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MOA SOFTBALL STUDY CLUBS 2013-2014 LESSON #1
NAME________________________________________________________________________________
CLUB_____________________________________ DATE_______________________________________
I. Review and discuss the following 2013-2014 Rules Changes for Softball and the information concerning those changes for softball. (Please see comments on the rules changes in the Rule
Book, page 82, for further information and rationale for each rule change.)
1-5-2c The taper is the transition area which connects the narrower handle to the wider barrel portion of the bat. The taper shall have a solid surface and shall have a conical shape. Its length and material may vary.
1-8-6 NEW The use of electronic devices by team personnel to transmit or record information
pertaining to his/her player or team’s performance shall be permitted within the team’s dugout/bench area only. Information obtained from an electronic device may be used for coaching purposes during the game.
2-58 NEW TEAM MEMBERS: Team members are players listed on the team’s roster and lineup as
submitted to the umpire at the pregame meeting.
2-59 NEW TEAM PERSONNEL: Team personnel consist of all school representatives located in the
team dugout, including but not limited to coaches, manager, certified athletic trainers, and scorekeepers.
3-6-11 NEW The use of electronic devices is permitted during a game; however any information
obtained shall not be used to review decisions made by the umpires.
II. Please review the 2013-2014 Major Editorial Revisions for Softball
1-5-2A The bat shall consist of the following components (see Figure 1-7): Knob. The knob may be molded, lathed, welded or permanently fastened. Devices, attachments or wrappings that cause the knob to become flush with the handle are permitted. The knob may be covered with grip tape. A one-piece rubber knob and bat grip combination is illegal. Choke-up devices are not permitted.
1-6-3 A violation while in live-ball area shall result in a warning to the coach of the team and the
individual. A subsequent violation may result in the individual and coach not being permitted on the field.
3-2-13 NOTE The accommodations should not fundamentally alter the sport, heighten risk to the
athlete/others or place opponents at a disadvantage. 7-3-1 . . . move to end of paragraph – However, if the batter steps out of the box or holds up
her hand to request time and the pitcher legally delivers the ball, it shall be called a strike and the ball remains live.
7-3-2 A pitched ball that is entirely within the batter’s box strikes the batter or her clothing. No
attempt to avoid being hit by the pitch is required. However, the batter may not obviously try to get hit by the pitch.
III. Please review the Major Mechanics Changes (2014-2015 Two Year Manual) – this is a
new manual this year.
There were no major changes to the NFHS Softball Mechanics for the 2014-2015 Edition,
however, several portions of the manual were edited and reorganized for clarity and consistency.
Softball Mechanics Points of Emphasis (2014-2015)
Equipment/Bat Checks – The NFHS Softball Committee has determined that the head coach is the person most responsible for the safety and well-being of the players on his/her team. It is important that umpires the umpires continue to check the equipment. Umpires have an obligation to the players and to the game to inspect the facility and equipment to ensure that the facility is safe for play and to eliminate inappropriate equipment.
IV. Please review and discuss last year’s rule changes, major editorial revisions and major mechanics
revisions. Were there any problems, concerns, or unusual situations caused by these changes?
Rule Changes (Last Year)
1-4-1b,c Added that the color of the softball glove/mitt not be entirely optic yellow and that they do not have optic yellow markings on the outside or inside of the glove/mitt resembling the appearance of a softball.
3-3-3 Identified that the person the Plate Umpire should announce any changes to and
substitutions on the lineup card would be the opposing Head Coach.
3-3-6 Explained that a team who intends to utilize the DP/FLEX option advises the Plate Umpire and their opponent during the exchange of line-up cards at the pregame conference.
3-6-10 Noted that objects other than stopwatches, scorekeeping materials and devices are
prohibited in the coach's box.
6-1-1 Exception Clarified when a batter is awarded first base from an illegal pitch.
. 8-1-2 PENALTY 2 Identified when a hit batter is awarded first base and that she may not deliberately allow the
ball to touch her in the batter's box.
Please review the following information in the NFHS Softball Guide 2014 (this study guide was mailed in early February) concerning the 2014 rule changes:
“Review of 2013 NFHS Rules Changes – page 5 and 7
Major Editorial Revisions (Last Year)
1-5-2 Defined the knob component of the bat.
6-1-2c Clarified the legality of a hole created in front of the pitcher's plate.
7-3-1 Clarified the batter's feet position within the batter's box.
V. The NFHS Softball Rules Committee has identified four points for emphasis this year. These
points of emphasis will be discussed during the online Softball Rules Clinic but please review and discuss these points of emphasis as a group.
Please review the comments for each point of emphasis listed in the Rule Book, pages
83-85: 1) DP/FLEX Education
Section C – For Umpires
2) Player Safety
3) Equipment Check/Bats 4) Electronic Devices
Also, please review the Points of Emphasis from last year:
1) Bench Personnel Conduct (Home Run Celebration)
2) Good Sporting Behavior
VI. Please review and discuss the following information in the NFHS Softball Guide 2014 concerning the
new rule changes this year - this study guide was mailed in early February with the MOA Official Word:
Electronic Devices for Coaching – page 1
Difference Between Team Members, Personnel – page 2
Smooth Deleted From Bat Taper Rule – page 3
VII. Concussion Law – Remember you must view the NFHS Concussion in
Sports, What You Need to Know Course before umpiring any scrimmage or game (State Law and MOA Requirement). Review once again the MHSA procedure for MOA officials to
follow in regard to these concussions and other injuries (this information is provided the addendum to these study clubs after Study Club # 4):
VIII. Review once again the DP/Flex Rule (this information is provided the
addendum to these study clubs after Study Club # 4)
Also see Six Guidelines to Better Understand DP/Flex Option – pages 3-4 of the NFHS Softball Guide 2014.
And, please take time to discuss the questions and answers article on page 8 in the NFHS Softball Guide on the DP/Flex with our own Larry Lewis!
