CASE BOOK

RULE 1 - Playing Field 3 

RULE 2 - Equipment 4 

RULE 3 - Definitions 9 

RULE 4 - The Game 13 

RULE 5 - Players and Substitutes 15 

RULE 6 - Pitching 19 

RULE 7 - Batting 25 

RULE 8 - Base Running 28 

RULE 9 - Appeals 47 

RULE 10 - Dead Ball 49 

RULE 11 - Sportsmanship 51 

RULE 12 - Coach/Manager or Player Ejection 52 

RULE 13 - Protest 53 

RULE 14 - Umpiring 53 USSSA/USA ELITE SELECT 55 

FORWARD The play situations and explanations are based on questions that have been raised 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 Rules Committee and are official for situations as outlined. 

CASE BOOK FORMAT Teams 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 runner is referred to as R. If there is more than one runner,R3 is the runner who is on third base at the time of the pitch, R2 is the runner who is on second base at the time of the pitch, and R1 is the runner who is on first base at the time of the pitch. 

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 the batter-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 Fastpitch Case Book 2022-2023 page 3 

RULE 1 - Playing Field 

THE FIELD 

SITUATION A: As the umpires arrive at the field for a game, they notice that the left field fence is (a) 175 feet or (b) 240 feet. RULING: Legal; Distances for outfield fences are only recommendations, not mandatory. (1-1) SITUATION B: During the pregame conference, the umpires notice that the temporary fences do not extend beyond the foul lines,and the fences are not secured (loose) to the ground. 

RULING: The issue should be covered at the pregame conference as a ground rule noting that any ball which goes through, under, or after landing in fair territory bounds beyond the temporary fence will be a dead-ball and two base award. (8-14-C-1; 10-1-F-4) 

BASES 

SITUATION A: It is brought to the umpire’s attention before the game, that the bases have tapered edges. RULING: Legal, provided the maximum thickness of the base at the center is 5 inches. (1-2-B) 

SITUATION B: During the pre-game conference, Team A’s coach informs the umpires that bases that disengage their anchor systems are being used, and protests that the bases are considered non-traditional playing equipment. 

RULING: Protest denied; this type of base is legal. (1-2-B) 

SITUATION C: In the bottom of the first inning, the home team or umpire(s) notice that the bases are not the correct distances. The visiting team protests that in fairness to both teams the inning should be replayed. 

RULING: Anytime an incorrect distance (bases or pitcher’s plate) is discovered, the error shall be corrected immediately, even though one team may have been placed at a disadvantage.. (1-1 NOTE) 

DOUBLE FIRST BASE 

SITUATION A: The coach of Team A tells the umpire during the pre-game conference that the game must be played with a double first base. 

RULING: The double first base has been adopted by USSSA; it may be used but is not required. The game will be played with the base(s) provided. (1-2-C) 

SITUATION B: During a game in which the double first base is being used, B1 hits a ground ball to F5. In advancing to first base, B1 touches (a) the white portion of the base or (b) the colored portion of the base, and in both situations, collides with F3 who is about to catch a thrown ball and is touching the white portion of the base. 

RULING: In (a), interference is ruled and B1 is out. In (b), obstruction is ruled and B1 is awarded first base. During playing action in which the batter-runner is part of a force play at first base, B1 is required to use the colored portion of the base. (1-2-C; 8-19-C; 8-13) 

SITUATION C: During a game in which the double first base is being used, B2 hits a fly ball that is caught by F9. While attempting to advance toward second base, R1 (who was on first base) realizes the ball is caught and returns toward first. F9 throws to first in an attempt to retire R1, but the throw is wide and travels into foul territory. F3 retrieves the ball in foul territory and tags the orange portion of the bag before R1 gets back to the white portion of the bag. 

