn, goodjudgment must be used and the benefit of the doubt must go to the batter.

3) A non-approved or illegal bat is used.

EFFECT: Thebatter is out. Base runners shall notadvance. The bat shall be removed fromthe game.

4) An altered bat is used.

EFFECT: Thebatter is out and ejected from the game.Base runners shall not advance.The bat shall be removed from the game.

10.17 Infield Fly Rule

The infield fly rule is in effect, when immediatelydeclared by the umpire because the batter hits a fair ball (not including aline drive or an attempted bunt) that can be caught by an infielder withordinary effort when first and second base or all three bases are occupied, andthere are fewer than two outs.

EFFECT: The ballis live. The batter-runner is out if thebatted ball is fair. Each runner may tagup and advance with the liability to be put out once the batted ball is touched(before it is caught), the same as on any caught fly ball. If a declared infield fly is droppedintentionally or allowed to fall untouched, the ball is live, and thebatter-runner is out which removes all force plays, and each runner may advancewith liability to be put out. A runnerneed not retouch her base(s).

Notes:

i)If a declared infield fly becomes a foul ball, it istreated the same as any foul.

ii)Any defensive player who positions herself in theinfield at the start of the pitch shall be considered an infielder for thepurpose of this rule.

iii)The infield fly is ruled when the ball reaches itshighest point based on the position of the closest infielder, regardless of whomakes the play.

iv)If the ball is near the foul line, the umpire shalldeclare, “Infield fly, the batter is out if fair.”

10.18Intentionally Dropped Fair Fly Ball

1) An intentionally dropped ball is a batted ball that islegally and actually caught and then deliberately dropped. A ball that is guided to the ground shouldnot be considered an intentionally dropped ball. A ball that is trapped shall not beconsidered as having been intentionally dropped.

2) An infielder may not intentionally drop a fair flyball, a line drive or a bunt when there are fewer than two outs and runners areon first; first and second; first and third; or first, second and third.

EFFECT: (10.18 / 1-2) The ball is dead. The batter is out. Each runner must return to the base legallyoccupied at the time of the pitch.Exception: The batter is not out if the infielderpermits the ball in flightto drop untouched to the ground, except when the infield fly rule applies.

(See Rule 10.17) If an infieldfly is ruled, it has precedence over an intentionally dropped ball.

10.19Stepping Out of the Box

1) While thepitcher is in the pitching position, the batter shall not step from onebatter’s box to the other box.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. The batter is out. Each runner must return to the base legallyoccupied at the time of the pitch.

2) Unless permission is granted by the umpire, the battershall not leave her position in the batter’s box when the pitcher is in thepitching position on the pitcher’s plate.

EFFECT: Thebatter leaves the batter’s box at the risk of having a strike delivered, unlessshe requests and is granted “Time” from the plate umpire. If the plate umpire does not suspend play asrequested by the batter and the pitcher legally delivers the pitch, it shall becalled a strike or ball, depending upon the location of the pitch. The ball remains live.

3) Once the pitcher has taken the sign and started her windup, she must deliver the pitch and the batter shall not leave her position inthe batter’s box.

EFFECT:

i)If the batter steps out of the box, holds up her handor uses any other action as if requesting time and the pitcher legally deliversthe pitch, it shall be called a strike or ball, depending upon the location ofthe pitch. The ball remains live.

ii)If the pitcher hesitates or stops in her delivery as aresult of the batter stepping out of the box, holding up her hands or using anyother action as if requesting time, it shall not be an illegal pitch. Since both the pitcher and the batterviolated the rule, “No Pitch” shall be declared.

iii)If the umpire judges the batter’s action to be adeliberate attempt to create an illegal pitch, the ball is dead, “No Pitch” iscalled, and all subsequent action on that pitch is canceled. A warning shall be issued to the batter andto the offending team. A repeat of thistype of act by any member of the team warned shall result in the offender beingejected from the game.

4) The batter shall not hinder the catcher or any otherfielder from throwing or catching the ball by stepping out of the batter’s boxor intentionally hinder a player (steal/pick-off/play at the plate) whilestanding within the batter’s box.

EFFECT: The ball is dead. The batter is out. Each runner must return to the last basethat, in the umpire’s judgment, was legally touched at the time of theinterference.

Exceptions:

i) If the batter strikes out and interferes with thecatcher’s attempt to throw out a runner, the runner also is out. The ball is dead.

ii) If a runner is advancing to home plate and there arefewer than two outs, the runner, instead of the batter is out. The ball is dead.

iii)If the catcher is not making a play on a base runnerbut the batter interferes with the catcher’s return throw to the pitcher andthe runner advances safely, the umpire should call time and return therunner(s) to the base occupied at the time of the accidental interference.

10.20Batter is Out

The batter is out when:

1) The on-deck batter or any other member of the team atbat interferes with a defensive player attempting to field a fly ball.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. Each runner must return to thebase legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

2) The batter enters the batter’s box with or is using analtered bat.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. The batter is ejected. The bat shall be removed from the game. Each runner must return to the base legallyoccupied at the time of the pitch.

3) The batter enters the batter’s box with or using anillegal or non-approved bat.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. IFA batter enters the batter’sbox with an illegal or non-approved bat, the bat shall be removed from the game(i.e., not returned to the dugout), the batter is out. Base runners shall not advance.

Exception: Advance is legal on a non-contacted pitch orball four.

4) The offense bats out of order and the defensechallenges the action after the incorrect batter has completed her turn at batand before a legal or illegal pitch has been made to the following batter orbefore the pitcher and all infielders clearly have vacated their normalfielding positions and have left fair territory.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. Any advance or score madebecause of a ball batted by the incorrect batter or because of the incorrectbatter’s advance to first base as a result of obstruction, a hit batter, awalk, an error, a dropped third strike or a base hit, shall be nullified. The next batter isthe player whose name follows that of the player called out for failingto bat.

5) The batter’s entire foot is touching the groundcompletely outside the lines of the batter’s box at the moment the bat-ballcontact, whether fair or foul.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. Each runner must return to thebase legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

Note: Where nobatter’s box lines are marked, good judgment must be used, and any doubt mustgo to the batter.

6) Any part of the batter’s foot is touching home plate atthe moment of bat-ball contact, whether the ball is fair or foul.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. Each runner must return to thebase legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

7) The batter throws the whole bat into fair territory,whether intentionally or not, and it interferes with a defensive playerattempting to make a play.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. Each runner must return to thebase legally occupied at the time of the pitch.If, in the judgment of the umpire, interference prevented a possibledouble play, two runners may be declared out.

8) A batted ball hits the batter or hits the dirt or homeplate and then hits the batter when the batter is out of the batter’s box, andthe batted ball is considered fair.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. Each runner must return to the base legally occupied at the time ofthe pitch.

9) The batter hits a fair ball with the bat a second timein fair territory.

EFFECT:

i)If the batter is out of the batter’s box and the bat isstill in the batter’s hand(s) when the ball is contacted a second time, theball is dead. Each runner must returnto the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch. Exception: If the batter is standing in the batter’s box and contact is made whilethe bat is in the batter’s hand(s), a foul ball is ruled even if the ball ishit a second time over fair territory.

ii)If the bat is out of the batter’s hand(s) (thrown ordropped) and it hits (lands on) the ball in fair territory, the ball isdead. Each runner must return to thebase legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

Note: If thebatter drops the bat and the ball rolls against the bat in fair territory, and,in the judgment of the umpire, there was no intent to interfere with the courseof the ball, the batter is not out, and the ball is live, in play, and ruledfair or foul depending on where it comes to rest or is first touched.

10) The batter swings and misses a pitched ball and thenintentionally hits it on a second swing or after it bounces off the catcher orher mitt/glove.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. Each runner must return to thebase legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

11) The batter bunts foul after the second strike.

EFFECT: If thebunt attempt is caught in the air, the ball is live. Runners may tag and advance with liability tobe put out.If the bunt attempt results in a foul ball not legally caught, the ballis dead. Each runner must return to thebase legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

12) The batter’s third strike is a foul tip.

EFFECT: The ballis live. Runners may advance withouttagging but with liability to be put out.

13) A called or swinging third strike is legally caught bythe catcher.

EFFECT: The ball is live. Runners may advance with liability to be putout.

14) The catcher fails to catch a third strike before theball touches the ground when there are fewer than two outs, and first base isoccupied.

EFFECT: The ball is live. Runners may advance with liability to be putout.

