Miscellaneous non-NCAA Mechanics

[Manny A]

Unless they've changed their tune, USA Softball doesn't support the mechanic of the BU getting pinched into foul territory on a ball hit to the right side. The NUS expects the BU to be able to bust in and button-hook to make a call at first base on a sharply hit ball to F9, for example.

That said, if the BU has to go into foul territory, the PU must move up to take the runner to second and third. If the play breaks down such that the runner ends up going home, the BU could cover home, but I think the "approved" mechanic is for the PU to take the runner all the way around, just as if the BU chased into the outfield.

[Colo Blue]

I always pregame this with my partner. If they get caught in foul territory, I will take the batter runner to second and beyond.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Manny A

Unless they've changed their tune, USA Softball doesn't support the mechanic of the BU getting pinched into foul territory on a ball hit to the right side.
The NUS expects the BU to be able to bust in and button-hook to make a call at first base on a sharply hit ball to F9, for example.

Yep.

Originally Posted by Manny A

That said, if the BU has to go into foul territory, the PU must move up to take the runner to second and third.

If the play breaks down such that the runner ends up going home, the BU could cover home, but I think the "approved" mechanic is for the PU to take the runner all the way around, just as if the BU chased into the outfield.

I have never found either bolded provision in the USA manual. Please cite if it is there or approved somewhere else.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

I have never found either bolded provision in the USA manual. Please cite if it is there or approved somewhere else.

That's the gist of this discussion; you won't find this in the USA manual because they don't approve of the BU moving into foul territory to begin with.

The CCA Manual for college play does show the BU moving into foul territory under two-man for a ground ball in the infield with no runners, saying in the text under the graphic that the BU "may use foul territory only if necessary." But then it makes no mention that should that happen, the PU takes any responsibility of the BR going to second and third. In fact, the book says the BU is still responsible for taking the BR to second or third. So if the BU does move into foul territory, he/she will have a tough time chasing down that BR to second should she continue on.

Over in "that other sport", there may be something written in umpire manuals that cover this. And perhaps umpires who transition from there to softball may bring this concept to the smaller diamond with no grass.

Bottom line: This is a deviation to a standard mechanic. Deviations are rarely put into print. You'll only hear about them during umpire clinics if the clinician feels the need to cover those contingencies.