2018 - Update #3

​Questions from coaches and umpires

1. In softball, is a donut legal at any level for use by the on-deck batter?

See rule 3 section 2 –WARM UP BAT.
 No it is not. Only 2 items are approved by USA softball 
A Pow’r wrap... https://goo.gl/images/CbkC5B
And a swing sock.. https://goo.gl/images/zCnBBY
Both have links to show what they are.
THE 2 ITEMS LISTED ABOVE ARE FROM THE USA SOFTBALL CERTIFICATED EQUIPMENT       SECTION

1. Can a team start a game with 8 players?

Yes they can, in fact they can also end with 8 players. See rule 4 section 1 item D on pages 43-44 of the 2018 rule book. In fact if a ninth player arrives they may enter the game immediately. Please be sure to only use the fast pitch rules.

1. What is a regulation game?

See rule 5 section 3 regulation game. A game is considered official after 5 at bats for the losing team. Anything less than that and the umpires are required to sign both books and make any necessary notes so the game could be picked up from that point if it is necessary to do so. That decision will come from Section 1, so when in doubt sign both books accurately and correctly. Even after ½ inning a game could be continued if it could affect playoffs.

1. Line up cards. Please do your best to keep an accurate lineup card. This past week I had a game where one team attempted to use a pinch hitter in a spot where they were not eligible to hit, and one team attempted to use a courtesy runner to pinch hit in the same inning she was used as a courtesy runner. Both seemed innocent but if not caught by the home plate umpire would result in a player being disqualified for the remainder of the game. And a mess to fix. No player should be allowed to enter the game until you have verified on your lineup card she is eligible to do so.
2. Mechanics…

Clean the pitchers plate, if necessary with a brush not your foot. 
 
On any rotation play, the home plate umpire remains stationary and focused on all players until the base umpire gets to this next position. Once he reaches that new starting position, the plate umpire returns to home plate.
 
When giving the count it should be “2 balls, 2 strikes” not “2 and 2”.
 
At home plate please do not reach out to see if you are too close to the catcher, if not sure simply move back. As I always say NEVER NEVER NEVER TOUCH A PLAYER.
 
Please stay awake on walks, the ball is live during a walk, if a catcher wants a new ball after pitch, simply step back, keep our hands at your side and tell her the ball is live.
 
Help on a checked swing and the pitch is called a ball 
 When requested, ask for help. Many times the dugout has the best view of this so if a coach makes a reasonable request honor it. Maybe you were partially blocked and your partner got a better look. Let’s get it right. If the coach is asking to be disruptive that is a different issue and needs to be addressed.
 
 

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