1. Fairfax Adult Softball Rule 8 - Batter-Runner and Runner
2008
Umpire Training
Rule 8 - Batter-Runner and Runner
Rule 9 – Protests

2. Rule 8 Batter-Runner and Runner

3. B = Batter
BR = Batter-Runner
R = Runner

4. B Becomes a BR B legally hits a fair ball Walked on 4 balls
Catcher obstruction
Fairly batted ball strikes the umpire/runner OR their attached equipment or clothing

5. Walks Dead ball and runners advance, if forced
Walked males in coed are awarded 2nd base (still must touch 1st base (defense can appeal))
Intentional walks:
Defense can notify the umpire of their intent to walk the batter
Batter is awarded 1st base
If 2 batters are to be walked back-to-back, the 2nd walk may not be administered until the 1st walked batter touches 1st base
If the umpire allows both walks at the same time, an appeal is not honored on the 1st batter

6. With R1 on 3B, R2 on 2B, and R3 on 1B, B4 receives ball four
With R1 on 3B, R2 on 2B, and R3 on 1B, B4 receives ball four. R1 fails to touch home plate. Can R1 be declared out on a proper appeal?

7. With R1 on 3B, R2 on 2B, and R3 on 1B, B4 receives ball four
With R1 on 3B, R2 on 2B, and R3 on 1B, B4 receives ball four. R1 fails to touch home plate. Can R1 be declared out on a proper appeal?
Yes, since B4 became the BR on ball four, all bases must be touched because a force out situation exists. [1-FORCE OUT; 8-1C; 8-7I]

8. Catcher Obstruction Catcher “obstructs” B’s attempt to hit the ball:
If B hits the ball and is safe at 1st base, obstruction is cancelled
If B hits the ball and is NOT safe at 1st base, the offense is given the choice of accepting the out or accepting the obstruction (B is safe at 1st base and all other runners advance 1 base, if forced)
If the catcher steps on or in front of home plate without the ball and prevents B from hitting the ball, B is awarded 1st base and all other runners advance 1 base, if forced

9. With R1 on 2B, the catcher obstructed B2 who hits to left field and safely reaches 2B when the throw is made to third base retiring R1 at third base.

10. With R1 on 2B, the catcher obstructed B2 who hits to left field and safely reaches 2B when the throw is made to third base retiring R1 at third base.
The obstruction penalty is invoked and the offensive manager has the option of taking the result of the play, or enforcing obstruction by awarding the batter 1st base and returning R1 to 2nd base. (8-1D[2])

11. A Fair Ball Strikes . . .
If a fair batted ball strikes the umpire/runner OR their attached equipment or clothing and:
After touching any fielder
Live ball
After passing a fielder other than the pitcher and no other fielder had an opportunity to make an out
Before passing a fielder other than the pitcher and contacts a runner off the base
Dead ball
Runner is out
BR is awarded 1st base
Runners advance, if forced
If not forced, Runners return to the base reached prior to the interference

12. A Fair Ball Strikes . . . (cont’d)
If a fair batted ball strikes the umpire/runner OR their attached equipment or clothing and:
Passes a fielder and another fielder has the opportunity to make an out
Dead ball
Runner is out
BR is awarded 1st base
Runners advance, if forced
Runners return to the base reached prior to the interference , if not forced
Touches a runner on the base
Runner is NOT out
Ball is live OR dead, depending on the position of the fielder closest to the base

13. A Fair Ball Strikes . . . (cont’d)
If a fair batted ball strikes the umpire/runner OR their attached equipment or clothing and:
Contacts an umpire before passing a fielder other than the pitcher
Only in a two-man system used in FAS for tournament play only.
Dead ball
Runner is out
BR is awarded 1st base
Runners advance, if forced
Runners return to the base reached prior to the interference , if not forced

14. With R1 on 1B, B1 hits a ground ball halfway between 1st and 2nd which hits the runner, after the ball passed the 2nd baseman but before it passed the 1st baseman who could still make a play on the ball.