IX. Review the excellent information in the 2014 and 2015 Umpires Manual regarding a Code
of Ethics for Umpires– There are eleven tenets listed – please review and discus each as a group.
X. Please review and discuss the following 2014 NFHS Softball Rules Interpretations:
Publisher’s Note: The National Federation of State High School Associations is the only source of official high school interpretations. They do not set aside nor modify any rule. They are made and published by the NFHS in response to situations presented. Robert B. Gardner, Publisher, NFHS Publications © 2014
PRINTING ERROR, RULES BOOK: 2014 NFHS Softball Rules Changes: 2-29 NEW TEAM PERSONNEL should read 2-59
SITUATION 1: The head coach is warned for using an electronic device outside of the dugout. Later in the game, the trainer is caught using an electronic device outside of the dugout. Who is restricted to the bench? RULING: The coach is responsible for the actions of the team personnel. Both the head coach and the trainer are restricted to the bench/dugout area. (1-8-6; 3-6-11)
SITUATION 2: A school photographer has chosen to shoot pictures from the media area. RULING: The school photographer is considered a part of the media. He/she would be allowed to shoot pictures from the media area. (1-1-7)
SITUATION 3: Are electronic devices allowed in the coaches box? RULING: Electronic devices (cell phone, tablet, etc.) are allowed to be in the coaches box if the device is being used for the purpose of keeping score. It may not be used for any other task while in the coaches box. (1-8-6; 3-6-11)
SITUATION 4: The coach failed to indicate the use of the DP/Flex on the lineup card given during the pregame conference. He indicates to the plate umpire after the second inning that the flex player is being substituted into the game. RULING: The team may not use the DP/Flex option because the coach failed to indicate the desire to use it on the lineup card submitted during the pregame conference. (3-3-6)
SITUATION 5: The pitcher is legal when she takes a pitching position with both feet on the pitcher’s plate. RULING: The pitcher is allowed to have both feet on the pitcher’s plate as described in the rules book. Both feet must on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcher’s plate. (6-1-1)
SITUATION 6: A parent sits in the stands and videotapes the play of the opposing pitcher with the intent of giving it to the coach. RULING: Illegal. The parent may videotape his/her team and give that video to the coach for the purpose of coaching the team. (1-8-6, 3-6-11) SITUATION 7: An assistant coach is videotaping his/her pitcher while standing 3 feet behind the plate umpire. RULING: Illegal. Team personnel may not have electronic devices outside of the dugout/bench area. (1-8-6; 3-6-6)
SITUATION 8: A fielder, while making an initial play on a batted ball, impedes the progress of a runner who is legally running the bases. RULING: Legal. It is the responsibility of the runner to avoid impeding, hindering or confusing a defensive player making the initial play on the batted ball. (2-32)
SITUATION 9: While waiting for the ball to be thrown to her, F2 is blocking the plate without the ball. R1 collides with F2 as she slides into home plate. RULING: Illegal. F2 is guilty of impeding R1’s progress to home without possession of the ball. (2-36)
Completed outline must be signed by all present and sent to the regional director
by May 15, 2014.
MOA SOFTBALL STUDY CLUBS
2013-2014 LESSON #2
NAME________________________________________________________________________________
CLUB_____________________________________ DATE_______________________________________
I. Please discuss and review the following information on the Major Editorial Revisions for this year
found in the NFHS Softball Guide 2014 (including the plays and situations included in the
articles).
1. Non adult ball shaggers must wear helmets 2. Players with Disabilities
3. Batter Infraction – called strike All information in article on page 4.
4. Batter Infraction – avoid or not avoid
II. Please discuss and review the following information on a variety of topics from the NFHS
Softball Guide 2014.
Guidelines to Follow With Slap Hitters – page 7
What You Say, How it Enhances Presence – page 10
When Infield Fly Rule Is In Effect – page 13
Three Factors Essential to Success – page 14
1) Judgment
2) Mechanics and Techniques
3) Knowledge of the Rules
Eight Ways to Improve Teamwork – page 15
If Defender Impedes, It Is Obstruction – page 16
III. TEST YOURSELF - February, 2014 – Referee Magazine
In each of the following, you are given a situation and at least two possible answers. You are to decide with answer or answers are correct according to NFHS Rules.
1. R3 is on third base and R1 on first with no outs. B2 hits a fly ball to left field that’s caught by F7. R3 moves several steps behind third base to get a running start toward home and times
her touching of third to coincide with F7’s catch. R1 legally leaves first base and advances to second base.
a. Legal. That’s smart baserunning by R3.
b. That is an appeal play. c. R3 is declared out by the umpire when R3’s act occurred.
d. R1 is returned to first base. e. R1 remains on second base.
2. Fast pitch. In the fifth inning, F1 Smith is removed from the pitching position and exchanges positions with F5 Davis, who becomes the pitcher. After Davis retires one batter, the head
coach returns Smith to pitch and moves Davis back to third. Smith and her head coach insist that she is entitled to five warmup pitches.
a. Smith is entitled to the warm-ups due to a concern for injury. b. Smith is not entitled to warmup pitches.
c. The umpire will decide whether Smith receives warmup pitches.
3. Fast pitch. The home team coach brings her captain to the plate for the pregame meeting.
The visiting team coach objects and insists that by rule captains are not permitted. a. Captains are permitted by rule.
b. Captains are allowed but have no official function or mention in the rulebook.
4. Fast pitch. While taking her signal from F2, right-handed pitcher F1 twists her body 90
degrees to the right so that the outside of her left shoulder is pointed toward the plate and her right shoulder is facing second base with the ball hidden behind her body. The opposing
coach objects to that stance and insists that is an illegal pitch. a. The umpire will direct F1 to take her signal with her shoulders in line with first and third
bases.
b. If a pitch follows, the umpire will declare an illegal pitch. c. Such a stance is not prohibited.
