Case plays:

*31. With no outs, 3-2 pitch and R2 on 2nd base, the pitcher is called for an illegal pitch. B2 swings and misses the ball that is not caught by the catcher. Seeing the ball dropped, B2 runs to first base and is thrown out prior to reaching 1st base. R2, Who is stealing on the pitch, is safe at third base. The umpire awards B2 first base on an illegal pitch, and since R1 was safe on the play, allows her to remain on third base. 

Ruling: Incorrect ruling. Since the batter was not safe at first base, on an illegal pitch, the offensive team coach should receive the choice of the result of the play or the penalty. Comment: In this case the result of the play would be R2 on third base and B2 being called out. If the coach elects to take the penalty, a ball is awarded to B2, which would result in ball 4, placing B2 on first base and R2 would be returned to second base.

*32. With no outs, a 1-1 count and R1 on first base, the pitcher steps on the pitcher's plate with their hands together and is called for an illegal pitch. (a) B2 swings and misses the ball, or (b) the pitcher does not release the pitch,  R1 was stealing on the pitch, is thrown out at at second base. The umpire rules that since R1 was stealing on the pitch, she would remain out, but awards the batter a ball for the illegal pitch. 

Ruling: Incorrect ruling in both (a) & (b). Since the batter was not safe at first base and all runners did not advance at least one base, on an illegal pitch, the coach on offense should receive the option of the result of the play or the enforcement of the IP penalty. Comment: On this play the result of the play would be B2 at bat with a 1-2 count and R1 remaining out. If the coach elects to take the penalty, a ball is awarded to B2 (2-1 count) and R1 would be returned to first base. 

*33. With no outs, R3 on third base and R1 on first base, B3 is at bat with a 3-1 count. The umpire calls an illegal pitch as B3 swings and misses. R1 was stealing second base on the pitch and was thrown out, but R3 is safe stealing home. The umpire rules that since R3 advanced safely, the illegal pitch is nullified, R3 scores, R1 is out at second while B3 remains at bat with a 3-2 count.

Ruling: Incorrect ruling. Since the batter was not safe at first base and all runners did not advance at least one base, on an illegal pitch the coach on offense should have the choice of the result of the play or the penalty enforced. Comment: In this case, the result of the play would be R3 scores, R1 is out and B3 remains at bat with a 3-2 count with one out. If the coach chooses to take the penalty, a ball is awarded to B3, which would result in ball 4, placing B3 on first base and forcing R1 to advance to second base and R3 returning to third base.

^B1 steps into the batter's box with the bat handle wrapped with (a) plastic tape or (b) athletic tape.

Ruling: Illegal in (a). Bat handles may not be wrapped with a material or substance that causes the handle to be slippery. The batter is out and the illegal bat is removed from the game (or made legal) and the umpire issues a warning to the head coach. The next player not properly equipped will result in the player and the head coach being restricted to the bench for the remainder of the game. No ejection occurs since the bat was not altered (structurally changed) or non-approved. Legal in (b).

^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: This bat is a non-approved bat and results in the batter being called out, and ejected along with the head coach (Head Coach will also sit the next game). The bat shall be removed from the remainder of the tournament. 

^B1 steps into the batter's box with an approved bat that (a) has a cracked or missing end cap, (b) is dented, or (c) the bat graphics have worn off.

Ruling: In (a), (b) & (c) the bat is illegal and removed from play. The batter will be called out and a team warning shall be issued to the head coach. The next player not properly equipped will result in the player and the head coach being restricted to the bench for the duration of the game. No ejection occurs since the bat was initially approved, not altered (structually changed), but through wear and tear, is no longer legal for play. (2-10; 7-14)

47. B1 hits an out-of-the-park home run. As she touches third base, her team comes out of the dugout to congratulate her.

Ruling: Legal, but bench personnel cannot obstruct the umpire's view of B1 touching home plate.

48. From the bench, the defensive team’s coach instructs F2 to request “Time” and calm F1 down. The opposing team’s coach claims this should be a defensive charged conference.

Ruling:  NOT A CHARGED CONFERENCE. A charged conference takes place when a COACH or BENCH PERSONNEL requests time-out to meet with offensive or defensive personnel (3-CONFERENCE, CHARGED)

49. With three balls and no strikes on B2 and a) R2 on second, or b) no one on base, the next pitch is ball four and goes into the stands.

Ruling - In both a) and b), DEAD BALL. B2 is entitled to first base only, and in a), R2 is awarded third base.

50. With R2 on second base and R1 on first, B3 hits a deep fly ball over F8’s head. R1 advances to third as R2 gets in a rundown between home and third. R2 gets back to third base safely but is obstructed on her way to the bag. With both runners standing on third base, the defense then tags R1.

Ruling - DELAYED DEAD BALL and OBSTRUCTION (which is subsequently ignored), followed by an OUT. When the violation occurs, the Umpire should call the OBS and signal a DDB. R2 would be protected between third and home. When R2 returns back to third safely, OBS is ignored since this was the base she would have made had there been no OBS. Since R2 is the runner who is entitled to the base, R1 would be ruled out on the tag (3-OBSTRUCTION, p 23; 8-6-G, p 42; and 8-18-I, p 49)

Comment - 2 situations that are handled similarly are runners passing and runners occupying the same base simultaneously. Rules theory puts the responsibility for these situations on the TRAIL runner, because she is the runner who can see what’s going on ahead and react accordingly.

For that reason, it’s the TRAIL runner who is out by rule when a passing occurs, and it’s the TRAIL runner who is liable to be tagged out if 2 runners are on the same base at the same time (unless the lead is forced)