Baseball vs Softball Umpiring

[georgelog]

Baseball vs. (Fastpitch) Softball? First off, they are two different games. Most of the rules are the same; it's still balls, strikes, safes, and outs. Other than that, the similiarities drift apart. If you've worked LL then the differences start to come into perspective. Umpiring fastpitch at the HS (or 18U) level compares to LL Majors.

Baseball: (1)BU inside except in 'A', (2)pitch always moves down (unless F1 throws a "submarine"), (3)strikezone below the numbers, (4)time between each pitch, (5)lead offs, (6)pickoff throws, (7)balks, (8)double plays, (9)dugout quiet & serious, (10)lots of baseballs in the PU's ball bag

Softball: (1)BU constantly moves outside/inside, (2)pitch moves up then down or moves only up (riseball), (3)strikezone similiar to LL Majors, (4)little time between each pitch, (5)the lookback rule, (6)the pitching circle, (7)leaps & crow-hops, (8)double plays are rare, (9)dugout emotional with constant cheers, (10)maybe two softballs in the PU's bag

Overall, fastpitch is quick paced and emotional. Baseball is slower and serious. Both are good games.
Slowpitch softball? Don't waste your time.