15) A pitched ball touches any part of the batter’s person,including her hands, as she swings and misses for a third strike.

EFFECT: Theball is dead. Each runner must return tothe base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

16) The batter with two strikes, is hit by a pitch in thestrike zone, makes no attempt to avoid a pitch in the strike zone or obviouslytries to get hit by a pitch in the strike zone.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. Each runner must return to thebase legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

17) The batter hinders the catcher or any fielder fromcatching or throwing the ball by stepping out of the batter’s box, orintentionally hinders a player (steal/pickoff throw or play at the plate) whilestanding within the batter’s box.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. Each runner must return to thelast base that, in the judgment of the umpire, was legally touched at the timeof the interference.

Exceptions:

i) The ball is dead.If the batter strikes out and interferes with the catcher’s attempt tothrow out a runner, the runner is also out.

ii) The ball is dead.If a runner is advancing to home plate and there are fewer than twoouts, the runner, instead of the batter is out.

iii)If the catcher is not making a play on a base runnerbut the batter interferes with the catcher’s return throw to the pitcher andthe runner advances safely, the umpire should call time and return tothe runner(s) to the baseoccupied at the time of the accidental interference.

18) The batter steps from one batter’s box to the otherwhile the pitcher is in the position ready to pitch.

EFFECT: Theball is dead. Each runner must return tothe base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

SECTION 11 –BASE RUNNING___________________________

11.00 Useof Double First Base

When using a double first base (white/orange) it isdivided for safety purposes utilized by fielders/batter-runner(s). It is highly encouraged for the fielder touse the white base and the batter/runner to use the orange base on a routineplay at first. During a play from foul territory on the “batter/runner” playersmay switch bases on the play. However, once the batter/runner reaches this baseshe will be considered a “runner only” and from that point on all other playssuch as: errant throws, tag-ups, pick-offsand returns to first base will only allow players to use the white portionof the base.

a)Using the foulline as a guide, a batted ball hitting the white portion of the base isdeclared fair and batted ball hitting the orange portion of the base isdeclared foul.

11.1Batter Becomes a Batter-Runner

The batter becomes a batter-runner with liability to beput out:

1) When with two outs or fewer and first base isunoccupied, the catcher fails to catch a third strike before the ball touchesthe ground. (Rule 10.13)

Note: When thecatcher fails to catch a third strike before the ball touches the ground withfewer than two outs and first base is occupied, the batter is automaticallyout; the ball is live; and each base runner may advance with liability to beput out.

2) After a legally batted fair ball that is not blocked.

3) When a fair batted ball strikes the person, clothing ofa runner, attached equipment or an umpire after touching an infielder(including the pitcher).

Note: When saidball touches the runner/umpire while still in flight, it shall be considered aground ball. I cannot be caught as a flyball.

4) When a fair batted ball strikes the person, clothing ofa runner, attached equipment or an umpire after passing a fielder (other thanthe pitcher), and no other infielder had a chance to make a play.

EFFECT: (11.1 / 1-4) The ball is live. The batter becomes a batter-runner andadvances with liability to be put out.Each base runner advances with liability to be put out, whether forcedor not.

11.2 Base Awards

1) First Base: The batter isawarded first base with no liability to be put out:

a) After “ball four”

EFFECT: Theball is live unless blocked. The battermay advance beyond first base with liability to be put out. If forced, each base runner advances one basewith no liability to be put out. If notforced, each base runner may advance with liability to be put out.

b) After catcher obstruction (See Section 8.11)

c) After being hit by a pitch. (See Section 10.15)

d) When a fair, untouched batted ball strikes a person,clothing of an umpire, attached equipment before touching a fielder (includingthe pitcher), or before passing a fielder (other than the pitcher).

e) When a fair, untouched batted ball strikes a person,clothing of an umpire, attached equipment after passing an infielder (includingthe pitcher), but another fielder had a chance to make a play.

EFFECT: (11.2 / 1, d-e) The ball is dead, the batter isawarded first base and credited with a base hit. Each base runner, if forced, advances onebase with no liability to be put out. Ifnot forced, each runner must return to the base legally occupied at the time ofthe pitch.

f) When a runner intentionally kicks the ball that aninfielder has missed.

EFFECT: Theball is dead. The batter is awardedfirst base and the runner is out. Eachother runner, if forced, advances one base with no liability to be put out. If not forced, each other runner must returnto the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

g) When a fair batted ball strikes the person, clothing ofa runner or attached equipment before touching an infielder (including thepitcher) or passing an infielder (other than a pitcher) who has a reasonablechance to make a play.

h) When a fair batted ball strikes the person, clothing ofa runner or attached equipment after passing an infielder (including thepitcher), and another fielder had a chance to make a play.

EFFECT: (11.2 / 1, g-h)

i)In general, the ball is dead, and the batter becomes abatter-runner and is awarded first base and credited with a base hit.

ii)If off base when struck by a fair ball, the runner isout, and each runner not forced by the batter-runner must return to the baseshe legally touched at the time of the interference. If forced, each other runner advances onebase without liability to be put out.The ball is dead.

iii)If on base when struck by a fair ball, the runner isnot out. The ball is live or dead,depending on the position of the fielder closest to the base. If the closest defensive player is in frontof the base the runner is in contact with, the ball is live. If the closest defensive player is behind thebase, the ball is dead. If forced, eachrunner advances one base with no liability to be put out. If unforced, each runner must return to thebase legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

2) SecondBase: The batter is awarded second base with noliability to be put out:

a) When a fair batted ball touches loose equipmentbelonging to the defense.

b) When a fair batted ball bounces over, passes through orwedges under a fence or designated boundary of the playing field, or becomesblocked.

c) When a fair batted ball lodges in the fence, or invines or shrubbery on the fence.

d) When a fair batted ball deflects off a defensive playerand crosses into dead-ball territory (excluding a ball deflected over thehome-run fence in fair territory), or passes an infielder (excluding thepitcher), deflects off a runner or umpire, and crosses into dead-ballterritory, provided no other infielder has a reasonable chance to make a play.

e) When a fair batted ball deflects off a fence and thenoff a fielder before going over the home-run fence.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. The batter is awarded secondbase and is credited with a two-base hit (double). Each other base runner is awarded two basesfrom the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

3) Third Base: The batter isawarded third base with no liability to be put out:

a) When a fielder intentionally catches or contacts a fairbatted ball with her helmet, cap, chest protector, mask, mitt/glove or any partof her uniform that is detached from its proper place on her person.

b) When an illegal touch or catch is made on a batted ballthat, in the opinion of the umpire might become fair.

EFFECT: (11.2 / 3 a-b) Delayed dead ball issignaled. The batter is awarded thirdbase and credited with a three-base hit (triple) but may advance farther withliability to be put out. Each other baserunner is awarded home plate.

4) Home Plate: The batter isawarded home plate with no liability to be put out:

a) When a fair batted fly ball strikes the foul pole abovethe fence level or leaves the playing field in fair territory without being caught,touching the ground or going through the fence even if the ball is deflected bya fielder.

b) An illegal touch or catch is made on a fair hit ballthat, in the umpire’s judgment, would have cleared the home-run fence inflight.

Note: The ballmay have been prevented from going over the fence by a spectator or by detachedplayer equipment which is thrown, kicked, tossed or held by a fielder.

EFFECT:(11.2 / 4 a-b) The ball is dead. Thebatter-runner is entitled to a home run, and each other base runner is awardedhome plate.

5) JudgedBases: A batter, batter-runner or runner is entitledto advance the number of bases that the umpire judges to be appropriate:

a) When a fielder, not in possession of the ball, not inthe act of fielding a batted ball or not about to receive a thrown ball, fakesa tag without the ball or otherwise impedes her.

EFFECT: (See Fielder Obstruction / Section 8.11 – 3)

b) When a spectator reaches out of the stands or entersthe field and interferes with a play.The field belongs to the fielder and the stands belong to the spectator,except that the fielder may reach into the stands or over a fence to attempt tocatch a batted fly ball.

EFFECT: (See Spectator Interference /Section 8.7)

c) When a fair batted ball becomes lodged in the clothingor attached equipment of an umpire or offensive player.

EFFECT (See Equipment Blocked Ball / Section 7.3)

d) When an umpire suspends play to protect a player whowas seriously injured.

EFFECT: The ball is dead. The batter, batter-runner and base runnersare awarded the appropriate bases.