5. Women’s-girls’ fast pitch. On her forward thrust to the plate, F1’s pivot foot drags off the
rubber outside the 24-inch periphery of the pitcher’s plate.
a. That’s an illegal pitch. b. No violation has occurred.
IV. Pitching Information - Attached to this Study Club is information that has been shared
with coaches and umpires for many years regarding pitching– please take time to review this
information once again (this information is provided the addendum to these study clubs after Study Club # 4):
V. Orally, as a group, take the following 2014 Softball Rules Exam – Part I. Discuss any problem
areas and please note the questions that may be affected by this year’s rule changes.
2014 NFHS SOFTBALL EXAM PART 1
NOTE: In the exam situations, F refers to a fielder, B refers to a batter and R refers to a runner. All situations and acts are legal, and no errors or mistakes are involved unless otherwise noted.
1. A ball in flight is any batted, thrown or pitched ball that has not touched the ground, an object or a person other than a player.
A. True
B. False
2. A charged conference is when the coach or other bench/dugout personnel requests and is granted a time-out to meet with offensive or defensive personnel.
A. True
B. False
3. A fair ball is a batted ball that first falls or is first touched on or over fair territory beyond first, second or third base.
A. True
B. False
4. A fielder is considered to be making an initial play if the batted ground ball deflects off the pitcher.
A. True
B. False
5. A leap is when both feet of the pitcher are airborne prior to delivering the pitch.
A. True
B. False
6. A pitcher is in the 16-foot circle when both feet are within or partially within the line.
A. True
B. False
7. A retired runner is a player who has scored, or who has been put out and who is in dead-ball territory.
A. True
B. False
8. A run is scored when an offensive player legally advances to and touches home plate.
A. True
B. False
9. A strike may be called by the umpire for specific actions by the batter or offense.
A. True
B. False
10. A team's warm-up area could legally be behind the bleachers out of the umpire's view.
A. True
B. False
11. An "infield fly" cannot be ruled if an outfielder catches the ball.
A. True
B. False
12. An appeal is a play or rule violation that requires a ruling from the umpire immediately after it happens.
A. True
B. False
13. The pitcher's pivot foot is that foot with which the pitcher steps toward home plate.
A. True
B. False
14. A fly ball is a batted ball that rises an appreciable height above the ground.
A. True
B. False
15. A legal catch cannot be made if the fielder is contacting a collapsible fence.
A. True
B. False
16. A passed ball is a pitch the catcher fails to stop or control when she should have been able to do so with ordinary effort, and allows a runner to advance.
A. True
B. False
17. A slide is illegal if the runner's raised leg is higher than the fielder's ankle when the fielder is in a standing position.
A. True
B. False
18. An illegal substitute is a player who is in the game but has entered without reporting.
A. True
B. False
19. An on-deck batter may leave the circle to avoid interfering with the catcher's opportunity to make an out.
A. True
B. False
20. During the pregame conference between umpires, coaches and team captains, no balls may be hit or thrown in live-ball territory.
A. True
B. False
21. Faking a tag is always considered obstruction.
A. True
B. False
22. Interference is an act, physical or verbal, by a member of the offensive team that illegally impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder.
A. True
B. False
23. The catcher is restricted to the catcher's box area from the time the pitcher steps on the pitcher's plate until she releases the pitch.
A. True
B. False
24. Obstruction is a defensive act that impedes the progress of a runner who is legally running the bases unless the fielder is in possession of the ball, about to receive a thrown ball or is fielding a batted ball.
A. True
B. False
25. The taper is the area which connects the narrower handle to the wider barrel portion of the bat. The taper shall have a smooth, solid surface and shall have a conical shape.
A. True
B. False
26. The use of electronic devices by team personnel in the dugout/bench area to transmit or record information pertaining to a player or team's performance is legal.
A. True
B. False
27. The use of electronic devices by team personnel on the playing field to transmit or record information pertaining to a player or team's performance is legal.
A. True
B. False
28. It is legal for the assistant coach or other team personnel to leave the dugout/bench area to record his/her players behind the backstop.
A. True
B. False
29. Team members are players listed on the team roster and lineup as submitted to the umpire at the pre-game meeting.
A. True
B. False
30. Team personnel consist of all school representatives located in the team dugout/bench area, including but not limited to coaches, managers, certified athletic trainers, scorekeepers and spouses.
A. True
B. False
31. Instant replay to protest an umpire's decision is legal.
A. True
B. False
32. The batter must keep one foot in the batter's box between pitches.
A. True
B. False
33. A batter-runner is considered to be in the 3-feet running lane when she has one foot touching inside the lane and one foot touching on the line.
A. True
B. False
34. A batter-runner who reaches first base safely and then overruns or overslides the base may always return to that base without liability to be put out.
A. True
B. False
35. A runner is out for interference if she accidentally contacts a fielder attempting to throw the ball.
A. True
B. False
36. A runner is out if she runs behind a fielder, out of the base path, to avoid interfering with the fielder making an initial play.
A. True
B. False
37. A runner may leap or hurdle a defensive player who is lying on the ground.
A. True
B. False
38. A runner who misses a base while advancing may not return to touch the missed base after a following runner has scored.
A. True
B. False
39. Awarded bases must be run legally.
A. True
B. False
40. Fair batted balls, prevented by detached player equipment from going over the fence in flight, are four-base awards.
A. True
B. False
41. It is not obstruction if an errant throw pulls the first-base player without the ball into the path of the batter-runner, and impedes her progress.
A. True
B. False
42. Obstruction is called on F2 when she is about to receive the ball while blocking home plate, and comes in contact with the runner sliding into home.
A. True
B. False
43. The ball is live and a runner may attempt to advance if she is hit by a fair batted ball that has been touched by a fielder.
A. True
B. False
44. The penalty for interference on a batted ball is the same whether it is by an on-deck batter or a blocked ball is caused by offensive team equipment.
A. True
B. False
45. When a base has been dislodged from its proper position, runners must still touch or follow the base out of position.
