PONY/ASA rule questions

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by BretMan

Well, there's a reason why you can't find a rule to show him...

The whole "imaginary line between first and third" thing is a ruling unique to FED baseball. It doesn't apply to softball so, of course, there is no mention of it in the softball rule book.

Not Fed. OBR. (And NCAA too, I think).

Seems to me Dixie softball ruled this way too, but I've not worked that in 14 years, and will never again, so I've not bothered keeping up with any changes.

[BretMan]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

Not Fed.

Yes, FED!

(NFHS Baseball) 2-5-1b: A fair ball is a batted ball which...contacts fair ground on or beyond an imaginary line between first and third base.

For OBR and NCAA baseball, "beyond the bases" is defined as being past the direct line between first, second, third- same as NFHS softball.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by BretMan

Yes, FED!

(NFHS Baseball) 2-5-1b: A fair ball is a batted ball which...contacts fair ground on or beyond an imaginary line between first and third base.

For OBR and NCAA baseball, "beyond the bases" is defined as being past the direct line between first, second, third- same as NFHS softball.

If memory serves correctly, at one time NFHS softball was the same as baseball, but changed a while back.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

If memory serves correctly, at one time NFHS softball was the same as baseball, but changed a while back.

Yes, NFHS Softball used to use the string theory for fair/foul, but changed. Unlike baseball, it simply said it is a fair ball if the batted ball first landed beyond first or third base, and NFHS people applied the baseball ruling. The only way to get (sometimes baseball) umpires to address the softball rule was to change the wording.

Similar with the interpretation most apply to when a catcher needs to wear a mask. Softball (all versions) says any time warming up a pitcher; but most people choose to ignore if warming up a pitcher and standing up. I submit that if that was what softball wanted, it would say what baseball says, that the catcher must wear a mask when squatting to assume a catching position.

I know I can't figure out how it is warming up if the catcher is squatting, but not warming up if standing; either way, the pitcher is being warmed up. But, I also know that will not change without adding more specific language to the rule; just like happened in NFHS.

[Tru_in_Blu]

From a discussion I had back in 2009 specific to NFHS. I'll check current NFHS book when I get it.

Page 17 of the Softball Rules Book, Rule 1, Section 7, Art. 3...(FP) Any non-adult warming up a pitcher at any location within the confines of the field shall wear an approved catcher's helmet and mask combination and throat protector.

Note that it does not say anything about whether the catcher is standing or squatting. If both players are throwing overhand, the mask is not required.

See also Case Book 1.7.3 Situations A & B, on page 11.

[Tru_in_Blu]

"Warming up a pitcher" apparently means that one of the participants is throwing underhand, as in the pitching delivery.

Last year's case book said that if a non-adult did not have the approved helmet/mask/throat protector, the catcher may not warm up the pitcher. The two players may play catch.

It has nothing to do with whether the catcher is upright, squatting, or on 1 or both knees.