6) Two Bases: When a fielderintentionally contacts or catches a thrown ball with her cap, mask, helmet,chest protector, mitt/glove or any part of her uniform that is detached fromits proper place on her person.

EFFECT: Delayeddead ball is signaled. The batter-runnerand each base runner are entitled to advance two bases from the time of thethrow but may advance farther with liability to be put out.

11.3 Batter-Runner is Out

Thebatter-runner is out when:

1) She hits a fair ball and is legally put out beforereaching first base.

EFFECT: The ball is live. Each runner may advance with liability to beput out, whether forced or not.

2) When she hits a foul or fair ball, other than a foultip, and it is caught by a fielder before it touches the ground, any object orperson other than a defensive player.

3) When she is legally put out before reaching first basewhen the catcher fails to catch a third strike before the ball touches theground with two outs, or when there are fewer than two outs, and first base isunoccupied.

Note: When thecatcher fails to catch a third strike before the ball touches the ground withfewer than two outs and first base is occupied, the batter is automaticallyout.

EFFECT: (11.3 / 2-3) The ball is live. Each runner may advance with liability to beput out.

4) When she does not proceed to first base after a fairbatted ball or a dropped third strike (with two outs, or when there are fewerthan two outs and first base is unoccupied).

EFFECT: Theball is live. The batter-runner shall bedeclared out if she is touched while off base, the base is touched before shereaches it, or she leaves the field of play.Each runner may advance with liability to be put out.

5) When she does not proceed to first base after:

a) A base on balls.

EFFECT: The ballis live. The batter-runner is out if andwhen she leaves the field of play. Eachrunner may advance with liability to be put out.

b) Being hit by a pitch

EFFECT: Theball is dead. The batter-runner shouldproceed directly to first base; however, if she requires medical treatment, shemay receive it before proceeding to first base.(The batter-runner is not out if she leaves the field for necessarymedical treatment.) Each runner mustreturn to the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

c) Catcher obstruction

EFFECT: (See Catcher Obstruction / Section 8.11 /1) Delayed dead ball is signaled. If thecoach elects to take the result of enforced catcher obstruction, thebatter-runner is awarded first base, and each runner may advance only if forced.

6) When, after reaching a base safely, a batter-runner orrunner(s) abandons her base and obviously heads toward her position or thedugout (thinking she was put out) or leaves the field of play for any reason.

EFFECT: Theball is live. The batter-runner orrunner(s) is out, and each other runner may advance with liability to be putout.

7) When she hits an infield fly, and the infield fly ruleis in effect.

EFFECT: (See Infield Fly Rule, Section 10.17)

8) When either of her feet is completely outside therunner’s lane, in contact with the ground, and, in the umpire’s judgment, sheinterferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base. Exception: She may run outside the runner’s lane toavoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball and/or to touch the base onthe last stride.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. Each runner must return to thelast base legally touched at the time of the interference.

9) When with fewer than two outs and first, first andsecond, first and third, or first, second and third bases are occupied, aninfielder intentionally drops a batted or bunted fair ball or line drive whichcould have been caught with ordinary effort.

Note: Anintentionally dropped ball is a batted ball that is legally and actually caughtand then deliberately dropped. A trappedball shall not be considered as having been intentionally dropped. A ball that has been guided to the groundshould not be considered an intentionally dropped ball.

EFFECT: Theball is dead. Each runner must return tothe base legally occupied at the time of the pitch. Exception:The batter is not out when the infielder permits the ball in flight todrop untouched to the ground, except when the infield fly rule applies. If an infield fly is ruled, it takesprecedence over an intentionally dropped ball.

10) When she runs the bases in reverse order to confuseopponents or to make a travesty of the game.

EFFECT:The ball is dead. Each runnermust return to the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

11) When she steps back toward home plate to delay or avoida tag by the fielder.

EFFECT: The ball is dead. Each runnermust return to the last base legally touched at the time of the pitch.

12) When she interferes with a play at home plate in anattempt to prevent an obvious out.

EFFECT: The ball is dead. The batter andthe runner at home are both declared out.Each other runner must return to the last base legally touched at the timeof the interference.

13) When she interferes with a fielder attempting to fielda batted ball, interferes with a fielder attempting to throw the ball,intentionally interferes with a thrown ball while out of the batter’s box,makes contact with a fair batted ball before reaching first base or interfereswith a dropped third strike.

EFFECT: The ball is dead. Each runnermust return to the last base legally touched at the time of theinterference. If the interference, inthe judgment of the umpire, is an obvious attempt to prevent a double play, therunner being played on also shall be called out.

Note: Abatter-runner being hit with a thrown ball does not necessarily constituteinterference.

14) When the immediate preceding runner who is not yet outintentionally interferes, in the judgment of the umpire, with a fielder who isattempting to catch a thrown ball in an attempt to complete a play.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. The batter-runner and therunner are declared out. Each otherrunner must return to the last base legally touched at the time of theinterference.

15) When, after hitting a home run, providing her teampreviously was warned for a first offense, the individual is touched by anymember of the offensive team other than the base coaches, before touching homeplate.

EFFECT: Theball is dead. The batter is out andcredited with the last base legally touched at the time of theinterference. Each other runner mustreturn to the last base legally touched at the time of the interference.

16) When a spectator enters the field of play or reachesonto the field from the stands and clearly prevents a fielder from catching afly ball in the field of play.

EFFECT: Theball is dead at the moment of the interference.The umpire shall award appropriate compensation, be it an out, extrabases, etc.

Note: It is notinterference if the fielder reaches into the stands or over a fence and aspectator interferes with a possible catch.The field belongs to the fielder and the stands belong to the spectator.

BASERUNNER(S)

11.4 BaseRunner May Advance with Liability to Be Put Out

1) A runner may advance with liability to be put out:

a) When a pitched ball leaves the pitcher’s hand.

b) After a legally batted fair ball that is not blocked.

c) After a fair batted ball that strikes the person,attached equipment or clothing of a runner or an umpire after touching aninfielder (including the pitcher)

d) After a fair batted ball that strikes the person,attached equipment or clothing or a runner or an umpire after passing aninfielder (other than the pitcher), and no other infielder had a chance to makea play.

e) When a legally caught fly ball is first touched.

f)When a pitched orthrown ball hits an umpire.

g) When a pitched or thrown ball enters foul territory butis not blocked.

h) When a foul tip is legally caught.

Note: No tag-up is necessary.

i) When a runner is hit by a fair batted ball while incontact with a base, and the closest defensive player is in front of that base.

j) When a ball becomes lodged in a defensive player’suniform or equipment.

EFFECT: (11.4-1/ a-j) The ball is live.

11.5 BaseAwards

An offensiveplayer who is entitled to advance because of a base award is not in jeopardy ofbeing put out. However, upon properappeal by the defense, she may be called out for base running violations. In addition, to any special ground rulesestablished, the following awards are in effect:

1) One Base: A base runneris entitled to advance one base with no liability to be put out:

a) If forced to vacate a base because of a one-base awardto the batter.

EFFECT: The ballis live unless blocked. Each runneradvances one base if forced and may advance farther with liability to be putout. If unforced, each runner mayadvance with liability to be put out.

b) When a pitcher makes an illegal pitch, provided theoffensive coach does not take the result of the play.

EFFECT: Delayeddead ball is signaled. Each runner isawarded one base from the base occupied at the time of the pitch. The batter is awarded a ball. If the pitch is “Ball Four” or the batter ishit by the illegal pitch, the batter is awarded first base.

c) When a pitched ball is blocked (ex: lodges in or goesunder, over or through the backstop).

EFFECT: The ballis dead. The batter is awarded firstbase only on the fourth ball. Eachrunner is awarded one base from the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

d) When a live ball is unintentionally carried by afielder from playable territory into dead-ball territory (“Catch and Carry”).

EFFECT: The ballis dead. Each runner is awarded one basefrom the last base legally touched at the time the fielder entered dead-ballterritory.

e) When a fielder loses possession of the ball, such as onan attempted tag and the ball enters dead-ball territory or becomes blocked.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. Each runner is awarded one basefrom the last base legally touched at the time the ball became blocked.

2) Two Bases: A base runneris entitled to advance two bases with no liability to be put out:

a) If forced to vacate a base because of a two-base awardto the batter.

EFFECT: The ballis live unless blocked. Each runneradvances two bases if forced and may advance farther with liability to be putout. If unforced, each runner mayadvance with liability to be put out.

b) When a fair ball deflects off a defensive player andenters dead-ball territory.

c) When a fair ball deflects off a runner or umpire andenters dead-ball territory after having passed an infielder (excluding thepitcher), provided no other infielder had a chance to make a play.