A. True
B. False
46. When a runner passes a base, she is considered to have touched that base.
A. True
B. False
47. A batter must attempt to avoid being hit by the pitch in order to be awarded first base.
A. True
B. False
48. A pitch that hits the plate shall be called a ball, provided the batter does not strike at it.
A. True
B. False
49. A strike is called on the batter when a pitched ball, in the umpire's judgment, is prevented from entering the strike zone by any action of the batter.
A. True
B. False
50. If B1 steps out of the batter's box after F1 has brought her hands together, B1 runs the risk of having a strike called for being out of position.
A. True
B. False
51. The batter is out when the bat hits the ball a second time while the ball is on or over fair territory.
A. True
B. False
52. Time granted for an incapacitated player shall constitute a charged conference for the offense or defense.
A. True
B. False
53. Each team, when on defense, may be granted not more than three charged conferences without penalty during a seven-inning game.
A. True
B. False
54. The game may not begin until the head coach attends the pregame conference and verifies equipment compliance.
A. True
B. False
55. When a coach physically assists a runner during playing action, the assisted runner is out and any other additional outs on the play stand at the end of playing action.
A. True
B. False
56. While in the coach's box, coaches may not wear any type of jeans or "cut-offs."
A. True
B. False
57. If a courtesy runner fails to report, she is considered an unreported substitute.
A. True
B. False
58. Players currently in the game are eligible to serve as courtesy runners.
A. True
B. False
59. The pitcher or catcher must bat and reach base legally, or earn their way on base, to be eligible for a courtesy runner.
A. True
B. False
60. The ball becomes dead immediately when a pitch touches a batter or her clothing.
A. True
B. False
61. After the DP/FLEX option is declared at the pregame conference with the submission/verification of the lineup card, a team may go down to nine players before the first pitch is thrown.
A. True
B. False
62. The DP can be substituted for by the FLEX or any legal substitute.
A. True
B. False
63. While the pitcher has the ball within the 16-foot circle, a batter-runner who rounds first base toward second base may stop, but then must immediately return to first or attempt to advance non-stop to second base.
A. True
B. False
64. While the pitcher has the ball within the 16-foot circle, a batter-runner who overruns first base toward right field, turns left and immediately stops, must then return to first or attempt to advance to second base.
A. True
B. False
65. "No pitch" shall be declared if a runner is called out for leaving the base too soon.
A. True
B. False
66. A pitcher does not have to release the ball the first time past the hip on a windmill motion.
A. True
B. False
67. A pitcher may not exceed 1 1/2 revolutions of the arm in the windmill motion.
A. True
B. False
68. After taking the catcher's signal, the pitcher must bring the hands together in front of the body for between one and 10 seconds before releasing the ball.
A. True
B. False
69. Either foot may be removed first when a pitcher is removing herself from the pitching position.
A. True
B. False
70. If the ball slips from the pitcher’s hand during the backswing or forward motion, it is a pitch and a ball is called on the batter unless the batter swings at a hittable pitch.
A. True
B. False
71. Once the ball has been returned to the pitcher, she has 10 seconds to release the next pitch.
A. True
B. False
72. Once the pitcher's hands are brought together and are in motion, she may take one step, which must be forward.
A. True
B. False
73. The pitcher is not considered in the pitching position until the catcher is within the catcher's box and in position to receive the pitch.
A. True
B. False
74. Visible or exposed undergarments are considered part of a player's official school uniform.
A. True
B. False
75. Uniforms may have reflective buttons or ornaments provided they are not judged to be distracting.
A. True
B. False
76. Small-post earrings covered by tape are permitted during the game.
A. True
B. False
77. Players on the same team may have different uniform sleeve lengths from each other.
A. True
B. False
78. Players on the same team are not permitted to wear a combination of metal cleats and non-metal cleats.
A. True
B. False
79. Casts and splints may be worn, if padded with closed-cell, slow-recovery foam padding no less than one-half inch thick.
A. True
B. False
80. Exposed undergarments are considered part of the official uniform and shall be black, white, gray or a solid school color.
A. True
B. False
81. Any equipment judged to be potentially dangerous by the umpire is illegal.
A. True
B. False
82. A player may change to a different fielding position at any time, except the pitcher, who may only
be removed and return to pitch once per inning.
A. True
B. False
83. A team's lineup card must include each starting player's first initial and last name, jersey number, position and batting order.
A. True
B. False
84. All fielders, except the catcher, must be on fair ground at the time of the pitch.
A. True
B. False
85. Lineups become official after they have been exchanged, verified and then accepted by the plate umpire during the pregame conference.
A. True
B. False
86. The shortstop is also known as fielding position No. 6 or F6.
A. True
B. False
87. The use of the DP/FLEX is required.
A. True
B. False
88. A state association may determine game-ending procedures.
A. True
B. False
89. A team may finish the game with fewer than eight players.
A. True
B. False
90. After the game starts, game management is the sole judge as to whether conditions, including grounds, are fit for play.
A. True
B. False
91. Ground rules for a specific field, park or location may supersede a rule in the NFHS Softball Rules Book.
A. True
B. False
92. Substitution rules are in effect after the umpire-in-chief accepts the lineup cards from both coaches before the game.
A. True
B. False
93. The game begins when the umpire calls "Play Ball."
A. True
B. False
94. The score of a forfeited game is 7-0 unless the offending team is behind; then the score remains as recorded.
A. True
B. False
95. The umpire(s) shall decide whether the grounds and other conditions are suitable for starting the game.
A. True
B. False
96. A bleeding player may be treated and remain in the game provided the medical treatment can be administered in a reasonable amount of time.
A. True
B. False
97. A player not listed as an eligible substitute on the lineup card is permitted to enter the contest.
A. True
B. False
98. A player who has been rendered apparently unconscious during the game may resume participation when cleared by an appropriate health-care professional.
