2007 NSA Canada Umpires Exam
Please read all directions before proceeding.
Circle the correct answer for each question. Each question has only one correct
answer. In the true and false section, the entire question must be true for the
answer to be true.
All questions and answers have been verified to be in accord with the NSA
Canada 2007 Rule Book.
This is an open book exam. Please feel free to use your Rule Book or umpire’s
guide, but do not ask for assistance from any of your fellow students. Any
cheating will result in you receiving a failing mark.
The required passing grade for this exam is 60%. A passing grade on this exam
is required for you to obtain your NSA Canada sanctioning. The time limit for
completion of this exam is 1 hour 30 minutes.
Please record your full name and NSA Canada umpire number (if you have one)
below.
___________________________________
________________
Name:
NSA Umpire Number
1. A regulation base is how wide?
a.)
b.)
c.)
d.)
15 inches (Rule 2 page 12a)
24 inches
17 inches
16 inches
2. It is the bottom of the third inning in a Canadian World Series, Co-ed, 6-and-4
game, there is one out and a runner on third base. The batter hits a long fly ball
toward center field and the runner at third tags up. The center fielder runs to
catch the ball but the ball bounces off of his glove and over the outfield fence.
What is the proper call?
a.) Home run. The home team now only has two (2) more it can hit.
b.) Two base award. All runners are advanced 2 bases (a ground rule
double).
c.) Two base award. The batter is awarded second and runners advance
only if forced.
d.) Four base award. The batter is awarded home and no home run is
recorded for purposes of the home run limit. (Rule 5, Sec. 12)
3. A legal pitch in a slo-pitch game shall have an arc that:
a.)
b.)
c.)
d.)
Is between 6 and 12 feet above the ground.
Is between 6 and 10 feet above the ground. (Rule 6, Sec. 3, c)
Is between 6 and 15 feet above the ground.
Is at least 6 feet above the ground.
4. What is the official pitching distance for slo-pitch?
a.)
b.)
c.)
d.)
45 to 55 feet
50 to 60 feet (Rule 6, Sec. 1)
55 to 65 feet
60 to 70 feet
5. There is a runner at second and two out. The batter hits a ground ball to the
third base person who then throws toward first base. The throw is low and goes
through the first base person and strikes the first base coach who is standing in
the coach’s box and does not see the throw coming at him / her. What is the
proper call?
a.)
b.)
c.)
d.)
All runners are awarded two bases for the overthrow.
The runner from second is out for a “blocked ball” by the offensive team.
There is no call as this is still a live ball situation. (Rule 9, Sec. 2, t.)
“Time. Dead ball”. All runners stop at the base they are going to.
6. Which of the following is NOT grounds for protest?
a.)
b.)
c.)
d.)
Misinterpretation of a playing rule.
Failure to apply a correct rule.
Judgment on the part of an umpire. (Rule 11, Sec 1)
Failure to impose the correct penalty.
7. The bases are loaded and there is one out. The batter hits a line drive to the
pitcher that never exceeds chest height on the pitcher. The pitcher catches the
ball cleanly and notices that the base runner at first has left the bag. The pitcher
throws the ball toward first to attempt the double play on the runner returning to
first, but the first base person misses the throw and the ball travels out of play.
What is the proper call?
a.) The batter is out and all runners are awarded one base from the time of
the pitch.
b.) The batter is out and all runners are returned to the base they occupied at
the time of the pitch.
c.) The batter is out and all runners are awarded two bases from the time of
the pitch. (Rule 8, Sec. 5, e. (2))
d.) The batter is out and all runners are awarded two bases from the time of
the throw.
8. A batters box has which of the following dimensions?
a.)
b.)
c.)
d.)
6 feet long by 3 feet wide
7 feet long by 4 feet wide
6 feet long by 4 feet wide
7 feet long by 3 feet wide (Rule 2 Sec. 3, c.)
9. There is a runner on first and one out. The batter hits a ground ball to the third
base person who scoops up the ball and throws to second well in advance of the
runner getting to second. The second base person then takes two steps off
second toward the pitcher’s mound and turns to throw to first for the double play.
The runner from first veers in front of the second base person so as to put
themselves in a direct line between first base and the second base person
attempting to make the throw. The throw from the second base person hits the
runner and rolls to the pitchers mound. What is the proper call?
a.) The runner is out at second and the ball is dead.
b.) The runner is out at second and the batter-runner is out at first on the
interference by the runner going to second. (Rule 7, Sec. 9 f)
c.) The runner is out at second and the ball is still in play.
d.) The runner is out at second and the batter-runner is awarded second on
the throwing error.