EFFECT: (11.5 / 2 b –c) The ball is dead. The batter-runner and each other runner areawarded two bases from the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

d) When the ball is in play and is overthrown (beyond theboundary lines) or is blocked.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. Each runner is awarded twobases from the last base legally touched when the ball left the fielder’shand. If two runners are between thesame bases, the award is based on the position of the lead runner.

Exceptions:

i) When a fielder loses possession of the ball, such as onan attempted tag, and the ball enters dead-ball territory or becomes blocked,each runner is awarded one base from the last base touched at the time the ballbecame blocked.

Note:If a runner touches the next base and returns to her original base, theoriginal base she left is considered the last base touched for the purpose ofan overthrow award.

ii) If the ball becomes blocked because of offensiveequipment not involved in the game, the ball is ruled dead, and each runnermust return to the last base legally touched at the time of the blockedball. If the blocked ball prevented thedefense from making a play, the runner being played on is called out. (If thisplayer has scored before the blocked ball was ruled, the runner closest to homeis called out.)

e) If, in the umpire’s judgment, a fielder intentionallykicks, carries, throws or pushes a live ball from playable territory intodead-ball territory.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. Each runner is awarded twobases from the last base legally touched at the time the ball enters dead-ballterritory.

3) Home Plate: A base runneris entitled to advance to home plate with no liability to be put out if forcedto vacate a base because of a three-or-four base award to the batter.

4) JudgedBases: A batter, batter-runner or runner is entitledto advance the number of bases that the umpire judges to be appropriate:

a) When a fielder not in possession of the ball, not inthe act of fielding a batted ball or not about to receive a thrown ball, fakesa tag without the ball or impedes her.

EFFECT: (See Fake Tag Rule, Fielder Obstruction, 8.11/3)

Notes:

i)Base runner(s) may advance farther with liability to beput out.

ii)An obstructed runner may not be called out between thetwo bases where she was obstructed unless properly appealed for missing a base,for an act of interference or for leaving a base before a fly ball was first touched.

b) When a spectator reaches out of the stands or entersthe field of play and interferes with the play.

EFFECT: Theball is dead. The umpire shall awardappropriate compensation, be it an out, extra bases, etc.

Note: It is notinterference if the fielder reaches into the stands or over a fence and aspectator interferes with a possible catch.The field belongs to the fielder, and the stands belong to thespectator.

c) When an umpire suspends play to protect a player whowas seriously injured.

EFFECT: Theball is dead. The batter, batter-runnerand base runners are awarded the appropriate bases.

11.6 BaseRunner Forfeits Exemption from Liability to Be Put Out

A base runner forfeits exemption from liability to beout:

1) If, after making the turn at or overrunning first base,the batter-runner feints or attempts to continue to second base.

2) If, after dislodging a base, the runner attempts toreach the next base.

3) If, while the ball is in play or on awarded bases, therunner fails to touch a base before attempting to make the next base. If the runner put out is the batter-runner atfirst base, or any other runner forced to advance because the batter became abatter-runner, this is a force out. Arunner may not return to touch a missed base or one left too soon on a caughtfly ball, if she is standing on a base beyond the base she missed or left toosoon when “Time” has been called.

4) If the ball is live and a runner, after reaching anawarded base, attempts to advance farther.

5) If the ball is live and a runner, after reaching basesafely, abandons her base (ex., heads towards her position or the dugout,because thinking she/other were put out to end the inning).

11.7 BaseRunner is Out

The baserunner is out:

1) When on a force play, a fielder:

a) Contacts the base while holding the ball.

b) Touches the ball to the base; or

c) Tags the runner before she reaches the base.

2) If the ball is in play and she is not in contact with abase when she is legally touched by the ball securely held in the hand(s) ormitt/glove of a fielder.

Exceptions:

i) When a runner dislodges a base from its properposition, neither she nor the succeeding runner(s) in the same series of playsis compelled to follow the base out of position. The base is considered to have followed therunner, and the ball is live. The runnermay stay where she is without liability to be put out, or she may attempt toadvance farther with liability to be put out.Other runners may advance with liability to be put out.

ii) When a runner reaches a base safely, but the tag isapplied with excessive force which causes the runner to lose contact with thebase.

iii)A batter-runner who reaches first base safely and thenoverruns or over slides may immediately return without liability to be put out,provided she does not feint or attempt to advance to second.

3) When she physically passes (ex. completely overtakes) apreceding runner before that runner has been put out, unless the passed runnerwas obstructed.

Note: If thiswas the third out of the inning, any runs scoring before the out for passing apreceding runner would count. Runnersare returned to the proper order as soon as the ball is declared dead.

**With fewer than two outs, if a batter, while runningthe bases after a home run outside the playing field, passes a precedingrunner; the batter is out, but all preceding runners score. With two outs, only those preceding runnersscore who have touched the plate before the batter is declared out. This is a timing play, not an appeal play.

4) When anyone other than another runner physicallyassists player while the ball is in play.

5) When, after play has resumed, the player fails toreturn to touch the base they previously occupied, and the defensive team makesa proper appeal.

6) When she is running to any base in regular or reverseorder, and she attempts to avoid or delay a tag by running out of the basepath.

EFFECT: (11.7 / 1-6) The ball is live. Each other runner may advance with liabilityto be put out.

Exception: It is not an infraction if a fielder isattempting to field a batted ball in the runner’s proper path, and the runnerruns in front of or behind the fielder to avoid interfering with her.

7) When she interferes with a fielder attempting to fielda batted ball, interferes with a fielder attempting to throw the ball orintentionally interferes with a thrown ball.

EFFECT:

i)The ball is dead.The batter-runner is awarded first base and credited with a basehit. Each runner not forced by thebatter-runner must return to the last base legally touched at the time of theinterference.

ii)If the interference, in the judgment of the umpire, isan obvious attempt to prevent a double play and occurs before the runner is putout, the runner being played on shall also be called out.

Notes:

(a)If a ball ricochets off one defensive player andanother player has the opportunity to make a play, the runner will be ruled outif she intentionally interferes with the second fielder.

(b)If two fielders attempt to field a batted ball, theumpire shall determine which fielder is more likely to make the play, and onlythat fielder is protected from interference by the runner. The runner is not out when more than onefielder attempts to field a batted ball, and the runner comes into contact withthe one who, in the umpire’s judgment, could not have made a play.

8) When she is struck with a fair batted ball while not incontact with a base and before it passes an infielder, excluding the pitcher,who has a reasonable chance to make a play.

EFFECT:

i)The ball is dead.The batter-runner is awarded first base and credited with a basehit. Each runner not forced by thebatter-runner must return to the last base legally touched at the time of theinterference.

ii)If two runners are hit by the same fair ball, only thefirst runner is out. If the runner isoff a base and hit by an infield fly, both the runner and the batter isout. If the runner is touching a basewhen hit by an infield fly, she is not out.

9) When a player is struck by a batted ball while incontact with a base, or otherwise interferes with the fielder attempting tofield a batted ball, theyare not out unless the umpirerules intentional interference with the ball or the fielder making a play.

EFFECT: If theumpire rules intentional interference, the ball is dead, and the batter is outif there are two outs. If there arefewer than two outs, both the batter and the runner are out. Each other runner must return to the baselegally occupied at the time of the pitch.

10) When a player intentionally kicks a ball that an infielderhas missed.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. The batter-runner is awardedfirst base and credited with a base hit.Each runner not forced by the batter-runner must return to the last baselegally touched at the time of the interference.

11) When, after being declared out or after scoring, arunner interferes with a defensive player’s opportunity to make a play onanother runner.

12) When a coach, while in the coach’s box, intentionallyinterferes with a thrown ball or interferes with the defensive team’s opportunityto make a play on another runner.

Note:If a thrown ball accidentally touches a coach in foul territory, theball is live and in play.

13) When the coach near third base runs in the direction ofhome plate on or near the baseline while a fielder is attempting to make a playon a batted or thrown ball and draws a throw to home plate.

EFFECT: (11.7 / 11-13) The ball isdead. The runner closest to home plateat the time of the interference shall be declared out. Each runner not forced by the batter-runnermust return to the last base legally touched at the time of the interference.

14) When a defensive player has the ball, the runnerremains on her feet and deliberately, with great force, crashes into thedefensive player.

