Historia

Case Book For Fast Pitch

Version 4, January, 2010

2/15/2010

Table of Contents
RULE 1 - Playing Field .............................................................................. 3 RULE 2 - Equipment ................................................................................. 4 RULE 3 - Definitions .................................................................................8 RULE 4 - The Game ................................................................................. 11 RULE 5 - Players and Substitutes ............................................................ 11 RULE 6 - Pitching .....................................................................................14 RULE 7 - Batting......................................................................................17 RULE 8 - Base Running ...........................................................................20 RULE 9 - Appeals .....................................................................................34 RULE 10 - Dead Ball ................................................................................35 RULE 11 - Sportsmanship........................................................................36 RULE 12 - Coach/Manager or Player Ejection .......................................37 RULE 13 - Protest .....................................................................................37 RULE 14 - Umpiring ................................................................................38

FORWARD The play situations and explanations are based on questions that have beenraised in administering the many games played each season. The purpose of each play situation and ruling is to clarify the intent of the rules, since the rulebook does not include rules for every play or situation that could occur. Interpretations in this book were approved by the USSSA Fast Pitch Softball National Umpire Committee, and are official for situations as outlined. CASE BOOK FORMATTeams are referred to as Team A and Team B. For convenience, all players of the team in the field (on Defense) are given a number as follows: 1 – Pitcher, 2- Catcher, 3- First Base, 4- Second Base, 5- Third Base, 6- Shortstop, 7- Left Field, 8- Center Field, 9- Right Field. Any fielder is referred to as F with the appropriate proper number, i.e., F1 is the pitcher and F7 is the left fielder. A runneris referred to as R. If there is more than one runner, the one on a base is referred to as R1 for runner closest to home. R2 is the runner next closest to home. (i.e. R1 is on third, R2 is on first) Each batter is referred to as B or B/R for batter-runner. In cases involving more than one batter the batters are numbered B1 is the first batter, B2 and so on. When a runner (including thebatter-runner) is touched with the ball by a fielder or with the glove or hand holding the ball, while such runner is not on a base, reference is made to a runner being tagged. The statement “B HITS TO F4” means the batter hits the ball in the direction of the second baseman. It should not be interpreted to mean a safe hit but merely a ball hit to fair ground in that direction.

USSSA Fast Pitch Case Book2010

page 2

2/15/2010

RULE 1 - Playing Field
THE FIELD
SITUATION A: As the umpires arrive at the field for a female fast pitch game, the umpires notice that the left field fence is (a) 175 feet or (b) 240 feet. RULING: Distances for outfield fences are only recommendation, not mandatory. (1-1)

BASES
SITUATION A: Upon inspecting the field before the game, the umpire notices thatthe bases have tapered edges. RULING: legal, provided the maximum thickness of the base at the center is 5 inches. (1-2-D) SITUATION B: During the pre-game conference, the home team’s coach informs the visiting team coach, umpires and captains that bases that disengage their anchor systems are being used. The visiting team’s coach protests that the bases are considered non-traditional playing...