10. There is a runner at first and one out. The batter hits a solid single over
second base and the runner from first tries to stretch it out to third. The centre
fielder’s throw is just a bit off line and the third base person has to reach to get
the ball. In attempting to make the tag, the third base person swipes at the
runner and ball is knocked out of the third base person’s glove by the runner
sliding into third base and rolls out of play. The batter has rounded first by this
time. What is the proper call?
a.) The runner is awarded home and the batter runner is awarded second.
(Rule 8, Sec 5, e (4))
b.) The runner is awarded home and the batter stays at first.
c.) The runner is awarded third and the batter runner is awarded second.
d.) The runner is out at third for interference.
11. The catcher’s box has which of the following dimensions?
a.)
b.)
c.)
d.)
10 feet long by 8 feet 5 inches wide (Rule 2, Sec. 3, d)
10 feet long by 9 feet 6 inches wide
10 feet long by 10 feet wide
9 feet long by 8 feet 5 inches wide
12. A batter comes up to home plate and asks you if the bat he is using is legal.
You look at the bat and see that it has the words “Official Softball” marked on it,
is 33 inches long, marked as BPF 1.20, weighs 36 ounces and has tape on the
small end of the bat that extends 18 inches. What is the proper call?
a.) The bat is legal and can be used.
b.) The bat is illegal and removed from play and the batter is declared out for
using an illegal bat.
c.) The bat is illegal and removed from play and the batter is allowed to get a
legal bat. (Rule 3, Sec.1 c.)
d.) The bat is illegal and removed from play and the batter is ejected for using
an illegal bat.
13. What is the minimum amount of time to be allowed by the umpire for a player
to cover a wound?
a.)
b.)
c.)
d.)
1 Minute
2 Minutes
5 Minutes (Rule 4, Sec. 6, Note)
7 Minutes
14. There are runners on second and third with two outs. The batter hits a triple,
scoring both runners, but the runner from second misses third. The next batter
enters the batter's box and without a pitch being delivered, the defense appeals
that the runner from second missed third base. What is the proper call?
a.) The runner from second is out and no runs score.
b.) The runner from second is safe because the runner entered the batter's
box.
c.) The runner from second is safe because the appeal was made after the
runner entered the dugout area.
d.) The runner from second is out and the runner from third’s run counts.
(Rule 8, Sec 8, g and effect)
15. There is a runner on second and one out. The batter hits a ground ball
toward the shortstop, who advances to make a play on the ball. The runner from
second takes off toward third and veers behind the shortstop to avoid a collision.
The shortstop has the ball bounce over his glove and it goes behind him where it
strikes the runner from second. What is the proper call?
a.) There is no call, as this is a live ball situation. (Rule 8, Sec 9, d.)
b.) The ball is dead, the runner from second is out and the batter is out.
c.) The ball is dead, the runner from second is out and the batter is safe at
first.
d.) The ball is still live, the runner from second is out and the play continues.
16. It is the top of the fourth inning, there are runners on first and third and there
are two (2) out. The next batter has a one ball and one strike count when he hits
a fly ball to the center fielder. The ball is caught for the third out of the inning.
Immediately after the catch, the offensive coach appeals to you that the center
fielder is an illegal substitute because he was never announced to you. You
determine that this is true. What is the proper call?
a.) There is no call, as the player has been in the game for several batters.
Therefore more than one pitch has been thrown.
b.) The center fielder is ejected but the out stands and the half-inning is over.
c.) The center fielder is ejected, the play is nullified, the runners are put back
on first and third and the batter is up again with a one ball, one strike
count. (Rule 4, Sec 5, a. 2 under Note II)
d.) The center fielder is ejected, the out is nullified and the batter is up again
with no count.
17. It is the bottom of the seventh inning, the score is tied 4 to 4, there are no
outs and a runner on first. The teams have both hit two (2) home runs to this
point in the game. The next batter hits a home run. What is the proper call?
a.) The batter is out on the one up rule.
b.) Home run, game over, final score 6 to 4. (Rule 5, Sec 10, Note I)
c.) The batter is awarded third and the runner from first scores, final score 5
to 4.
d.) “Where’s the crew chief?”
