Hello Fastpitch Softball Enthusiasts!
Here are a few items to read and think about on this, the night before the Division 2-3- and 4 regional finals and Division 1 second round games.
Originally there were no WIAA tournament games slated for today. That all changed yesterday when scattered storms rolled across the Badger State. Some of those games being played yesterday were flat out postponed before they ever got started.
Other sites got their games going but rain forced them to be suspended while a few others ended on Rule 4, Section2, Article 2 which states: If a game ends because of weather conditions, or darkness interferes with play so that the game is called (ended) by the umpire, it is a regulation game provided: a) five full innings have been played; or if the home team has scored an equal or greater number of runs in four and a fraction turns at bat than the visiting team has scored in five turns. b) play has gone beyond five full innings and is called when the tams have not had an equal number of completed turns at bat. The score shall be the same as it was at the end of the last completed inning; unless the home team, in its half of the incomplete inning, scores a run (or runs) which equals or exceeds the opponent's score, in which case, the final score shall be as recorded when the game is called.
Here is Article 3 right below that: A state association may adopt game-ending procedures that determine how games are ended, including suspended games. However, if a state association does not have established game-ending procedures, by mutual agreement of the opposing coaches and the plate umpire, any remaining play may be shortened at any time or the game may be terminated.
Wisconsin WIAA tournament series games leading to the state tournament included suspended games and use Rule 4-2-a or b. It should also be noted that the use of the International tie breaker is not part of the WIAA game-ending procedures nor are games where the differential is 15 runs or more after three innings. Just look at some of the scores from the tournament games so far.
Obstruction Rules and procedures are covered in Rule 8-4-2-b. Coaches and umpires ought to be very familiar with that rule as the call can determine the outcome of games. It's important to note that portion of Rule 8-4-3-b Penalty which states: An obstructed runner may not be called out between the two bases where she was obstructed. Awarding of bases on obstruction plays is a judgemental call on the umpire's part. If in the umpire's mind a runner would have gained the next base safely had obstruction not taken place the award would be the next base. If the umpire doesn't think the runner would have gained that base safely she would be put back on the previous base touched prior to the obstruction.
I included the above information in today's game summaries page as well.
Another item that came up after games were suspended yesterday is the protocol to get a suspended game going again when resumed. Umpires and coaches must remember that additional players may be added to the roster if there is room for more (no more than 18 may be listed on a WIAA tournament roster) or it is legal to replace a player from the lineup card with a totally new player with no penalty.
When there are two or more runners aboard with less than two outs and a flyball is caught that result in runners advancing to the next base or bases it is legal to appeal each runner for leaving before first touching. Only one appeal on each runner is allowed however.
There are two types of appeals, a live ball appeal and a dead ball appeal. Some appeals can be either live ball or dead ball situations. Batting out of order for instance is a dead ball appeal only. Missing a base, either advancing or returning might be live ball or dead ball appeal. Leaving a base prior to first touching might be live or dead ball appeals. Attempting to advance to second base after making the turn at first base overrunning first base is a live ball appeal only.
Here are the methods by which an appeal may be made: Practicing these is a good idea to boot.
Live Ball Appeal-- may be made during a live ball by any fielder in possession of the ball touching the base missed or left to soon on a caught fly ball, or by tagging the runner who committed the violation if that runner is still on the playing field and she can even be standing on another base.
Dead Ball Appeal -- may be made once all runners have completed their advancement and time has been called, the coach or any defensive player, with or without the ball, may make a verbal appeal on a runner missing a base or leaving a base too soon on a caught fly ball. The administering umpire should then make the decision on the play. If the ball has gone out of play, runners must be given the opportunity to complete their base running responsibilities before the dead-ball appeal can be made. If the pitcher has possession of the ball and is in contact with the pitcher's plate when making a verbal appeal, an illegal pitch can not be called on her. If the home plate umpire has said, "Play Ball!" and the pitcher then requests an appeal, the umpire would again call "time" and allow the appeal. Appeals must be made before the next pitch is thrown whether it's a legal or an illegal pitch; at the end of a half-inning, before all infielders have left fair territory and he catcher vacates her normal fielding position or on the last play of the game, before the umpires leave the field of play. Note that all infielders must have left fair territory and the catcher has vacated her normal fielding position.
Team huddles after a half inning ends. Defensive teams leaving the field may briefly huddle in foul territory in front of their bench. They may not huddle inside the foul lines after a half inning has ended.
Runner at first base with one out. Runner heads for second on the pitch in an attempt to swipe the base. Batter hits liner into right center field area. Center fielder makes a running catch but the runner stealing has already touched second and is headed for third. Centerfielder throw to first but throw is errant and goes out of play. Runner may not return to to first when the ball is dead so she is out for not being on the base before first touching or before the ball gets to the base she occupied at the time of the pitch. Rule 2, Section 1 Article 6 on page 15: A runner may not return to touch a missed base or one left to soon on a caught fly ball if she has reached a base beyond the missed base or left too soon and the ball becomes dead.
That's it for tonight.
Have a great day!
Keep it Rising!
Bob