RULING: R1 is out. When a runner is tagging up on a fly ball, the offensive and defensive players may use either the white or colored portion of the double first base. (1-2-C; 8-19-E) 

SITUATION D: During a game in which the double first base is being used, F3 misplays B1's batted ball in fair territory and the ball rebounds into foul territory. F3 retrieves the ball and touches the colored part of first base before B1 arrives. RULING: B1 is out. The initial fielding attempt resulted in the ball being misplayed. In the subsequent play, the defensive player may use either the white or colored portion of the double first base. (1-2-D; 8-19) 

INCORRECT PITCHING DISTANCE 

SITUATION A: In the top of the first inning, Team A scores several runs because the pitcher had difficulty throwing strikes. At the end of the half-inning, as Team B’s pitcher is taking warm-up throws and complains that the pitcher’s plate was not set at the correct distance. When measured, it is discovered that the distance is incorrect. 

RULING: Anytime an incorrect distance (pitcher’s plate or bases) is discovered, it shall be corrected immediately, even though one team may have been placed at a disadvantage. (1-1) 

RULE 2 - Equipment 

SOFTBALLS 

SITUATION A: The tournament management provides the umpires with optic yellow softballs with blue stitches for the games. 

RULING: Legal; USSSA softballs must be optic yellow with blue stitching for all Fastpitch play. (2-3) 

SITUATION B: Prior to the game, the umpires are provided the game balls. Upon inspection of the balls, the umpire notices that two of the balls show a COR on the cover of .45. The other ball is labeled as having a COR of .47. Do all the balls need to have the same COR? 

RULING: Yes. The specs of COR must be identical for all balls used in each game. The COR shall be 46.25 +/- 0.75. (2-3) SITUATION C: Balls given to the plate umpire prior to the game do not have the USSSA Authenticating Mark. Are these balls legal? 

RULING: No. All balls shall have the USSSA Authenticating Mark labeled on the cover. The umpires shall require authenticated balls prior to starting the game. (2-3) 