15. The ball is dead. The runner is out. The BR is awarded first base.
With R1 on 1B, B hits a ground ball halfway between 1st and 2nd which hits the runner, after the ball passed the 2nd baseman but before it passed the 1st baseman who could still make a play for an out.
The ball is dead. The runner is out. The BR is awarded first base.
Note: If the 1st baseman had no play on the ball for an out, then the ball is live and play continues. (8-1E[2 & 5])

16. BR is Out Put out before reaching 1st base Caught fly ball
Enters the dugout before touching 1st base
EXCEPT – Home Run
Runs outside the 3’ lane before 1st base and interferes with the fielder taking a throw at 1st base
EXCEPT – When throw coming from foul territory, defense uses orange and BR can use white

17. B1 hits a ground ball to F4 who throws to F3 in time to retire B1, but B1 crashes into F3 causing F3 to drop the ball.

18. B1 hits a ground ball to F4 who throws to F3 in time to retire B1, but B1 crashes into F3 causing F3 to drop the ball.
B1 is out, since F3 established a catch. Dropping the ball as a result of the contact is something that happened after the out was made. (8-2B)

19. F3 has control of the ball in their right hand while lying on the ground and touches 1B with their left hand prior to the batter-runner reaching 1B.

20. F3 has control of the ball in their right hand while lying on the ground and touches 1B with their left hand prior to the batter-runner reaching 1B.
The batter-runner is out. (8-2B)
Note: If F3 touched the runner with his left hand instead of the base, the runner is safe.

21. BR is Out BR Interference: Runs outside the 3 foot lane
Interferes with a fielder attempting to field a batted ball,
Interferes with a fielder attempting to throw a ball,
Gets in the way of a thrown ball while out of the batter’s box,
Makes contact with a fairly batted ball before reaching 1st base,
Discarding their bat in the way of a defensive player.

22. D= Dead Ball O= Out Recorded R= Runners R= Returned
Interference Effect
D= Dead Ball
O= Out Recorded
R= Runners
R= Returned

23. B1 hits the ball and it settles in the middle of the plate
B1 hits the ball and it settles in the middle of the plate. F2 throws the ball to 1B and hits B1:
In the left shoulder as B1 is straddling the foul line over fair territory and more than half way to 1B,
On the right shoulder and B1 is completely inside the three foot lane,
In the middle of the back, over the foul line and more than halfway down the line, or
In the first thirty feet between home and 1B.

24. In (a) and (c), B1 is out and the ball is dead.
B1 hits the ball and it settles in the middle of the plate. F2 throws the ball to 1B and hits B1:
In the left shoulder as B1 is straddling the foul line over fair territory and more than half way to 1B,
On the right shoulder and B1 is completely inside the three foot lane,
In the middle of the back, over the foul line and more than halfway down the line, or
In the first thirty feet between home and 1B.
In (a) and (c), B1 is out and the ball is dead.
In (b) and (d), B1 is not out and the ball remains live. (8-2E)

25. BR is Out BR interferes with a play at home, the runner is also OUT
Intentionally dropped ball (unless a fielder actually caught a ball and then dropped it, there is no intentional dropped ball.)
If a spectator interferes with the defense attempting to catch a fly ball:
Dead ball,
BR is out, and
All runners are awarded the bases they would have reached.

26. Interference
If interference is called when trying to break up a double play, the runner closest to home is also OUT.
If a BR interferes with a play at home, the runner and BR are both OUT.

27. R1 is on 3B. B2 hits a fair ground ball to F3 who fields the ball near the line and throws to F2 in an attempt to retire R1. The throw hits B2 in the hand which he was waving as
a) he is running up the line toward 1B, or
b) backing up toward home plate to avoid F3’s tag.

28. R1 is on 3B. B2 hits a fair ground ball to F3 who fields the ball near the line and throws to F2 in an attempt to retire R1. The throw hits B2 in the hand which he was waving as
a) he is running up the line toward 1B, or
b) backing up toward home plate to avoid F3’s tag.
and (b) The ball is dead. This is interference and both B2 and R1 are out.
Note: If there were no runner on third, in (b), the ball is dead and B2 is out.

29. Double 1st Base
When a play is being made on the BR, the defense MUST use the white portion and the BR MUST use the orange portion.
BR is OUT if they only touch the white portion.
The defense and the BR can use either base when:
A play is being made from foul territory, or
An errant throw takes the defense off 1st base into foul territory.

30. Double 1st Base
When BR is rounding 1st base, they can touch either the white or orange portion.
When R is tagging up, they can touch either the white or orange portion.
If there is a force play at 1st base and BR collides with the defense because they touched only the white portion:
Dead ball,
BR is out, and
All runners must return to the last base occupied at the time of the interference.

