I'm annoyed at the test writers for the NFHS 2005 Fast Pitch Softball Rules Exam, Part 1.

I scored a 97. We have an online test system, so I know the score, but I won't know which three questions I missed until the test deadline passes. But, I have a pretty good idea of 2 of the 3.

I think they are #6 and #11. Those questions, as worded, are false. But, I am almost certain the answer on the grading sheet for both is true.

Sloppy wording. I knew what answers they were looking for; I was just too stubborn to submit those answers.

Like I said - a whine.

(Yeah, Bob, I know I misspelled it in the subject - it was intentional). ;)

Question about the online version. Was this for your state association? Reason I'm asking is that Nebraska is thinking of this for all their tests next year. I just wonder does it have to be done at one sitting or what? Just wondered how your test worked.

Yes, it was for the state association.

When you attended the state rules clinic, you were handed the test. The answer sheet had a code number printed on it. You had the choice of filling out the answer sheet in the normal way and mailing it back to the state, or logging onto their web site's official's page, and taking the test.

To take the test online, you had to enter the code from your answer sheet (so they would know you had attended the rules clinic, I presume) and the web site then took you to the test itself.

It was organized into 20 question sections. You had to complete each section and save your answers before you could move on to the next section. There was no way (that was obvious) to back up once you had saved a section.

Perhaps you could log off after finishing one section and then resume where you left off later, but the instructions did not say you could do that, so it is also possible the online grading system would have computed your grade based only on completed questions and not allowed you to complete the test later.

I didn't to anything unusual with the system - I just took the test in one sitting, front-to-back.

Rachel, did you take the test online?

The TASO (Texas) online NFHS test allows the user to either save the test as completed or to save it and finish it later.

Ours (MN) might, too. I just did it in one go. But, I never saw an obvious button for "save and resume later." But, I was not looking for it, either.

Yes, Tom I took it on line (got a 97). I did the test with the book and wrote my answers on the test. Then I just entered the answers after I was done. The nice part was when I went to our groups test taking session (pooling of ignorance :-) )I figured out which ones I got wrong.

They said you could save it after each 20 but I had them all done and just sent them in.

I like the on line system. I think the state may go to that for all tests next year.

Tom, Rachel,

Do either of you remember the questions asked that you
think you missed?

e-mail me.

There were four that I thought they worded wrong which would have
changed the answer.

"I think they are #6 and #11. Those questions, as worded, are false. But, I am almost certain the answer on the grading sheet for both is true."

What is your problem? They are both true. NFHS tests are basically created by some numbskull copying test straight out of the rule book.

#6 "A runner is not out if hit with a fair batted ball that deflects off F1's glove." TRUE

8.6. "A Runner is not out (if) a runner is hit with a fair batted ball after it touches, or is touched by any fielder."

#1 - "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." TRUE

8.4.1.f "Runners entitled to advance (if) a fair ball strikes a runner "after" a fair batted ball has been touched by a fielder."

Now - did you catch the error on #23 - "When an improper batter is put out, all outs made on the play stand if the defensive team properly appeals." The test answer is true BUT - it is false.

This question was written from the 2003 rulebook, but the rule was changed in 2004 to state that the umpire should call the proper batter out, not the improper batter, and that any other outs will stand. In NHFS, the improper batter is never out.

WMB

You folks sound as if the questions were all the same and in the same order. I was told in our association meeting that the test was designed so that everyone would have the same questions, but in different order.

Glen:

Do you not take the TASO test? If so, then it is a different instrument than the standard NFHS test.

You folks sound as if the questions were all the same and in the same order. I was told in our association meeting that the test was designed so that everyone would have the same questions, but in different order.

Probably true if State Associations re-write the tests. My info is from the official NFHS test - has the NFHS logo and copyright statement on it. This test groups questions by functional areas; ie., appeals, batting, pitching regulations, DP/FLEX etc. Some of the questons in a group feed on each other, so if you mixed them up some of the questions get a bit harder to read.

WMB

I have no problem with your characterization of the person making up the test. Logic was not his strong suit.

In your rule cites, you left out the qualifiers that makes the statements false. Not to sound Clintonesque, but "is" means "is" in a logical, true/false context. It does not mean "sometimes." 8-8-6 goes on to say, Therefore, the statement in the question is false. The runner "is not out" unless the runner could have avoided the contact with the ball, in which case the runner MAY BE out. If the runner may be out, then the statement that the runner is not out is false.

As I said, I knew the answer they wanted was true. I was just too stubborn (no surprise to you, WMB ;)) to click on TRUE when the statement was logically and by rule FALSE. I knew I was giving up two questions.

The rule cite for #11 contains a similar "unless" and is similarly false as written.

Mine, too.

Oh, and one other thing... this thread was intended in good humor... just a mild, annoyed, whine.

Oh, and one other thing... this thread was intended in good humor... just a mild, annoyed, whine.


I know that. I recognize a FED basher when I see one. :D

WMB