BATS 

SITUATION A: Prior to the game the umpire discovers a bat that has the handle flush with the knob in Team A’s dugout. RULING: The umpire shall inform the coach of Team A that the bat is illegal and shall not permit its use. For safety purposes, all bats shall have a knob which is securely fastened on the handle end of the bat to prevent the bat from slipping out of the hands of the batter when she swings. (2-10) SITUATION B: B1 steps into the batter’s box with the bat handle wrapped with (a) plastic tape or (b) athletic tape. RULING: Illegal in (a). Legal in (b). Bat handles may not be wrapped with a material or substance that causes the handle to be slippery. (2-10) USSSA Fastpitch Case Book 2022-2023 page 5 SITUATION C: B1 steps into the batter’s box with a bat that does not meet the USSSA Bat Performance Standard, and the pitcher, in position with a live ball, is standing on the pitcher’s plate. RULING: The batter is OUT. The umpire should not wait for a pitch to be thrown, the penalty is immediately enforced. The bat shall be removed for the duration of the tournament, additionally for altered or non-approved bats, both player (for the remainder of the current game only), and head coach (for remainder of this game and his team’s next game) are ejected. For other illegal bats (damaged), first offense: Warning, a subsequent offense with the same bat results in player restricted to the bench area/dugout and ejection of the head coach. (2-10;7-18-W) SITUATION D: B4 steps into the batter’s box with a metal bat that is found to have neither the 2014 or 2021 USSSA FASTPITCH USSSA BPF thumbprint.. RULING: The bat is illegal. The player and head coach are ejected for the remainder of that game, and the head coach is suspended from coaching the team’s next game as well. (2-10-D;12-1) SITUATION E: A well-used bat has no marking stating Official Softball. RULING: Bat is ILLEGAL. To be legal it must be marked “Official Softball” and have the 2014 USSSA 1.20 BPF mark or the 2020 USSSA Fastpitch certification on the taper. (2-10-C; 2-10-D-1) SITUATION F: The umpire notices that B1’s bat has a “tacky” substance extending beyond the taper (a) before she steps into the batter’s box or (b) after hitting a long foul ball. RULING: In (a), B1 may obtain a legal bat without penalty. In (b), B1 would be declared out for using an illegal bat. (2-10; 2-10–L-4) SITUATION G: An umpire notices that Team A is using a donut on a legal bat as a warm-up device for on-deck batters. RULING: Illegal. Devices added to a bat for warm up purposes shall be manufactured specifically for softball bats and securely attached. Only USSSA approved bat weighted devices may be used. Nothing such as a donut or fan may be used. (2-10-B; 2-12) SITUATION H: The on-deck batter begins warming up with (a), a weighted bat and two softball bats or (b), a weighted bat and a softball bat, both utilizing weighted sleeves. RULING: In (a), the umpire shall inform the on-deck batter that she is limited to two bats and that she must return one of the three bats to the bench or dugout. Legal in (b). (2-12) SITUATION I: An Umpire observes the on-deck batter is removing a bat from a bat warmer. RULING: Legal if the bat warmer is a USSSA approved Pyroflite bat warmer. Any other bat warmer would be illegal. (2-11) BATTING HELMETS SITUATION A: B1 (a) is standing in the batter’s box when the umpire notices that the protective helmet does not have a NOCSAE permanent stamp, or (b) hits safely and reaches first base and the umpire notices that the warning label is missing on the helmet. RULING: In (a) and (b), the umpire shall require the player to secure a proper helmet. The coach shall be warned that the next player who does not wear a legal batter helmet shall be restricted to the dugout/bench for the duration of the game. (2-1) SITUATION B: The on-deck batter appears in the on-deck circle not wearing a batting helmet. RULING: The umpire shall instruct the on-deck batter to secure a batting helmet immediately; otherwise, the batter will not be permitted in the on-deck circle. The umpire shall warn the coach that the next player not wearing the required batting helmet shall result in the ejection of the head coach and the player will be restricted to the dugout/bench for the duration of the game. (2-1) USSSA Fastpitch Case Book 2022-2023 page 6 SITUATION C: Between innings, the umpire notices that a player in the coach’s box is not wearing a batting helmet. RULING: The umpire shall have the player secure a batting helmet immediately. There is no penalty, since the inning had not begun. (2-1) SITUATION D: In (a) R1, upon reaching first base, adjusts their helmet by lifting it, but not above the temples, and replaces it, or (b) B3 doubles and removes the helmet, tossing it in the air in celebration, or (c) after hitting a home run over the fence removes the helmet prior to touching home plate. RULING: In (a), and (c) there is no violation. In (a) the helmet was not considered removed, in (c ) the ball was not live. In (b), the ball is dead immediately and the player’s head coach shall receive a team warning, if it is that team’s first offense. Subsequent offenders shall result in the ejection of the head coach and the player being restricted to the dugout/bench for the duration of the game. (2-1; 10-2-F) SITUATION E: During the game the umpire notices a batting helmet (a) with a face protector that doesn’t have