31. Intentionally Dropping the Ball
When an infielder intentionally drops a fair fly ball or line drive that could be caught with ordinary effort with 1st, 1st & 2nd, 1st & 3rd, or bases loaded with 1 or 2 outs . . .
Dead ball.
B is out.
Runners return to their base at the time of the pitch.
Infield fly takes precedence over an intentionally dropped ball.

32. Touching Bases in Legal Order
When a runner must return to a base, the bases must be touched in reverse order.
Runner is out, if appealed.
Not on a foul ball.
2 runners cannot occupy the same base.
2nd runner can be tagged by the defense.
If runner is on base when a home run is hit, they DO NOT have to advance.

33. With 2 outs and R1 on 2B, R2 on 1B, B5 hits a double and both R1 and R2 score. R1 misses 3B, but returns to 3B just before an appeal is made.

34. With 2 outs and R1 on 2B, R2 on 1B, B5 hits a double and both R1 and R2 score. R1 misses 3B, but returns to 3B just before an appeal is made.
Since R1 may not return to 3B after a following runner, R2, scores, R1 is out on the appeal and both runs are nullified. (8-3G)

35. Runners CAN Be Put Out Thrown ball or fair batted ball not blocked
Thrown ball that hits the umpire
Caught fly ball
When the ball is live or on awarded bases, the runner fails to touch a base before attempting to make the next base (upon appeal)
After overrunning first base, the runner attempt to continue to second base.

36. Runners CAN Be Put Out Live ball:
Hits an umpire or runner AFTER passing a fielder other than the pitcher and no other fielder has the opportunity to make an out, or
Touched by any fielder and the runner did not intentionally interfere with the ball or the fielder attempting to field the ball.
When a live ball becomes lodged in a defensive player’s uniform or equipment

37. R1 is on 1B and B2 hits a line drive that ricochets off F4’s glove to F9, who catches it. R1 leaves 1B for 2B after F4 touched the ball, but before F9 caught the ball.

38. R1 is on 1B and B2 hits a line drive that ricochets off F4’s glove to F9, who catches it. R1 leaves 1B for 2B after F4 touched the ball, but before F9 caught the ball.
B2 is out on the catch and this is a legal advance by R1. (8-4D)

39. Runners CAN NOT Be Put Out
Forced to advance because of a walk or dead ball base award
When a fielder without the ball obstructs the progress of an R or BR
If interference occurs after obstruction, the interference trumps the obstruction
Live ball is overthrown or blocked
All runners are awarded 2 bases at the time of the throw
Spectator interference on a fair batted or thrown ball (immediate dead ball)

40. Obstruction Notes
Occurs by the defense and signalled with delayed dead ball signal
An obstructed runner may NOT be called out between the 2 bases where obstructed
If put out prior to reaching the base which would have been reached, a dead ball is called and all runners awarded based on judgment of umpire of where they would have obtained without the obstruction.
A fake tag is a form of obstruction and could be cause for ejection from the game.

41. Runners CAN NOT Be Put Out
When a fielder intentionally contacts or catches a fair batted batted, thrown, or pitched ball with any part of the uniform or equipment that is detached from its proper place:
Batted Ball (that would have gone over the fence for a home run)
4 base award to BR
Batted Ball
3 base award to BR at the time of the pitch
Thrown Ball
2 base award to BR at the time of the throw
Pitched Ball
1 base award to BR at the time of the pitch

42. Runners CAN NOT Be Put Out
Fielder loses possession of the ball and the ball leaves live ball territory or becomes blocked
All runners are awarded 1 base at the time the ball left live ball territory
If a fair ball:
Bounces over, rolls under, or goes through the fence,
Deflects off a fielder and goes out of play in foul territory, or
Deflects off a runner or umpire and goes out of play in foul territory.
Then, dead ball and all runners are awarded 2 bases at the time of the pitch.

43. Runners CAN NOT Be Put Out
If a fielder UNINTENTIONALLY carries a live ball out of live ball territory:
Dead ball and all runners are awarded 1 base at the time the fielder left live ball territory.
If a fielder INTENTIONALLY carries a live ball out of live ball territory:
Dead ball and all runners are awarded 2 bases at the time the fielder left live ball territory.