A. True
B. False
99. A player who violates the courtesy-runner rule is an illegal substitute.
A. True
B. False
100. Whenever an illegal offensive substitute is discovered on base, she is called out and restricted to the dugout/bench.
A. True
B. False
Completed outline must be signed by all present and sent to the regional director by May 15, 2014
MOA SOFTBALL STUDY CLUBS
2013-2014 LESSON #3
NAME________________________________________________________________________________
CLUB_____________________________________ DATE_______________________________________
I. Please review the following articles from the NFHS Softball Guide 2014 regarding Umpiring
Mechanics. These articles provide excellent information regarding specific NFHS mechanics for
softball:
Get Close Plays Right More Often – page 2
Caught in a Pickle (Rundown) – page 6
Work the Count in Your Favor – page 9
Wait for Plate Umpire First – page 10
Three Umpire: Chasing, Runners on Corners – page 11
Only One Call On Any Close Play – page 11
In the Fast Lane (Three-Foot Running Lane) – page 12
Two Umpire: Plate Moves to Cover Third – page 14
On the Ball – page 16
II. Umpires Uniforms Requirements
New this year – Softball officials have a standard jacket, which is to be a navy blue
pullover with powder blue and white trim, unadorned. MOA service pins can be worn. New this year - Softball umpires’ hats must be unadorned. Navy blue shirts are allowed. All members of a game crew must wear the same color shirts
Navy blue slacks had been added as a uniform option. Montana will allow for the use of either navy blue or heather gray slacks but all umpires on the crew must wear the same color.
Review Umpires Uniform in the 2014-2015 Umpires Manual on page 16
III. MECHANICS AND MORE MECHANICS - Please review the following new information
on mechanics and information that has been included in previous study clubs over the
years regarding umpiring mechanics:
Take time to access the information on the MOA Central Hub regarding softball mechanics
training – the NFHS Home Plate – you can access the Hub through - https://moa.arbitersports.com/front/106278/Site.
Please review and discuss your pregame meeting and what will be discussed and what is
required (team equipment legal and uniforms properly worn) – remember head coaches must
attend this meeting and the game cannot continue until the head coach is present.
Review and discuss your procedures for communicating ground rules to each team at the
pregame conference. Discuss with pool members the ground rules associated with each field your group works at during the season. Please review Rule 4-1-3 – Ground Rules in the
2014 NFHS Softball Rules Book on page 40.
Please review and discuss The Five Postgame Essentials from Referee Magazine:
Officials should have a good plan before the game (see VIX), and they should also have one for
afterward: 1) Follow the rules. Any rule-required duties must be addressed (e.g. verify score, etc.).
2) Leave together. Enter and leave the field together. Don’t linger and don’t sprint leaving your partner(s).
3) Items that require reports. Ejection or other incidents (discuss and agree and then determine who will write and submit the report(s).
4) Crew Evaluation. Upon reaching the locker room or parking lot, the most senior official on
the crew should initiate the discussion and be the one to admit mistakes first. That will open the discussion for newer officials to feel less threatened for admitting mistakes.
5) Departure. After everyone should leave the school or field at the same time.
Unnecessary Signals – Referee Magazine ran an article “Give Unnecessary Signals the Heave
Ho.” Please review the following information from that article -
1) Never use hand motions to indicate that a pitch is high, low, inside or outside. If
the pitch is a strike, call a strike and use a strong hammer signal – hand and arm out to the side of the body to a 90-degree angle with a closed fist – be strong and
crisp (don’t use baseball mechanics turning an pointing to one side with one finger). If it is a ball, call a ball and prepare for the next pitch.
2) Never pound your fists together to indicate a full count.
3) Never say, “Ball four take your base.” And don’t point to first base. 4) Never say, “Strike three, you’re out.”
5) When the batter swings and misses for a third strike, give a non-verbal, strike signal for strike three.
6) No verbal call is necessary on obvious foul balls back to the screen or over the
fence. 7) Mechanics Quick Tip – Umpires communicate through the use of signals. The less
a signal is seen, the more effective it is when used. If there is no play, a call or signal is not needed. Do not draw attention to yourself by overusing, misusing or needlessly using any signal. Except for the infield fly, there is no need to echo a partner’s signal.
Signals are designed to emphasize an umpire’s ruling on a play as well as communicate with his or her partner, coaches, players, scorekeepers and spectators.
Poorly executed and unauthorized signals serve only to confuse.
Please review the Official Softball Signals on page 87 of the 2014 NFHS Softball
Rules Book.
And: Please always take time to review and discuss all areas in the Umpires Manual –- dealing with proper mechanics – proper mechanics are critical and yearly review is necessary for
rookie umpires but also very valuable for veteran umpires. The manual breaks down specific
areas including responsibilities of the plate umpire and the field umpire and contains detailed explanations of different umpire systems.
Also, please review once again the plate mechanics information (this information is provided the addendum to these study clubs after Study Club # 4):
IV. The MHSA office continues to receive concerns from umpires and teams regarding difficult
weather conditions. Rain and impending darkness are two major culprits. High winds, lightning
and thunder can be troublesome. Please review as a pool your procedures for determining when a game should be suspended or called for any condition.
Please review the Guidelines on Handling Contests During Lightning Disturbances – on
page 92 – Appendix E in the 2014 NFHS Softball Rules Book.
Please review Rule 4-2 (Articles 1-6 – page 41) in the 2014 NFHS Softball Rules Book in
regard to Ending a Game. (Montana state adoptions regarding ending a game are listed in Study Club # 4).
V. Communicable Disease and Skin Infection Procedures – with the emergence of MRSA and other
blood borne infectious diseases please review the NFHS policy listed on page 91, Appendix D in the 2014 NFHS Softball Rules Book.
VI. WHAT’S THE CALL? Test Yourself – March, 2014 - Referee Magazine In each of the following, you are given a situation and at least two possible answers. You are to decide with answer or answers are correct according to NFHS rules.