18. There are runners at first and third with two out. The left-handed batter hits a
line drive down the first base line and it hits the base runner while he/she is still
standing on the base in fair territory and bounces out of play. What is the proper
call?
a.) “Ground rule double.” All runners advance 2 bases from the time of the
pitch.
b.) The ball is dead, the batter-runner is awarded first and all runners
advance one base from the time of the pitch.
c.) The ball is dead, the batter-runner is awarded first and the runner at
first is out.
d.) The ball is dead, the batter-runner is awarded first and all runners
advance one base only if forced. (Rule 8, Sec. 9, k. plus effect)
19. In a game in the Co-ed World Series, a lady batter approaches you before
her first at bat and asks to hit the 12 inch ball. What is the proper call?
a.) Let her use it, as it is her choice.
b.) Ask the defensive coach if it is alright, and go with what he/she says.
c.) Inform her that all ladies must hit the 11- inch ball in Co-ed play. (Rule 3,
Sec 2. b.)
d.) Allow it only if all the ladies on both teams agree to hit only the 12- inch
ball.
20. How many times may a starting player re-enter the game after being
substituted for?
a.)
b.)
c.)
d.)
1 (Rule 4, Sec 3)
2
3
4
21. There is one out and the bases are empty. The coach from the offensive
team announces a substitute and sends a new hitter to the plate. After the batter
enters the batter’s box, the catcher points out to you that the batter’s bat has no
BPF rating stamped on it and does not have “OFFICAL SOFTBALL” on it. What
is the proper call?
a.) The bat is removed and the batter must use a different bat.
b.) The batter is out and the bat is removed from further play. (Rule 7, Sec. 1,
c. effect)(Rule 3, Sec. 1, a.)
c.) The bat is removed and the batter is charged with a strike.
d.) The batter is out, the bat is removed from further play and the batter is
ejected from the game.
22. In which of the following situations is the infield fly rule NOT in effect?
a.)
b.)
c.)
d.)
Runners on first and second with no outs.
Runners on first, second and third with one (1) out.
Runners on first, second and third with two (2) outs. (Rule 1, Sec. 27)
Runners on first and second with one (1) out.
23. What is the fee for a protest in tournament play?
a.)
b.)
c.)
d.)
$55.00
$65.00
$75.00 (Rule 11, Sec. 5, b.)
$100.00
24. There are runners on first and third with one (1) out. The next batter to
appear in the batter’s box is not the batter due up, but the one following him. The
batter hits the first pitch to the shortstop and the defensive team turns a double
play. The offensive coach then approaches you and points out that the wrong
batter was up and wants to appeal the play. What is the proper call?
a.) Give the defensive coach the option of taking the play or declaring the
batter out and putting the runners back on first and third. (Rule 7, Sec. 2,
Note 1)
b.) Put the runners back on first and third, call the batter out and continue the
inning.
c.) Put the runners back on first and third, call the batter out, eject the batter
and continue the inning.
d.) Eject the batter and let the play stand, half inning over.
25. There is one out and runners at second and third. The batter has a one ball,
two strike count and hits a fly ball down the first base line. The right fielder
catches the ball in foul territory and his / her momentum carries him / her out of
play with the ball. What is the proper call?
a.) Dead ball, the batter is out on the catch and all runners advance one (1)
base.
b.) Dead ball, the batter is out on the catch and all runners advance two (2)
bases.
c.) Dead ball, the batter is out on strikes and the runners may not advance.
(Rule 9, Sec. 1, x.)
d.) Dead ball, the batter is out on the catch and the runners may not advance.
26. There is a runner on second base and one out. The batter hits a ground ball
to the second baseman, who attempts to throw the runner out at first, over throws
first and the ball is heading toward the open entrance to the batting team’s
dugout. A player who is not involved in the game steps out of the dugout and
picks up the ball. What is the proper call?
a.) Dead ball, out of play. All runners are awarded two bases from the time of
the throw.
b.) Dead ball, blocked ball. The runner from second is out and the batterrunner is safe at first. (Rule 1, Sec.9) (Rule 8, Sec. 5, e second effect)
c.) Dead ball, blocked ball. All runners are safe at the last base touched (first
for the batter-runner, third for the runner from second).
d.) Dead ball, out of play. All runners are safe at the last base touched (first
for the batter-runner, third for the runner from second).