Note: If the actis determined to be flagrant, the offender shall also be ejected.

15) When one or more members of the offensive team stand orcollect around a base to which a runner is advancing, confusing the fieldersand adding to the difficulty of making the play.

Note: Members ofa team include all persons authorized to be in the team’s dugout.

EFFECT: (11.7 / 14-15) The ball is dead. Each runner not forced by the batter-runnermust return to the last base legally touched at the time of the interference.

16) When she leaves the base, she is occupying before thepitch is released.

17) When she is legitimately off her base after a pitch oras a result of a batter completing her turn at bat, and while the pitcher hasthe ball within the

18) pitcher’s circle, she fails to immediately return toher base or attempt to advance to the next base.

19) When, once she returns to a base for any reason, sheleaves the base, unless:

a) A play is made on her or another runner

b) The pitcher no longer has possession of the ball withinthe pitcher’s circle; or

c) The pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter.

EFFECT: (11.7 / 16-18) The ball is dead, “No Pitch”is declared, and each other runner must return to the base legally occupied atthe time of the pitch.

19) When after reaching a base safely, she abandons herbase and obviously heads toward her position or the dugout, believing she wasput out or that another runner or the batter-runner was put out to the end ofthe inning.

20) When she used a running start (from a position behindand not in contact with the base) to tag up on a caught fly ball.

EFFECT: (11.7 / 19-20) The ball is live. Base runners may advance with liability to beput out.

11.8 Base Runner is Out After a Proper Appeal

The base runner is out after a properappeal:

1) When she fails to touch each base (including homeplate) in order when advancing or returning to a base. Either the runner or the missed base may betagged.

Note: No runner may return totouch a missed base after a trailing runner has scored or after leaving thefield of play.

2) When she fails to retouch her base before a fieldertags her or the base, after a foul or fair fly ball is legally caught.

3) When she leaves her base to advance to another basebefore a caught fly ball first touches the fielder. Either the runner or the base may be tagged.

Notes:

a)Bases left too soon on a caught fly ball must beretouched before advancing to awarded bases.

b)No runner may return to touch a base which she left toosoon if she has left the field of play or if a trailing runner has scored.

4) When she legally overruns first base, attempts to runto second base and is legally tagged while off the base.

5) When, after a conference, base runners switch positionson the bases they occupied, the ball has been put back in play, and before theend of the half-inning.

6) When she is running or sliding for home plate, fails totouch it and makes no attempt to return to it, and a fielder (while touchingthe plate) properly appeals to the umpire for the decision.

11.9 BaseRunner is Not Out

The baserunner is not out:

1) When she is hit with a fair batted ball over foulterritory, and, in the umpire’s judgment, no infielder had a reasonable chanceto make a play.

2) When she is hit with a fair, batted ball that haspassed an infielder (excluding the pitcher), and, in the umpire’s judgment, noother fielder had a reasonable chance to make a play.

3) When she is hit by a fair batted ball after it touchesor is touched by any fielder (including the pitcher), and she could not avoidcontact with the ball.

4) When she is hit by a batted ball while touching herbase, unless she intentionally interferes with the ball or a fielder making aplay.

5) When a batter-runner overruns first base after touchingit and returns directly to the base.

6) When she fails to return to a base at the end ofplaying action because she is not given sufficient time. She will not be called out for being off basebefore the pitcher releases the ball.“No Pitch” will be called by the umpire.

7) When she keeps contact with her base until a fly balltouches a fielder and then attempts to advance.

8) When she has legally started to advance. She may not be stopped by the pitcherreceiving the ball while on the pitching plate, nor by the pitcher stepping onthe plate with the ball in her possession.

9) When she does not run in a direct line to a base,provided a fielder in the direct line does not have the ball in her possession.

10) When she runs behind or in front of the fielder andoutside the baseline in order to avoid interfering with a fielder attempting tofield the ball in the base path.

11) When more than one fielder attempts to field a battedball, and the runner comes into contact with the one who, in the umpire’sjudgment, could not have made a play.

12) When she slides into a base and dislodges it from itsproper position. The base is consideredto have followed the runner.

13) When she is touched while off a base:

a) With a ball not securely held by a fielder.

b) With a hand or mitt/glove of a defensive player whenthe ball is in the player’s other hand.

14) When the defensive team does not request the umpire’sdecision on an appeal play until after the next legal or illegal pitch, oruntil after the

15) pitcher and all infielders have clearly vacated theirnormal fielding positions and have left fair territory.

16) When a fielder makes a play on a batter, batter-runneror runner while using an illegal mitt/glove.

REGULATIONSGOVERNING BASE RUNNING

11.10Abandoning a Base or Effort to Run the Bases

1) Not proceeding to first base after a fair batted ballor a dropped third strike (with two outs, or when there are fewer than two outsand first base is occupied).

EFFECT: Theball is live. The batter-runner shall bedeclared out if she is touched while off base, the base is touched before shereaches it, or she leaves the field of play.Each runner may advance with liability to be put out.

2) Not proceeding to first base after a base on balls.

EFFECT: Theball is live. The batter-runner is outif and when she leaves the field of play.Each runner may advance with liability to be put out.

3) Not proceeding to first base after being hit by apitch.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. The batter-runner shouldproceed directly to first base; however, if she requires medical treatment, shemay receive it before proceeding to first base.(The batter-runner is not out if she leaves the field for necessarymedical treatment.) Each runner mustreturn to the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch, unless forced.

4) Not proceeding to first base after catcher obstruction.

EFFECT: Delayed dead ball is signaled.

i)If the coach elects to take the result of the play, thebatter-runner is out if and when she leaves the field of play, and each runnermay advance with liability to be put out.

ii)If the coach elects to take the result of enforcedcatcher obstruction, the batter-runner is awarded first base, and each runnermay advance only if forced.

5) After reaching a base safely, obviously heading towardher position or the dugout (believing she was put out, the batted ball was foul,etc.), or leaving the field of play for any reason.

EFFECT: Theball is live. The batter-runner orrunner(s) is out. Each other runner mayadvance with liability to be put out.

11.11 Catch and Carry

A fielder maynot catch of field a live ball and carry it into dead-ball territory. This is commonly referred to as a “catch andcarry”.

EFFECT:

i)The ball is dead.The batter and each runner are awarded one base, without liability to beput out, from the last base legally touched at the time the fielder entereddead-ball territory. Exception: If the ball is legally caught fly ball, thebatter is out.

ii)If, in the umpire’s judgment, a fielder intentionallycarries, kicks, pushes, pitches or throws a live ball from playable territoryinto dead-ball territory, the ball is dead, and each runner is awarded twobases from the last base legally touched at the time the ball entered dead-ballterritory.

Notes:

(a)When a line is used to determine dead-ball(out-of-play) territory, the line is considered in play.

(b)If a fielder’s foot is touching the line or is inlive-ball territory, she is considered in the field of play and legally mayfield, catch or throw the ball with no effect.

(c)If a player’s entire foot is beyond the line andtouching dead-ball territory at the time she catches, fields or throws theball, she has entered dead-ball territory, the ball is dead, and no play isallowed.

(d)If a player has one foot in play and the other foot inthe air, she legally may catch, field or throw the ball until and unless herentire foot contacts the ground in dead-ball territory, at which time the ballbecomes dead and no play is allowed.

(e)If a player contacts dead-ball territory with any partof the body, including the entire foot, she is considered out of play. No play is allowed.

11.12Collisions

1) In order to prevent injury and protect the defensiveplayer attempting to make a play on a runner, the runner must be called out ifshe remains on her feet and deliberately, with great force, crashes into adefensive player holding the ball and waiting to apply a tag. In order to prevent a deliberate crashruling, the runner can slide, jump over the top of the defender holding theball, go around the defender (if outside the runner’s lane, the runner would becalled out) or return to the previous base touched.

Note: If the act is determined tobe flagrant, the offender will be ejected.

EFFECT: Theball is dead. The runner is called outfor deliberately crashing into a fielder, even if the ball is dislodged. If the runner deliberately crashed into afielder holding the ball before she was put out and, in the umpire’s judgment,it was an attempt to break up an obviousdouble play, the offender and player being played on shall both bedeclared out. If the deliberate crashoccurs after the runner was called out, the runner closest to home plate willbe declared out. If an obstructed runnerdeliberately crashes into a fielder holding theball, the obstruction call will be ignored, and therunner will be called out.

2) Simply because there is contact between the defensiveand offensive player does not mean that obstruction or interference hasoccurred.