44. With R1 on 3B and R2 on 2B, R1 is caught between 3B and home in a run down on an infield hit by B3. As R1 is attempting to regain 3B, F5 obstructs R1 and then tags R1 out. R2 was standing on 3B at the time of the obstruction.

45. With R1 on 3B and R2 on 2B, R1 is caught between 3B and home in a run down on an infield hit by B3. As R1 is attempting to regain 3B, F5 obstructs R1 and then tags R1 out. R2 was standing on 3B at the time of the obstruction.
The umpire should call “dead ball” and rule obstruction. R1 should be awarded 3B, R2 is returned to 2B and B3 should be on 1B.

46. F2 is standing in the path of R1, awaiting the throw from F8
F2 is standing in the path of R1, awaiting the throw from F8. R1 runs into F2 before the ball arrives. F2 retrieves the ball and tags the runner out.

47. F2 is standing in the path of R1, awaiting the throw from F8
F2 is standing in the path of R1, awaiting the throw from F8. R1 runs into F2 before the ball arrives. F2 retrieves the ball and tags the runner out.
Since F2 did not have possession of the ball at the time of the contact, obstruction is called, the ball is ruled dead and R1 is awarded home. (8-5B)

48. A Runner Must Return to Their Base
After each pitch
Foul ball
Illegally batter ball
Interference is called
Intentionally dropped ball

49. The Runner is OUT Runner is off the base and tagged by a fielder.
Out of the base path to avoid being tagged by a fielder.
Force play.
ANY offensive team member (other than the runner) physically assists a runner.

50. The Runner is OUT Runner does not tag up:
Thrown to the base or
Proper appeal.
Runner fails to touch the bases in order:
BR attempts to advance to 2nd base after overrunning 1st base and is tagged off the base.

51. The Runner is OUT
Runner misses the base and the defense properly appeals.
Runner interferes with:
Fielder attempting to field a batted ball,
Fielder attempting to throw a ball,
Throw ball, or
Defensive player INTENTIONALLY attempting to field a deflected ball
Runner is hit with a batted ball while off the base.

52. The Runner is OUT
Runner INTENTIONALLY kicks a fair ball the fielder missed.
3rd base coach runs in the direction of home plate while the fielder is attempting to make a play and draws a throw home.
Runner closest to home is out.
Offensive team member(s) collect(s) around a base that a runner is advancing to in an attempt to confuse the defense.

53. The Runner is OUT
Coach INTENTIONALLY interferes with the defense attempting to make a play.
Runner closest to home is out.
Runner that just scored interferes with the defense.
Runner remains upright and collides into the fielder with the ball.
Runner fails to keep in contact with the base until a pitched ball is batted or hits the ground or home plate.

54. The Runner is OUT Runner leaves the base and enters the dugout.
Runner is positioned behind and not in contact with a base to get a running start on a fly ball.
Runner leaves under the Shorthanded Rule.
Batter has an illegal or non-approved bat.

55. With one out, R1 on 3B and R2 on 2B, B4 hits a fly ball to F7 who catches the ball. R1 leaves 3B before the ball is touched by F7 who then throws the ball into the stands in an attempt to retire R1 at home. R2 has reached 3B on F7’s throw and the umpire awards R2 home. After all play is completed, F5 appeals to the umpire that R1 left 3B early.

56. With one out, R1 on 3B and R2 on 2B, B4 hits a fly ball to F7 who catches the ball. R1 leaves 3B before the ball is touched by F7 who then throws the ball into the stands in an attempt to retire R1 at home. R2 has reached 3B on F7’s throw and the umpire awards R2 home. After all play is completed, F5 appeals to the umpire that R1 left 3B early.
R1 is declared out, and the runs scored by both R1 and R2 are cancelled. (8-3F; 8-7F).

57. The Runner is OUT
Following an offensive conference, if runners switch positions on the bases:
Both runners are out AND
Coach/Manager is ejected.

58. With no outs and R1 on 2B, R2 on 1B, B3 hits a high pop foul between home and 1B and the umpire yells “Infield Fly..If Fair”. F3 loses sight of the ball in the sun. The ball lands on foul ground without being touched and rolls into fair territory halfway between home and 1B. F1 picks up the ball and throws to F4 covering 1B, who tags R2 while off the base.