the NOCSAE approval, (b) a batting helmet that has a glare (mirror like) surface, or (c) a tinted eye shield. RULING: Illegal in (a), (b) and (c) ln (a) all helmets must have an attached face protector with the NOCSAE stamp on them. In (b) no helmet may have a glare (mirror like) surface and in and (c) any eye shield must be clear (no tint) and allow 100% light transmission. (2-1) CATCHER’S EQUIPMENT SITUATION A: The coach instructs a relief pitcher to begin warming up. The umpire notices the catcher puts on a hockey style helmet and mask but without an added throat protector. RULING: As long as the helmet and face mask has the NOCSAE stamp on it, it is legal. A hockey style helmet is manufactured with an attached throat protector and needs nothing added (2-2) SITUATION B: During the game, the umpire notices that the catcher’s helmet has a tinted eye shield. RULING: Illegal: Any attached eye shield must be clear and permit 100 percent (no tint) allowable light transmission. The catcher must make that helmet legal or obtain a different legal catcher’s helmet. A team warning will be issued to the head coach. (2-2) SITUATION C: Prior to the game, the umpire notices a player warming up the pitcher while wearing (a) a batter’s helmet with a face mask, or (b) a defensive player's face guard, while within the confines of the playing field. RULING: Illegal. Coaches have the responsibility for minimizing the risk of their players. The umpire’s jurisdiction begins upon the umpire’s arrival on site. The umpire(s) shall stop the pitcher and catcher from warming up, find the team’s head coach and issue a team warning for a player not wearing proper safety equipment when required to do so. FIRST OFFENSE: is a team warning. SECOND OFFENSE and any subsequent violation the offender and the head coach shall be ejected. (2-2; 11-2-C) SITUATION D: During the game, the umpire notices that the catcher is wearing a skull cap style helmet without ear flaps. RULING: Illegal: In the Youth program the catcher shall wear a NOCSAE approved head protector (with dual earflaps) and approved mask with throat protector. The catcher shall obtain a different legal catcher’s helmet. A team warning will be issued to the head coach. (2-2) GLOVES / MITTS SITUATION A: R3 is on third and R2 on second with one out when B1 bats with a 2-2 count. B1 hits a fly ball to right field. F9 catches the ball and R3 tags up and scores as R2 advances to third. The defensive team immediately notifies the umpire that F9 is wearing a first baseman's mitt. RULING: The play stands. It is legal for F9 to wear a first baseman's mitt. Any fielder can wear a glove, or a mitt as long as it meets the dimension specifications. The catcher’s mitt or glove can be any size. (2-9) USSSA Fastpitch Case Book 2022-2023 page 7 TEAM EQUIPMENT SITUATION A: A team hangs its bats and helmets on a portable rack that attaches to the fence, but in liveball area. RULING: The umpire shall require such equipment to be located in dead-ball territory. However, if a ball touches such loose equipment, it is considered a blocked ball. The ball would be dead, and, if caused by the defense, runners awarded bases. When the offensive team causes a blocked ball, the runner closest to home is out. If no play is obvious, no player is out, but all runners shall return to the last base touched when the ball became dead. (3-BLOCKED BALL; 8-14-E-2; 8-18-AA; 14-12-C) PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT SITUATION A: Team A’s pitcher comes out to pitch wearing (a), a defensive face mask with an attached tinted eye shield, or (b) a helmet with a glare (mirror like) surface. RULING: Illegal in both (a) & (b). The pitcher must remove the illegal equipment, or make it legal. Defensive face masks are optional, but if worn they must meet the transparency requirements of all eye shields, and must be constructed of a molded, rigid material that is clear and permits 100 percent (no tint) allowable light transmission. A team warning is issued and any subsequent offenses will result in the player being restricted to the dugout, and the head coach being ejected. (2-7) UNIFORMS SITUATION A: In (a) eight members of a team are wearing red shorts and the ninth player is wearing long pants or a red skirt for religious reasons or (b), the player-coach is wearing a jacket while the coaching box; or (c), a player asks to wear a jacket over her uniform while running the bases or (d), the pitcher is wearing a sweatshirt in inclement weather.. RULING: Illegal in (a), (c) and (d) unless the tournament director has given permission for that player to wear a different style uniform. Legal in (b). (2-8; 2-8 NOTE) SITUATION B: B1 hits a double. F6 informs the umpire that B1 is wearing a bandanna tied around her neck. RULING: The umpire will require that B1 remove the bandana, and issue a team warning. (2-8-A) UNIFORM NUMBERS SITUATION A: Team A arrives at the field wearing numbers on the back of their jerseys that are less than 6 inches high. RULING: legal uniforms. Numbers must be a minimum of 3 inches and clearly visible for all Qualifiers, National and World Series play. (2-8-C) SHOES SITUATION A: During a; (a) 12U or (b), 14U game, the umpire detects multiple players of Team A wearing metal-cleat shoes. RULING: Illegal in (a); during 8 and under thru 12 and under play, metal cleats are prohibited. In 

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