11.13Dislodged Base

1) When a runner dislodges a base from its properposition, neither she nor the trailing runner(s) in the same series of plays iscompelled to follow the base out of position.The base is considered to have followed the runner.

EFFECT: The ballis live. The runner may stay where sheis without liability to be put out, or she may attempt to advance farther withliability to be put out. Each otherrunner may advance with liability to be put out.

2) Each runner who attempts to advance to or past thedislodged base must touch the spot where the base belongs.

3) At the conclusion of play, “Timeout/Time” shall becalled, and the dislodged base shall be returned to its proper position.

11.14 FakeTag

A fake tag occurs when a fielder who neither possessesthe ball nor is about to receive the ball, obstructs a runner by pretending tohave the ball and simulating a tag, which causes the runner to slow down orstop. A fielder may not fake a tag on arunner advancing or returning to a base.

EFFECT: Delayed dead ball is signaled. If the obstructed batter, batter-runner orrunner is put out before reaching the base she would have reached had there notbeen obstruction, the obstructed player and each other runner affected by theobstruction will be awarded the base(s) she would have reached, in the umpire’sjudgment, had there been no obstruction.Subsequent violation by the same individual may result in a one-baseaward to the obstructed player and each other runner forced to advance.

11.15 Hitby a Batted Ball

A base runner or umpire is considered hit by a battedball when the ball contacts his/her person, attached equipment or clothing:

1) When a runner not in contact with a base or umpire isstruck by a fair batted ball after it has passed an infielder (other than thepitcher), and, in the umpire’s judgment, no other fielder had a reasonablechance to make a play.

2) When a runner not in contact with a base or umpire isunavoidably struck by a fair batted ball after it touches or is touched by afielder (including the pitcher), and no other fielder had a reasonable chanceto make a play.

EFFECT: (11.15/ 1-2) The ball is live. The batter becomes a batter-runner andadvances with liability to be put out.Each runner may advance with liability to be put out, whether forced ornot.

Note: When saidball touches the runner/umpire while still in flight, it shall be considered aground ball. It cannot be caught as afly ball.

3) When a runner is struck by a fair batted ball while incontact with a base, she is not out unless she intentionally interferes withthe ball or the fielder making a play.The ball is live or dead, depending on the position of the fielderclosest to the ball.

EFFECT:

i)If the closest defensive player is in front of the basethe runner is in contact with, the ball is live. The batter-runner and each other runner mayadvance with liability to be put out.

ii)If the closest defensive player is behind the base therunner is in contact with, the ball is dead.The batter is awarded first base, credited with a base hit, and eachother runner not forced by the batter-runner must return to the base legallyoccupied at the time of the pitch.

iii)If the umpire rules intentional interference, the ballis dead, and the batter is out if there are two outs. If there are fewer than two outs, both thebatter and the runner are out. Eachrunner must return to the base legally occupied at the time of theinterference.

4) When a runner is struck by a fair batted ball while notin contact with a base and:

a) Before the ball touches an infielder, including thepitcher;

b) Before the ball passes an infielder, excluding thepitcher, who has a reasonable chance to make a play; or

c) After passing an infielder, including the pitcher, andanother fielder had a reasonable chance to make a play.

EFFECT: Runner interference.

i)The ball is dead, and the runner is out. The batter-runner is awarded first base andcredited with a base hit. Each runnernot forced by the batter-runner must return to the last base legally touched atthe time of the interference.

ii)If two runners are hit by the same fair batted ball,only the first runner is out.

iii)If the runner is off a base and is hit by an infieldfly, both the runner and the batter are out.If the runner is touching a base when struck by an infield fly, she isnot out.

5) When a runner intentionally kicks a ball that aninfielder has missed.

EFFECT: The ballis dead. The runner is out. The batter-runner is awarded first base andcredited with a base hit. Each runnernot forced by the batter-runner must return to the last base legally touched atthe time of the interference.

6) When a runner is struck by a fair batted ball over foulterritory and, in the umpire’s judgment, no infielder had a reasonable chanceto make a play.

EFFECT: Theball is live and in play. The runner whowas struck and each other runner may advance with liability to be put out.

11.16Illegal Mitt/Glove Used to Make a Play on Batter, Batter-Runner or Runner

A fielder shall not make a play on a batter,batter-runner or runner while using an illegal glove or mitt.

EFFECT: The coach of the offended team shall havethe option to:

i)Nullify the entire play.

(1)The batter assumes the ball and strike count she hadbefore the pitch and continues her turn at bat

(2)Each runner returns to the base legally occupied at thetime of the pitch.

ii)Take the result of the play and disregard the illegalact.

iii)If the illegal catch or touch is made on a fair battedfly ball that, in the umpire’s judgment, would have cleared the home-run fence,the batter-runner is entitled to a home-run, and each other base runner isawarded home plate. The ball may havebeen prevented from going over the fence by a spectator or by detached playerequipment which is thrown, tossed, kicked or held by a fielder:

Note: If the illegal mitt/glovedoes not meet specifications (Section 3.6), it shall be removed from the game(Not the dugout).

11.17Leading Off Base

Once a runner returns to a base for any reason, she maynot leave the base unless (a) a play is made on her or another runner, (b) thepitcher does not have possession of the ball within the pitcher’s circle, or(c) the pitcher releases the pitch to the batter. A base runner must be in contact with herbase at the time a pitched ball leaves the pitcher’s hand. Exception:When the pitcher does not allow sufficient time for a runner to returnto a base, the runner shall not be called out for being off the base before thepitcher releases the pitch.

EFFECT: Theball is dead. “No Pitch” is called. Theoffending base runner(s) is out. Eachother base runner must return to the base legally occupied at the time of thepitch.

11.18Look-Back Rule

1) The look-back rule is in effect when the ball is live,the batter-runner has touched first base, there are one or more runners, andthe pitcher has possession (ex., has ball in her glove or hand, under chin orarm, between her legs) and control of the ball within the pitcher’scircle. The pitcher is considered to bein the pitcher’s circle when both her feet are within the circle or on thelines.

2) When a runner is legally off her base after a pitch oras a result of a batter completing her turn at bat, and she is in motion as thepitcher takes possession of the ball within the pitcher’s circle, the runnermay continue moving forward in the direction she is going without stopping; orshe may immediately and directly go back in the other direction. If the runner is stopped as the pitcher takespossession of the ball within the pitcher’s circle, the runner must immediatelyand directly go forward or back. A baseon balls or a dropped third strike is treated as a base hit as long as thebatter-runner continues past first base.

3) Once the runner has determined a direction, she may notreverse direction unless the pitcher:

a) Throws the ball from within the pitcher’s circle

b) Carries the ball outside the pitcher’s circle.

c) Has one foot completely outside the pitcher’s circle,on the ground, and is in possession of the ball.

d) Sets the ball on the ground or no longer has the ballin her possession.

e) Losses possession of the ball, including handing it toanother player.

f) Makes a play on the runner or another runner.

Note: When thepitcher’s circle is not visible, the umpire must use good judgment.

4) The pitcher is considered to have made a play if:

a) She fakes a throw.

Note: Raisingthe throwing arm into throwing position in considered a fake throw regardlessof whether the pitcher’s arm moves forward.

5) There is no obligation on the part of the pitcher tolook, fake or throw in order to force the runner to comply with the look-backrule. The obligation to comply restssolely with the runner.

6) When the pitcher takes possession of the ball withinthe pitcher’s circle:

a) A runner standing off her base must immediately returnto the base she last occupied or advance to the next base.

b) A runner who starts back to the base she last occupiedor starts forward toward the next base shall not stop or reverse direction.

c) The batter-runner may not step off any base afterstopping at it.

d) The batter-runner, after overrunning first base, maynot retouch the base and advance toward second base.

EFFECT: Theball is dead. The offending runner isout. Each other runner must return tothe last base legally touched at the time of the infraction. If two runners are of base and the umpirescall different runners out, the umpires must determine which runner was calledout first, as it is not possible to obtain more than one out under thelook-back rule. The ball is dead whenthe first runner is called out, and the other runner must return to the baselast touched at the time of the infraction.

7) The batter-runner may overrun first base, not stop andcontinue advancing toward second base after the pitcher has the ball within thepitcher’s circle. This is a legal move,as long as the runner does not return and touch first base on their way tosecond. When the runner has legallystarted towards second, they may be stopped by the pitcher receiving the ballwhile in the pitcher’s circle or by the pitcher stepping on the pitcher’s platewith the ball in possession.