1. A batted ball settles on a chalk line that separates the live-ball area from the dead-ball area.
a. The ball is immediately dead. b. The ball is live. c. The ball is a delayed-dead ball.
2. Which of these statements about an infield fly are correct? a. A bunted ball cannot be ruled an infield fly even when batted high in the air. b. A line drive cannot properly be declared an infield fly. c. It’s not an infield fly if an outfielder settles comfortably under the ball in the infield even if
an infielder could have caught the ball. d. The infield fly can be called with two outs. e. Any runner is out if struck by a declared infield fly while on base. f. Runners can tag up after a declared infield fly, the same as on any other fly ball. g. The intent of the infield fly rule is to protect the defensive team and help them obtain outs
on easy pop flies. 3. An illegally batted ball occurs: a. Any time the batter hits the ball a second time in fair territory. b. When the batter hits a foul ball while at least one foot is completely outside the batter’s
box when the ball is batted. c. Only when the batter hits a fair ball while at least one foot is completely outside the
batter’s box when the ball is batted. d. When the batter bats a ball while her foot is touching the plate. e. When the batter swings and misses and her backswing strikes the ball.
4. Which of these statements about a force out are true? a. Occurs when a baserunner is out when doubled off her base after a caught fly ball.
b. Occurs when a runner is forced out at a base because the batter becomes a runner. c. Cannot occur on a tag out. d. Can occur on an appeal play. e. Cannot be removed during playing action. f. Cannot occur after a legally caught fly ball. g. Can occur after the batter=runner is put out by the defensive team.
Completed outline must be signed by all present and sent to the regional director
by May 15, 2014
MOA SOFTBALL STUDY CLUBS
2013-2014 LESSON #4
NAME________________________________________________________________________________
CLUB_____________________________________ DATE_______________________________________
I. Please review the bat enforcement procedure put in place a few years ago – Coaches do not
have to carry an approved bat list any longer but umpires have to carry a non-approved bat list to cross check each team’s bats even though the bat has the 2000 or 2004 mark.
II. The National Federation allows states to alter certain rules – Review the following alterations that
the MHSA Executive Board has approved for adoption by our state:
1. Double first bases are mandatory – rules for utilizing the double first base have been moved back into the body of the rules. Please review rule 8-10 on pages 71-72 of the Rules
Book.
2. (4-2-3) Game ending procedures: a) Employ a minimum 1 ½ hour time limit to end games at invitational tournament with a
new addition last year. Using a maximum time limit of 1 ½ hours can end games played at invitational tournaments. The game can be called if there is five minutes or less before the maximum time limit or officials should not start a new inning after one hour and twenty minutes of play, except if a tie exists where NFHS Softball Rules for tiebreaking would be followed. b) Sub-varsity games may end after three (3) innings if a team is leading by (15) runs. (With mutual agreement of coaches)
3. (4-2-6) Tie Breaker – Invitational tournaments which use a tie breaking procedure shall follow the NFHS rules – beginning in the top of the eighth or at the time limit the last batter from
the previous inning will be placed on second base at the beginning of each half inning with the
game then proceeding in a normal manner until a winner is decided.
III. Review how your group will recommend (rank) umpires to the MHSA office for the state
tournaments. (AA – Great Falls, A – Polson, B/C – Great Falls). Review the selection process for
state tournament hiring, which is found on page 326 – Letter H of the MOA Handbook.
IV. Are there any specific problems in your area schools which should be addressed i.e. field
concerns – especially safe playing surfaces and proper field markings, checks given late, security, game times, poor sportsmanship, etc.
V. What issues does your group believe are important universal issues that need to be addressed by
all officials’ pools throughout the state? (Including rule or mechanics changes, MOA policy changes, etc.) Please submit to the MHSA/MOA office any issues or any particular areas of
concern that you would like included in clinics or study clubs.
VI. Discuss your methods of evaluating fellow MOA members. Are the methods working properly
and positively? Should you start a method if you are not evaluating at the present time? Do these methods work for “upgrading”?
VII. How many prospective officials did you have in your pool this year? Discuss and evaluate your
methods of recruitment and retention. The second poster in the Respect Officials Campaign has
been sent to each official. Please take time to hang these posters throughout your community in very visible places.
VIII. You have an obligation to read your MOA Handbook. All officials should be aware of the governing body’s rules and regulations. Any changes you would like to see should be directed to
your regional director for the council’s meeting in June.
VIX. In evaluating your own (and possibly your pool’s collectively) performance this season and in preparation for umpiring high school softball next year review the following from your season:
Judgment
Mechanics and Technique
Knowledge of the Rules Physical Conditioning
Make Decisions Positively and Promptly Umpire Crew Cohesiveness
Proper Mechanics Keep the Game Moving
Keep a Dignified Attitude’
Make Decisions Based on Fact
X. Have a great summer!
Completed outline must be signed by all present and sent to the regional director by
May 15, 2014.
MOA SOFTBALL STUDY CLUBS
2013-2014 ADDENDUM WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CONCUSSION INFORMATION
MHSA/MOA Concussion
and Injury Procedure
Officials, coaches and administrators are being asked to make all efforts to ensure the safety of athletes who participate in MHSA activities. In regard to players experiencing possible concussions or other serious injuries during MHSA contests or practices, the following procedures will be immediately implemented:
Officials’ Responsibilities:
• Officials are asked to use their best judgment in observing the signs, symptoms and behaviors of a concussion and other possible serious injuries. If there is a player that exhibits signs and symptoms of an injury (listed below from the NFHS Rule Book), officials will make coaches aware of the injured player and call an injury time out.
The official should notify the coach by making the following statement: • “Coach, you need to take a look at this player; he/she is exhibiting signs and
symptoms of an injury.”
o Emphasize the notification statement to coaches – “Coach, you need to take a look this player he/she is exhibiting signs and symptoms of an injury.”
• Once the official notifies the coach, it is now the coach’s responsibility. • The official does not need written permission for an athlete to return to play nor does the official
need to verify the credentials of the licensed health-care professional.