27. In a 6 and 4 Co-ed game, a male batter is at the plate with a 3 ball and 2
strike count and there is a female batter on deck. The next pitch falls short of the
plate for ball four. What is the proper call?
a.) The male batter is awarded second and the female batter must hit due to
there being strikes on the male batter.
b.) The male batter is awarded first and the female batter is up.
c.) The male batter is awarded second and the female batter is awarded first.
d.) The male batter is awarded second and the female batter is given the
option to hit or take first. (Rule 7, Sec. 2, a)
28. There are runners at first and third with one out. The batter hits a line drive to
the pitcher that is caught. The pitcher then notices that the runner from third has
wandered off the base and throws over in an attempt to complete the double
play. The ball is overthrown and goes out of play. You notice that the runner
from first also left the base when contact was made with the ball and never went
back to touch first. The runner from third returned to third when the throw was
made. The runners are awarded two (2) bases from the time of the pitch per the
overthrow rule. The pitcher has the ball and the second baseperson then asks
you for an appeal of first. What is the proper call?
a.) The runners are all safe, as the umpire has awarded them the bases to
which they advanced.
b.) The runner from first is out, the run scores and the half-inning is over.
(Rule 8, Sec 1, k.)(Rule 8, Sec 8, f.)
c.) The runner from first is out, the run does not score and the half-inning is
over.
d.) The runners are placed back at first and third because the umpire was
supposed to tell the runner at first to tag up first.
29. There is one out and a runner on first. The batter hits the ball into left field to
the fence. The runner from first trips half way to second and the batter-runner
runs past them as they are lying on the ground. What is the proper call?
a.)
b.)
c.)
d.)
“Dead Ball. Batter-runner is out.”
“Batter-runner is out.” (Rule 8, Sec. 8, e)(Rule 9, Sec. 2, g)
“Runner is out”.
There is no call to be made yet.
30. What is the minimum age required for players to participate in an NSA
Canada sanctioned event?
a.)
b.)
c.)
d.)
15
16 (Rule 4, Note I)
17
18
31. Only the plate umpire can call an infield fly. True or False? (False, Rule 10,
Sec. 3, c.)
32. When obstruction is ruled, the umpire should signal a delayed dead ball with
the left arm extended out to the side and maintain the signal until the obstructed
runner is no longer protected. True or False? True (Rule 8, Sec 5, b. plus effect)
33. There is one out and runners are at first and third. The infield fly rule is in
effect. True or False? (False, Rule 1, Sec. 27)
34. Sandals are considered proper shoes for players. True or False? (False,
Rule 3, Sec 4)
35. The ball is dead and not in play when the umpire declares an “Infield Fly”.
True or False? (False, Rule 9, Sec. 2, b.)
36. The base path is three (3) feet wide. True or False? (False, Rule 1, Sec.2)
37. NSA Canada uses the “International Tie-breaker” rule to play extra innings in
the event of a tie. True or False? (False, Rule 5, Sec. 3, a)
38. Any errors in the setup and dimensions of the diamond are corrected as soon
as they are noticed. True or False? (True, Rule 2, Sec.6)
39. Play may continue after a player eligibility protest. True or False? (True, Rule
11, Sec 4)
40. In Co-ed play, it is the umpire’s responsibility to ensure that the correct ball is
in play. True or False? (False, Rule 7, Sec. 2, b)
41. There is no infield-fly rule in Co-ed Sno-pitch. True or False? (True, Rule 1,
Sec. 27)
42. NSA Canada will honor all suspensions from other slo-pitch organizations.
True or False? (True, Rule 13, Sec. 2)
43. The leadoff batter in an inning hits a sharp line drive down the third base line.
The ball crosses the bag in the air and hits the ground in foul territory. This is a
fair ball. True or false? (False, Rule 7, Sec. 8, c)
44. A base-runner is awarded the base they are going to when obstructed in a
run-down. True or False? (False, Rule 8, Sec. 5, b, Exception)
45. Players are not permitted to wear any jewelry. True or False? (False, Rule 3,
Sec. 6, d)
46. A substitute fielder is considered to be officially in the game when he/she is
announced to the home plate umpire. True or False? (False, Rule 4, Sec. 5, b, 2)
47. The home team is always determined by a coin toss at the plate conference.
True or False? (False, Rule 5, Sec. 1)(Rule 3, Sec. 6, e, Note I)
48. There is one out and the bases are empty. The batter hits a line drive that
hits the second base person in the shoulder and then bounces to the first base
person who catches it. The batter is out. True or False? (True, Rule 8, Sec. 7,
c.) (Rule 7, Sec. 9, c.)
49. The three-foot line is in foul territory along the first base line starting half way
between home plate and first base. True or False? (False, Rule 2, Sec. 3, a)
50. There are 10 rules that make up the general playing rules for slo-pitch. True
or False? (False, There are 13)