11.19Missing a Base

1) A runner must touch each base in order when she isadvancing or returning to a base and the ball is in play. Missing a base is an appeal play. The umpire does not make a ruling on anappeal play until asked to do so by a coach or player.

2) A runner is assumed safe until put out. If a proper appeal is not made, the runner issafe.

a) If a runner misses home plate and the fielder misses ormakes no attempt to tag the runner, the umpire should make a safe signal anddeclare, “No Tag”. If an appeal play ismade (ex. by tagging either the runner or home plate), the umpire should thenmake a decision on the appeal.

b) If a runner passes first base before the throw arrives,she is considered to have touched the base unless an appeal play is made.

3) An appeal must be honored even if the base missed wasbefore or after an award.

4) A runner who must return to a base while the ball is inplay or dead must retouch the base(s) in reverse order. Exception:A runner, who must return to a base after an uncaught foul ball, neednot touch intervening bases.

5) A runner may not return to touch a missed base if:

a) She has left the field of play;

b) A trailing runner has scored;

c) She is standing on a base beyond the base she missed,and “Time” has been called by the umpire;

the ball becomes dead; or

e) On a dead ball base award, she has touched the finalbase of the base award.

Note: If the runner is betweenany two bases and is attempting to return to the base missed, she can continue.

6) The failure of a preceding runner to touch a base (andwho is declared out) does not affect the status of a trailing runner whotouches each base in proper order.However, after two are out, a trailing runner cannot score a run when apreceding runner is declared out for failing to touch a base in regular order.

7) Any runner who misses the first base to which she isadvancing and who is later called out, shall be considered as having advancedone base.

11.20Occupying Bases

1) A runner or batter-runner acquires the right to a baseby touching it before being put out and is entitled to hold the base until shehas legally touched the next base in order or is forced to vacate it for atrailing runner.

2) Two runners may not occupy the same basesimultaneously. The runner who firstlegally occupied the base is entitled to it, unless forced to advance. The other runner may be put out by beingtouched with the ball or mitt/glove holding the ball.

Note: If arunner is being run down between bases and the trailing runner occupies thesame base the first runner has left, the second runner cannot be put out whileoccupying said base. If the firstrunner, however, returns safely to the base she left and both runners then areoccupying the same base, the second runner is out if touched with the ball.

3) A runner who is touching a base when “Timeout/Time” iscalled, may not advance nor return during the suspension of play.

11.21Overrunning or Over-sliding Bases

1) A batter-runner, who touches first base safely and thenover-slides or overruns it, may immediately return to first without liabilityto be put out. The batter-runner maylegally turn either direction when returning first base. If, however, the runner makes an attempt orfeints to advance to second, regardless of whether in foul or fair territory,may be tagged out (while off the base) with the ball. This is an appeal play.

2) A batter-runner or runner may round a base and godirectly to the next base without stopping.If, however, she stops after rounding a base, and the

3) Pitcher has possession of the ball in the pitcher’scircle, she must comply with the look-back rule. (Rule 11.17)

Note: A batter,who is entitled to advance after a walk or dropped third strike, is treated thesame as if she batted the ball.

4) A runner may overrun or over-slide home plate afterlegally touching it without liability to be put out.

11.22Running Out of the Base Line or Out of the Runner’s Lane

1) The conventional path traveled by a runner, who isattempting to advance to the next base, is defined by the imaginary directline, and three feet to either side of the line, between a base and a runner’sposition at the time a defensive player is attempting to apply a tag.

EFFECT: Theball is live. The offending runner isout, but each other runner may continue to advance with liability to be putout.

Exceptions:

i) A runner is not out when she runs behind or in front ofa fielder and outside the base line in order to avoid interfering with thefielder attempting to field the ball in the base path.

ii) The runner is not out when she fails to run in a directline to a base, provided the fielder in the direct line does not have the ballin her possession.

2) The batter-runner shall not run outside the runner’slane and, in the umpire’s judgment, interfere with the fielder taking the throwat first base. This is an interferenceviolation.

EFFECT: Theball is dead. The offending runner isout. Each other runner must return tothe last base legally touched at the time of the interference.

Exceptions:

i) The batter-runner may run outside the runner’s lane toavoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball.

ii) The batter runner may run outside the runner’s lane totouch the base on the last stride.

iii)The infraction is ignored if the act does not interferewith the fielder taking the throw at first base.

Notes:

a)The batter-runner is considered outside the runner’slane if either foot is in contact with the ground and is completely outsideeither line.

b)A batter-runner being hit with a thrown ball does notnecessarily constitute interference.

11.23 Tagand Force Plays

1) A batter-runner or runner is considered tagged out ifthe ball is in play and she is not in contact with a base when she is legallytouched by the ballsecurely held in the hand(s) ormitt/glove of a fielder. If issufficient for the runner to be touched with the hand(s) or mitt/glove holdingthe ball.

Exceptions:

(a) A batter-runner who reaches first base safely and thenoverruns or over-slides it, may immediately return without liability to be putout provided she does not feint or attempt to advance to second.

(b) When a runner passes first base before the throwarrives, she is considered to have touched the base unless an appeal play ismade.

(c) When a runner dislodges a base from its properposition, neither she nor the trailing runner(s) in the same series of plays iscompelled to follow the base out of position.The base is considered to have followed the runner, and the ball islive. The runner may stay where she iswithout liability to be put out, or she may attempt to advance farther withliability to be put out. Each otherrunner may advance with liability to be put out.

2) A batter-runner is out when she legally overruns firstbase, attempts to run to second base and is legally tagged while off base.

3) A batter runner or runner is considered forced out ifshe must advance to the next base or to home plate in order to make room foranother base runner but:

a) She is legally tagged before she reaches the forcedbase.

b) The fielder, while holding the ball, contacts the basein advance of the batter-runner or runner.

c) The fielder touches the ball to the forced base inadvance of the batter-runner or runner.

4) The runner is out if she is off base when a foul orfair fly ball is legally caught, and she fails to retouch the base (occupied atthe time of the pitch) before a fielder tags her or the base.

5) If an appeal is upheld at a base to which a runner wasforced to advance, and the out is a force out, no runs would score if it wasthe third out. If a forced runner, aftertouching the next base, retreats for any reason toward the base she had lastoccupied, the force play is reinstated, and she may again be put out if thedefense tags the base to which she is forced.

6) It is still a force out when a runner misses a base towhich she is forced to advance and is subsequently appealed after thebatter-runner or a trailing runner has been retired.

Note: Therecannot be a force out if the batter does not become a batter-runner.

7) The batter-runner or runner is not out:

a) When touched while off a base with a ball not securelyheld by a fielder.

Note: The ball is not considered securely held ifit is juggled or dropped after the touch unless the runner deliberately knocksthe ball from the hand(s) / mitt/glove of the fielder.

b) When touched while off a base with a fielder’s hand ormitt/glove when the ball is in the fielder’s other hand.

c) When played on by a fielder using an illegalmitt/glove.

d) When an improper live-ball appeal is made. (See Appeals Rule 5.1 / 5)

11.24Tagging Up after a Caught Fly Ball

1) The initial contact of the ball by a fielder releasesthe runner(s) from the base(s) occupied at the time of the pitch. A base runner is out if she leaves her basetoo soon. Either the runner or the base(left too soon) may be tagged. This isan appeal play.

2) An appeal must be upheld even if the base left too soonwas before or after an award. Bases lefttoo soon on a caught fly ball must be retouched before advancing to awardedbases.

3) A runner who must return to a base while the ball is inplay or dead must retouch the base(s) in reverse order.

Exception: A runner, who must return to a base after anuncaught foul ball, need not touch intervening bases.

4) A runner may not return to touch a base left too soonon a caught fly ball if:

a) She has left the field of play;

b) A trailing runner has scored;

c) She is standing on a base beyond the base she left toosoon, and “Timeout/Time” has been called by the umpire, or

d) The ball becomes dead.

Note: If therunner is between any two bases and attempting to return to the base left toosoon, she can continue.

5) The failure of a preceding runner to legally tag up ona caught fly ball (and who is declared out) does not affect the status of atrailing runner who touches each base in proper order. However, after two are out, a trailing runnercannot score a run when a preceding runner is declared out for failing tolegally tag up on a caught fly ball.

6) If a runner leaves a base too soon on a caught fly balland returns in an attempt to retag, this is considered a timing play and not aforce out. If the appeal is the thirdout, all runs scored by runners in advance of the appealed runner and scoredahead of the legal appeal would count.

