Softball Rules Section 5

No Huddle Rule

A team may throw the ball around the infield after an out, but they cannot huddle at the pitcher’s circle or elsewhere. Doing so results in a charged player-to-player conference

Definition Of A Catch

The act of a fielder securely gaining possession of a batted, pitched, or thrown ball in her hand or glove long enough to establish control

Catching - Ball Dropped During Throwing Motion

Ruled as a valid catch if the fielder securely established control first before dropping the ball during the transition or motion to throw

Catching - Fielder Falling Over/Through a Fence

Ruled as a valid catch, provided the fielder maintained secure possession of the ball before falling

Catching Location Rule (Live vs. Dead Ball Territory)

A catch is valid if the fielder is in live ball territory or in the air over dead ball territory when making the catch

No Catch - Collision

A catch is NOT established if the fielder immediately collides with another player, umpire, or fence after contracting the ball and loses possession as a result

No Catch - Dead Ball Boundary

A catch is NOT established if the fielder stands in or touches dead ball territory while catching the ball

No Catch - Detached Equipment

A catch is NOT established if the fielder uses equipment or uniform parts that have been detached from their proper position to secure the ball

No Catch - Deflected/Hit Objects

A catch is NOT established if the ball hits an object other than another fielder (such as hitting the fence) prior to being caught

General Definition Of Obstruction

Occurs when defensive player not in possession of the ball (or in the act of catching it) intentionally or unintentionally impedes a batter’s ability to contact a pitch, impedes a runner’s progress, or blocks any part of the leading edge of a base

When Is Obstruction NOT Called?

Obstruction is not called if the fielder is in possession of the ball, or if her position/movement did not impede or alter the base runner’s path

Miscellaneous Obstruction Rules

Obstruction can be called even if there is no physical contact. It can occur on both force plays and tag plays. Once in possession of the ball, a fielder may position herself between the base and the runner

Catcher Obstruction Rules

The catcher cannot impede or prevent the batter from making contact with a pitch

Catcher Obstruction - Outcomes & Options

Delayed dead ball ruling. If the batter and all runners advance safely on the hit, the obstruction is cancelled and play stands. If not, the offensive coach chooses to either keep the result of the play OR take the penalty (batter awarded 1B, catcher charged with an error, forced runners advance 1 base)

Specific Fielder Obstruction Rules

Cannot impede a runner without the ball. Cannot Intentionally alter a fair ball’s path to make it foul (ex: blowing on a rolling ball). Cannot alter fielding route specifically to block a base runner. Cannot fake a tag on a runner

Penalties For Obstruction

Delayed dead ball ruling. If the obstructed runner is put out before reaching the base she should have reached, dead ball is called and she is awarded that base. If she reaches it safely, the call is cancelled and play stands

Other Forms Of Obstruction

Impeding a runner while rounding bases. Using force to push a runner off a base she possesses. Standing in a runner’s line of vision to block sight of the pitch release or fly ball touch

Key Concept For Obstructed Runners

An obstructed runner cannot be called out between the two bases where the obstruction occurred. Once she reaches the farther base, she can be put out if she advances past it (if the umpire believes she wouldn’t have reached it without obstruction)