• Ultimately, the decision to return an athlete to competition rests with the coach, after the affected player is evaluated by a licensed health-care professional.
Remember, when in doubt, sit them out!
Coaches’ Responsibilities:
• After the official has notified the coach of the injury and has sent the athlete off of the field/court, or if a coach witnesses an incident in practice, the coach must then make the initial determination of the injury. For instance, if the coach knows that a player is diabetic, and may be experiencing a diabetic episode, the coach should have the student treated appropriately and then return the player to play or practice.
• If the coach suspects the athlete is exhibiting the signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion (listed below from the NFHS Rule Book), then the coach must have the player evaluated by an licensed health-care professional.
• If an appropriate health-care professional on the sideline determines that the athlete HAS NOT suffered a concussion, the athlete may return to play.
• If an appropriate health-care professional is not available to evaluate the athlete, the athlete SHOULD NOT be allowed by the coach to return to play.
• In game situations, the official does not need written permission for an athlete to return to play nor does the official need to verify the credentials of the licensed health-care professional.
• Ultimately, the decision to return an athlete to competition or practice rests with the coach, after the affected player is evaluated by an licensed health care professional.
Remember, when in doubt, sit them out!
Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion (NFHS Rule Book) A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that interferes with normal brain function. An athlete does not have to lose consciousness (be “knocked out”) to have suffered a concussion.
Discuss “Signs, Symptoms and Behaviors” consistent with identifying an injured athlete.
Common Symptoms of Concussion Include:
• Headache, Fogginess, Difficulty concentrating, Easily confused, Slowed thought processes, Difficulty with memory, Nausea, Lack of energy, tiredness, Dizziness, poor balance, Blurred vision, Sensitive to light and sounds, Mood changes- irritable, anxious, or tearful
Suggested Concussion Management: 1. No athlete should return to play (RTP) or practice on the same day of a concussion. 2. Any athlete suspected of having a concussion should be evaluated by an appropriate health-care
professional that day. 3. Any athlete with a concussion should be medically cleared by an appropriate healthcare
professional prior to resuming participation in any practice or competition. 4. After medical clearance, RTP should follow a step-wise protocol with provisions for delayed RTP
based upon return of any signs or symptoms.
For further details please see the “NFHS Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion” at
www.nfhs.org.
Administrators’ Responsibilities:
• Administrators must require all coaches to review and implement this procedure. • Administrators should have regular reviews with their coaching staffs concerning these
procedures.
• Administrators should require coaches to report all incidents to the administration immediately following the practice or contest. All incidents should be documented.
• Administrators must understand the responsibilities that coaches have in the decision to return athletes to play. MHSA Rules and Regulations item (4) states: A participant in any MHSA sanctioned sport who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion or balance problems) or other serious injury shall be immediately removed from the game, evaluated by the coaching staff in regard to the nature of the injury, and if it is determined to be a possible concussion or other serious injury, the player shall not return to play until cleared by an licensed health-care professional.
• Ultimately, the decision to return an athlete to competition rests with the coach, after the affected player is evaluated by a licensed health care professional.
Remember, when in doubt, sit them out!
Concussion Resource Information
Various information and resources are available on the MHSA website. Visit www.mhsa.org and proceed to the Sports Medicine page from the link on the home page.
DP/FLEX RULE INFORMATION
DP/FLEX Rule - . Designated Player (DP) / FLEX Rule – with this rule taking effect eight years ago there still is some confusion with the rule that led to misapplication of the rule. It is imperative that all umpires have an understanding of this rule to answer questions and enforce the rule properly. Please Review the DP/FLEX Rule on pages 32-33 of the 2012 Rules Book (3-3-6) and please Review all the Case Book Plays dealing with the Designated Player (DP)/FLEX rule.
Please take time to review the information on the MHSA website in regard to the DP/FLEX rule. There are actual examples illustrated by the use of a line up card including the new examples used this year in the online clinic. The site is www.mhsa.org, then click on softball on the left and then on DP/FLEX Rule at the bottom of the softball page under links and clinics. Also information is available on the National Federation website nfhs.org under the softball tab.
Pitching Information
Three years ago and again this year Pitching was and is a NFHS Point of Emphasis and has been a point
of emphasis for the MHSA/MOA for many years – Please review and discuss this information that has been sent to each coach and included in the study clubs for the past few years:
The Leap, The Crow Hop and The Creep (this information was provided in the last seven study
clubs but is well worth reviewing again especially as pitching continues to be a national point of
emphasis).
The leap is an illegal act that results in the pitcher becoming airborne on the initial push-off from the pitcher’s plate. When using the leap, the pitcher pushes up and away from the rubber, and
both feet are simultaneously off the ground during the delivery. The rules mandate that the pitcher’s pivot foot must remain in contact with the rubber or must drag on the ground away
from the rubber on the delivery motion. It’s legal if the pivot foot turns or slides as the pitcher
pushes off the rubber, providing there is no loss of contact with the rubber. The pitcher may also legally slide the pivot foot across the pitcher’s plate. If contact with the rubber is
maintained, that sliding is not considered a step and is allowed.
The crow hop is, and for many years has been, a blatant violation in fast pitch. With the crow
hop, the pitcher steps, jumps, hops or slides the pivot foot off the front of the rubber while maintaining body weight on the pivot foot. The pitcher then replants the pivot foot in front of
the rubber. That replant establishes a new impetus for the pitch in front of the rubber. The pitcher then pushes off illegally from in front of the rubber when delivering the pitch. A pitcher
who raises the pivot foot off the rubber and then returns the foot to the rubber did not crow hop but is illegally pitching.
Many pitchers pitch with the stride foot in front of the body but kick up some dirt as the pivot foot stabs the ground or turns as the ball is released. That stabbing action is usually an ending
segment of a legal delivery or recovery step, not a crow hop. The key is whether the body weight is moving forward (legal) or on the pivot foot (illegal) when the pivot foot
stabs the ground. A real crow hop affords a tremendous advantage for the pitcher.
