T
he NFHS Softball Rules Committee has endeavored to
provide concise descriptions and examples of how to
.
apply the rules regarding illegal pitching, obstruction/interference and a really terrific explanation of the
DP/Flex usage for coaches and umpires.
The words for these clarifications were carefully chosen
for each rule violation to give a vivid mental picture of how
the rule applies to the play unfolding before the coaches and
umpires. I encourage coaches and umpires who learn better
by visual aids to check out the NCAA Web site's umpiring/rules for fast-pitch softball. Each "type" of pitching violation is presented by the pitcher to represent an example of
each pitching violation. The violations will be more recognizable.
A: Leaping: Air MUST be seen under both feet during the
delivery of the ball. The first and/or third base umpire on the
line in foul territory are responsible for calling, signaling and
enforcing the penalty for this illegal pitch.
B: Crow Hop: Means that the pivot foot has lifted, jumped
or slid purposely or by accident, completely in front of the
pitching plate prior to starting the pitch. Once again, the first
and/ or third base umpires on the line in foul territory are
responsible for calling, signaling and enforcing the penalty for
this violation.
C: 24-inch Plate Violation: The pitcher, from windup to
delivery of the pitch, must have both feet "within or partially
within" the (invisible lines that extend from the ends of the
pitching plate parallel all the way to) home plate. The home
plate umpire is in position to call, signal and enforce the
penalty for this illegal pitch.
Obstruction
Two situations must occur to meet the definition of
obstruction.
1. Any defensive player is blocking an offensive player's
access to a base or base path. The defensive player
does not have possession of, nor is in the defined
process of, receiving the ball for a play on the runner.
2. To be called, the runner must be HINDERED or
IMPEDED in her progress running to a base or
returning to a base previously touched because a preceding runner is occupying the subsequent base.
Interference
The runner (offense) may not hinder in any way a fielder attempting to make the initial play on a batted ball. This
protection for the defense extends to another defensive player behind the first attempt of play on the ball. The next
defensive player must have a clear ability to field the
untouched ball and make a play on a batter-runner or base
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runner. Once the fielder (not a pitcher) misplays the ball and
the ball is beyond a step and a reach of that fielder, the fielder is no longer protected by the interference rule AND the
fielder is not permitted to hinder (obstruct) the advancing
base runner.
The clear outline of responsibilities placed on both
defense and offense will help players understand and be
more aware of the cause and effect of their actions on the
field.
Umpires: Regarding Obstruction and Interference
Proper positioning is crucial. The use of proper hand signals and immediate reaction to interference situations is critical. Obstruction is a delayed call. Always give the proper signal upon first observing the obstruction, then observe the
offensive player. Keep the players and ball in front of you in
your positioning. The penalty for obstruction mayor may not
be applied depending on the offensive player's advance or
retreat to a base. DO NOT anticipate what will happen. Allow
the play (activity) on the field to come to conclusion and then
make your decision as to whether or not a violation of the
obstruction rule is in effect and the penalty should be applied.
The DP/FLEX
The section of this rule, simply put, gives coaches and
umpires great cheat sheets! Copy them, laminate them and
keep them for reference until you as a coach or umpire are
no longer in need of this "how-to list." No more guessing and
confusion!
ENJOY! OQ