7) A runner may not use a running start form a positionbehind and not in contact with a base.

EFFECT: Theball is live and the offending base runner(s) is out. Each other base runner(s) may advance withliability to be put out.

11.25 Touching the Bases

1) An advancing runner must touch each base in legalorder. All awarded bases must also betouched, and in legal order.

Note: Obstructedrunner(s) are still required to touch all bases in legal order, or they couldbe called out on a proper appeal by the defensive team.

2) Bases missed or left too soon on a caught fly ball mustbe retouched before advancing. However,no runner may return to touch a missed base or one she has left too soon on acaught fly ball.

a) Once she has left the field of play;

b) Once a trailing runner has scored;

c) When she is standing on a base beyond the base she lefttoo soon, and “Timeout/Time” has been called by the umpire;

d) When the ball becomes dead; or

e) On a dead-ball base award, she has touched the finalbase of the base award.

Note: If therunner is between any two bases and attempting to return to the base left toosoon, she can continue.

3) A runner who must return to a base while the ball is inplay or dead must retouch the base(s) in reverse order. Exception:A runner, who must return to a base after an uncaught foul ball, neednot touch intervening bases.

EFFECT: (11.25 / 1-3) For failure to touch a basewhen advancing or returning while the ball is in play, the runner is out if,before she reaches each untouched base, she is legally tagged. If the base is one to which the runner isforced, she is out when tagged or if the ball is held by a fielder on the baseshe failed to touch (including home plate).

Notes:

i)When a runner does not touch home plate and does notmake an attempt to touch it, the fielder may touch either the runner or homeplate. When a runner misses home plateand the fielder misses or makes no attempt to tag the runner, the umpire shouldmake a safe signal and declare “No Tag”.When a proper appeal play is made, the umpire should then make adecision on the appeal.

ii)When a runner is legally returning to tag up after acaught fly ball, the runner can be put out by being tagged, or by the defensetouching the base the runner occupied at the time of the pitch. Each other runner may advance or return withliability to be put out.

4) A runner shall not run bases in reverse order either toconfuse the fielder or to make a travesty of the game.

EFFECT: Theball is dead. The runner is out. Each other runner must return to the baselegally occupied at the time of the pitch.

5) The batter-runner may not step back toward home plateto avoid or delay a tag by a fielder.

EFFECT: Theball is dead. The batter-runner isout. Each runner must return to the baselegally occupied at the time of the pitch.

6) The failure of a preceding runner to touch or retouch abase or to legally tag up on a caught fly ball (and who is declared out) doesnot affect the status of a trailing runner who touches each base in properorder. However, after two are out, atrailing runner cannot score a run when a preceding runner is declared out forfailing to touch a base in regular order or to legally tag up on a caught flyball.

7) When a runner has legally started to advance, she maynot be stopped by the pitcher receiving the ball while on the pitcher’s plateor by the pitcher stepping on the plate with the ball in her possession.

8) When a runner dislodges a base from its properposition, neither she nor the trailing runner(s) in the same series of plays iscompelled to follow the base out of position.The base is considered to have followed the runner.

EFFECT: Theball is live. The runner may stay whereshe is without liability to be put out, or she may attempt to advance withliability to be put out. Each otherrunner may advance with liability to be put out. Each runner who attempts to advance to orpast the dislodged base must touch the spot where the base belongs. At the conclusion of play, “Timeout/Time”shall be called, and the dislodged base shall be returned to its proper position.

9) When a runner or batter-runner acquires the right to abase by touching it before being put out, she is entitled to hold the baseuntil she has legally touched the next base in order or is forced to vacate itfor a trailing runner. Two runners maynot occupy the same base simultaneously.

EFFECT: Therunner who first legally occupied the base shall be entitled to it, unlessforced to advance. The other runner maybe put out by being touched with the ball securely held in the hand(s) or mitt/gloveof the fielder. For example, if a runneris being run down between bases and the trailing runner occupies the same basethe first runner has left, the second runner cannot be put out while occupyingsaid base. If the first runner returnssafely to the base she has left and both runners are then occupying the samebase, the second runner is out, if touched with the ball securely held in thehand(s) or mitt/glove of a fielder.

10) Between pitches and after a dead ball, each runner mustreturn to her base. The pitcher isobligated to allow sufficient time for the runner to return to her base, andthe base runner is obligated to return to her base without undue delay.

EFFECT:

i)When the ball is live and the runner is not givensufficient time to return to a base, she will not be called out for being offbase before the pitcher releases the ball, “No Pitch” shall be declared.

ii)When the ball is dead, the ball will not be put in playuntil each runner has retouched her base.However, a runner may be declared out if, after being allowed areasonable amount of time, she fails to retouch the base.

11) Should “Timeout/Time” be called while a runner istouching a base, she may not advance during a suspension of play.

SECTION 12 –CONDUCT________________________________

12.1Coaches’ Conduct

The highest standards of sportsmanship and conduct areexpected of players, coaches and others associated with the game. Coaches are expected to be leaders bycomplying with the principles and ethics described in the Code of Conduct.

12.2Coaches Misconduct

Misconduct is any act of unprofessional behavior thatdiscredits the game of softball.Specifically, a coach shall not remove his or her team from the field orrefuse to continue play due to a dispute with game officials.

12.3Unsportsmanlike Conduct

No coach, team or player shall at any time, whetherfrom the bench, the coach’s box, the playing field or elsewhere:

a) Use profanity toward, bait or otherwise taunt an umpireor opponent.

b) Incite or attempt to incite, sign or byword, ademonstration by spectators

c) Make disparaging or insulting remarks to or aboutopposing players or game officials

EFFECT: (a-c) The umpire shall issue a warning tothe offending individual and notify their coach. If the umpire judges the act to be flagrant,the offender shall be ejected without warning.Subsequent violation by the same individual shall result in ejection.

d) Call “Timeout/Time” or employ any other word or phraseor commit any act while the ball is in play for the obvious purpose of tryingto make the pitcher throw an illegal pitch.If an illegal pitch is thrown, it shall be declared, “No Pitch”.

EFFECT: Nopitch and warning. A repeat of any suchact by any member of the team that has been warned shall result in theoffender(s) being ejected from the game.

12.4Fighting

There is noplace in softball for physical abuse of officials or fighting amongst player/coaches / opponents or spectators.Aggressors perpetrating these actions shall be:

EFFECT: Ejectedfrom the facility for the remainder of that game. If the same perpetrators have a secondoffense in that tournament, they will be ejected from the tournament.

12.5 Equipment Misuse

No player orcoach shall deliberately throw or kick a piece of equipment as a result ofdisgust or frustration.

EFFECT: The umpire shall issue a warning to theoffending individual, unless in the umpire’s judgment the act to be so flagrantthat the offender shall beejectedwithout warning. Any subsequent offenseshall result in the ejection of the offender.

12.6Electronic Equipment

Electronicequipment used for communication, may be used on the field or in thedugouts. (Ex. cell phones, pagerselectronic scoring, etc.)

12.7 Useof Tobacco Products / Illegal Drugs

1) The use of tobacco products / illegal drugs by players,managers, coaches and trainers is prohibited while on site for competition.

EFFECT:Players, managers, coaches and athletic trainers who use tobaccoproducts / illegal drugs who violate this policy shall be ejected for theremainder of that game.

2) Umpires and other tournament officials are prohibitedfrom using tobacco products / illegal drugs as previously described are:

EFFECT:The tournament director and UIC reserve the right to remove thatofficial for the remainder of the tournament.

12.8 Use of Artificial NoisemakingDevices

1. The use of airhorns, sirens or any other type ofinstruments that make a loud, shrill noise that could be confused with safetywarnings for weather related issues are prohibited.

2. Artificial noises, defined as any noise not associatedwith yelling or clapping must cease when the batter enters the batter’s box, orthe pitcher toes the rubber, whichever comes first.

EFFECT: Violatorsrefusing to comply may result in removal from the game, which may include thecoach of the offending team.

12.9 Negatively Affecting the Game

When it is determined by multiple officials (on-fieldumpires, UIC and tournament hosts(s), that individual(s) or teams arenegatively affecting the game in a negative manner by their actions, the resultmay be:

a) The individuals whose action is in question may beremoved from the game

b) The game may be forfeited

c) The team may be expelled from the tournamentimmediately.

SECTION 13 –UMPIRE_________________________________