59. With no outs and R1 on 2B, R2 on 1B, B3 hits a high pop foul between home and 1B and the umpire yells “Infield Fly..If Fair”. F3 loses sight of the ball in the sun. The ball lands on foul ground without being touched and rolls into fair territory halfway between home and 1B. F1 picks up the ball and throws to F4 covering 1B, who tags R2 while off the base.
Since the umpire rules this an infield fly, B3 is out. R2 is out for being tagged off base.

60. The Runner is SAFE
Runner tries to avoid interference with a fielder attempting to field a batted ball.
Runner tries to avoid a fielder who is in the base path without the ball.
If two fielders attempt to field a ball and the runner contacts the fielder that could not have made the play.

61. The Runner is SAFE
Runner is hit with a batted ball after passing a fielder, but not the pitcher, and no other fielder has the opportunity to make a play.
Runner is hit with a fair untouched batted ball over foul territory.
Runner is hit with a touched batted ball and could not avoid contact.

62. With no outs and R1 on 2B, B3 hits a ground ball to F6 who muffs the ball. In (a) the ball remains in front of F6 and they are still able to make an out, or (b) the ball goes over F6’s shoulder. In both cases, R1 hits F6 unintentionally and continues to 3B safely.)

63. With no outs and R1 on 2B, B3 hits a ground ball to F6 who muffs the ball. In (a) the ball remains in front of F6 and they are still able to make an out, or (b) the ball goes over F6’s shoulder. In both cases, R1 hits F6 unintentionally and continues to 3B safely.)
In (a) if F6 can still make an out, the umpire should call a dead ball and rule interference. In (b) F6 is no longer fielding the ball and is guilty of obstruction. Since R1 advanced safely to 3B, the obstruction is ignored.

64. The Runner is SAFE Runner is touched off the base:
Ball is not securely held by the fielder, or
Ball is in the “other” hand.
Defense misses their opportunity to appeal.
BR overruns 1st base and returns directly to 1st base.
Runner is not given sufficient time to return to the base.

65. The Runner is SAFE Legal tag up.
Hit by a batted ball while on the base (unless INTENTIONAL).
Runner slides and dislodges a base (the base stays with the runner).
Runner returns to a base missed or not tagged up properly.

66. With R1 on 3B, B2 hits a ball that strikes 3B and then caroms to foul territory where it strikes R1, who is advancing off 3B. F5 had no opportunity to make an out.

67. With R1 on 3B, B2 hits a ball that strikes 3B and then caroms to foul territory where it strikes R1, who is advancing off 3B. F5 had no opportunity to make an out.
R1 is safe and the ball remains live. (8-8E)

68. Courtesy Runners One courtesy runner (CR) per half inning.
Any player on the roster may be used as a CR.
A CR is officially in the game when they touch the base.
If a CR’s turn at bat comes while on base, they will be out on the base and will bat.

69. Courtesy Runners For Coed: Males can run for males.
Females can run for females OR males.
A CR may be used for one male runner AND one female runner each half inning.
For Seniors:
Unlimited CRs each half inning.
If a runner is replaced by a CR, they cannot be a CR for the remainder of the inning.

70. With no outs, R1 on 2B, and a CR runs for R1
With no outs, R1 on 2B, and a CR runs for R1. B4 flies out for the 1st out; B5 hits a single and is on 1B, B6 strikes out for the 2nd out. B7 is to come to bat, but is the CR at 2B.

71. With no outs, R1 on 2B, and a CR runs for R1
With no outs, R1 on 2B, and a CR runs for R1. B4 flies out for the 1st out; B5 hits a single and is on 1B, B6 strikes out for the 2nd out. B7 is to come to bat, but is the CR at 2B.
CR/B7 is called out at 2B resulting in the third out, and will lead off the next inning.

72. Rule 9 Protests

73. Protests May not involve the accuracy of judgment of an umpire.
e.g.: Fair/Foul; Safe/Out; Ball/Strike; Infield Fly Rule; Interference/Obstruction; Good/Bad Field Condition; Catch/No Catch
Will be considered on:
Failure to comply with rules.
Umpire misinterpretation of a playing rule.
Umpire failure to apply the correct rule to a given situation.
Umpire failure to impose the correct penalty for a given situation

74. Protests Four basic types of protests:
Before the next pitch,
Before the next play,
Before all infielders have left fair territory, and
Before the umpire leaves live ball territory (if the last play of the game)
Umpires MUST sign both scorebooks attesting to the protest.