The “CREEP” – With leaping outlawed, many pitchers concentrate intently on keeping their pivot
foot on the ground to comply with the “drag” rule so they aren’t called for leaping. However that attentiveness to keeping the pivot foot on the ground resurrected an old-time style of pitching
called the “creep”. With the creep, the pitcher slides the pivot foot off the front of the rubber to comply with the drag rule but keeps the body weight on the rear foot. By creeping forward off
the rubber with the pivot foot and keeping the body weight back, the pitcher can push off anew
with a forward motion not related to the original pitching motion. This method is difficult for umpires to recognize. That pitch is also known as the “crow drag” or the “slide.” The creep can
result from a pitcher’s honest attempt to keep the pivot foot on the ground, or it can be an intentional act to disguise that form of the crow hop. Either way, the pitch is illegal.
Plate Mechanics Information
Please review the following information from Referee Magazine - “Working the Plate”
Mechanics – Please discuss the following information on “plate work” for fast-pitch softball. Give demonstrations on these techniques for review and for new
officials.
a) Choosing a stance
All plate umpires must master the box stance. After perfecting the box, some umpires elect to use the scissors or one-knee method of umpiring.
Box stance – (right handed batter) – With the box, your feet are wider than shoulder width apart. Place your right foot flat on the ground six inches to one foot behind the catcher’s
midpoint. The foot is pointed toward the second baseman’s normal position. The toe of the
left foot is flat on the ground and pointed toward the pitcher. The lead foot is lined up with the heel of the catcher’s left foot. The toe of your right foot is lined up with heel of your lead
foot. Flare your knees out so your knees are closely aligned with your ankles. Bend at the knees, not at the waist, and keep your buttocks above your knees. Your body weight will be
about 80 percent forward. Keep your shoulders square to the pitcher. Position your elbows
inside your upper body frame with your hands in loose, relaxed fists in front of your crotch. Avoid folding your arms behind your back.
The scissors – your legs are fully open like a pair of scissors. Position your feet one full stride apart. Your front foot, nearest the batter, is flat on the ground between the batter and
the catcher and about six inches behind the catchers left foot. Your lead foot is bent at a 90-degree angle at the knee to support most of your body weight. Your rear foot is fully
extended with knee straight. The ball of your rear foot is on the ground with your heel
elevated. Your head is well forward, between the batter and the catcher. The one-knee – this stance is similar to the scissors. However your rear knee is resting
completely on the ground, your feet about one-half stride apart and your back straight. For smaller batters, it may be necessary to lean forward to keep your eyes at the top of the
strike zone.
Setting up – Work in the slot between the batter and the catcher. Your head position is critical. Your head must be at least one full head above the catcher’s head, at least one full
head to the side of the catcher’s head and at least one full head behind the catcher’s head. Your eyes must be level and your head outside the perimeter of the strike zone as you look
down and through the zone. Line up your right ear with the black border of the inside
corner. Staying down – Avoid tunnel vision with your eyes fixed ahead . Track the pitch with your
eyes. Follow the pitch all the way to the batter’s bat or the catcher’s glove. On a ball not batted, stay down until after the catcher receives the ball. Train yourself not to bail out,
duck or flinch behind the plate.
Infield Fly Information
Two Unwavering Philosophies – absolute guidelines 1) Is an infield-are pop up a batted ball that could enable the fielders to execute an
underserved double play if the ball isn’t caught? 2) Is a fielder in the infield area settled comfortably underneath the ball? Note: An
infield-area pop up can sometimes include part of the outfield if the two
guidelines are met. That depends, of course, upon the level of play of the participants.
Don’t call an infield fly until both of those requirements are met. An infield fly should not be declared before a fly ball reaches its apex, but it may be called
seconds later when an umpire judges the ball is an infield fly.
Questions to ask: 1) Who are infielders regarding infield fly situations? All infielders, including the
pitcher and catcher and any outfielder stationed in the infield at the time of the pitch or an outfielder who enters the infield area playing a batted ball are
considered infielders for the purpose of this rule.
2) What are the infield fly signals? Crew members must place their open palmed hand across the opposite chest in an umpire-to umpire confirmation signal. Other
signals can include the touching of the bill of the hat with index finger extended, double tap of the hand on top of the cap and showing a thumbs up-closed fist
signal or using both thumbs up signal. You need to talk before to agree on the signal. When an infield fly is judged the umpire will extend his or her arm
overhead with the index finger pointing upward. After verbally declaring the
infield fly, the umpire will clinch the extended hand into a fist. When the infield fly is no longer in effect, an umpire-to-umpire signal is used
with a wiping motion on the forearm from the elbow to the wrist. 3) Who calls an infield fly? Shared coverage mechanics – either umpire can initially
declare an infield fly except a fly ball hit near a foul line – that should be the
plate umpire making the call. 4) Ask yourself – can this ball be caught by a fielder with ordinary effort? However,
avoid thinking – “should this ball be caught by a fielder with ordinary effort? 5) Runner’s rights – runners have the tight to run at their peril on a declared infield
fly or they may tag and attempt to advance on any caught infield fly. 6) What happens when infield fly drops? The calling umpire should dramatically
and assertively confirm the call by loudly calling, “That’s an infield fly! The batter
is out! Bunts or line drives cannot be an infield fly. 7) Umpires erroneously fail to call the infield fly - the infield fly should be
retroactively declared after the fact. 8) Intentionally dropped infield fly – the rule takes precedent – the batter is out and
ball is live and in play.
Did You Know? – History of the Infield Fly – the rule was instituted in 1895 to
prevent the defensive team from employing shenanigans and unsporting schemes to gain an undeserved double play on routine pop flies in the infield. The rule was only
in effect when there was one out but was revised in 1901 to also be in effect with no
outs.
