2012 Usssa Fast Pitch Rules Challenge

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Quizzes Created: 3 | Total Attempts: 2,765
| Attempts: 250 | Questions: 75
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1. The umpire who called the Illegal Pitch shall explain the violation to the coach if requested.

Explanation

Yes, with the proper explanation. (6-3-F)

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About This Quiz
Umpire Training Quizzes & Trivia

This is the USSSA National Fast Pitch Umpire Test and Rules Challenge.
It's highly recommended as a fast umpire to take this test with a CLOSED BOOK, to challenge your knowledge of the rules. Upon submission, the test score and answers will be provided with rule references.... see moreYou can use this as a learning tool, after seeing areas which might need additional study -- but keep the book closed - and challenge yourself !
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2. A ball that has been cooled is an altered ball and falls under the same rules in place for altered bats.

Explanation

Rule 2-3; 3-Altered Ball

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3. If a batter swings and the ball hits the batter's hand, she is awarded First Base.

Explanation

No, this is a DEAD BALL STRIKE. Regardless of where the pitch hit her body, she swung at the ball and a strike is called and the ball is dead. 8-4-D.4

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4. Coaches must be neatly attired.

Explanation

Rule 2-8

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5. If a runner is called out for violating the look back rule, any other runner who is stopped off base is also called out.

Explanation

Only one runner is declared out. The ball is dead and not other outs can be recorded. (8-2-Effect)

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6. Any time a pitched ball hits the batter, it is a Dead Ball.

Explanation

Always dead. Your partner can help in these situations too. 10-1-A

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7. The Three Foot running lane starts halfway between home plate and first base.

Explanation

Rule 1-2-G

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8. Interference by a batter, runner or retired runner is a dead ball.

Explanation

Every time. 10-1-E

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9. The leadoff hitter, Amy, strikes out. The next batter, Betty, is knocked unconscious by a wild pitch. Since the team has no eligible substitutions, Amy can replace Betty as the batter-runner and will be placed on 1st base.

Explanation

If the player leaving the game is the batter or a runner, they shall be declared out. Exception: If the injury is caused by a rule violation by the defensive team (for example batter hit by pitch, obstruction, malicious contact), the player may be replaced by the player not currently on base who had the last completed time at bat. This exception does not apply to any future time at bat. (5-2-A Exception)

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10. A chin strap is required on the batting helmet.

Explanation

Chin straps are not required. (Rule 2-1)

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11. Regarding the use of a courtesy runner ... The team at bat may use a courtesy runner for the pitcher and/or catcher any time after they reach base other than by  substitution. The same courtesy runner may be used for both positions but not in the same inning. Neither the pitcher nor the catcher will be required to leave the lineup under such circumstances.

Explanation

All correct. (8-3-A)

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12. A batter-runner who is running legally is hit by a thrown ball and incapacitated, she is awarded First Base.

Explanation

A batter runner is awarded first base if hit by a thrown ball while legally advancing which incapacitated the batter-runner prior to reaching 1st base. 8-5-E

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13. Unadorned bobby pins less than 2 inches in length are legal.

Explanation

Rule 2-5

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14. The Flex must be listed in the last spot in the lineup, either the 10th spot (or the 11th or 12th spot if an Additional Player(s) is used).

Explanation

5-4-B

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15. Each team may be granted one charged conference while on offense per inning.

Explanation

4-8-b

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16. The DP can play defense for any of the other players in the lineup.  So both the DP and the FLEX can legally be on defense at the same time.

Explanation

5-4-F

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17. The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter.

Explanation

6-1-F-4

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18. A throat protector is not required on a catchers hockey style mask.

Explanation

Rule 2-2

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19. The FLEX can play offense for any ot the other players in the lineup.  So both the DP and the FLEX can be legally on offense at the same time.

Explanation

Placing the flex into one of the batting positions for someone other than the DP's position is considered an illegal substitution. (5-4-H)

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20. The Penalty for excessive defensive conference is the pitcher may not pitch for the remainder of the game.

Explanation

Penalty: After three charged conferences in a seven inning game, or for any charged conference in excess of one in each extra inning, the pitcher shall be removed as a pitcher for the duration of the game.(Rule 4-8-A)

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21. A player may return to pitch any number of times in one inning.

Explanation

Return only once per inning. (5-5)

A player may be removed as a pitcher and returned as a pitcher only once per inning. Provided the return as a pitcher does not violate either the pitching, substitution, or charged conference rule.

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22. The Umpire shall make awards to nullify spectator interference.

Explanation

8-14-E-1

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23. If the batter-runner touches only the white portion and collides with the first baseman, it is interference.

Explanation

Absolutely .. this is the whole reason there is a double base, to avoid this situation. 8.19.C

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24. Double base ... A ground ball bounds off the first baseman into foul territory. The first baseman picks up the ball, dives and touches the orange base with the ball in her throwing hand, beating the runner. The runner is declared out.  Is this correct ?

Explanation

Case Book. Double First base D Ruling --- May use either side of the base on this situation when coming from foul territory.

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25. The ball must have the USSSA FASTPITCH CLASSIC label on it.

Explanation

Rule 2-3

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26. If the FLEX runs for the DP ... the DP has left the game.

Explanation

5-4-D

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27. Pam is one of five substitutes who have not participated at all in the game. Pam courtesy runs for the pitcher in the sixth inning and scores. In the same inning, Pam is allowed to pinch run for the shortstop but can no longer be used as a courtesy runner for the remainder of the game. Did the umpire handle this properly ?

Explanation

No, a player may not run as a courtesy runner and be used as a substitute for another player in that HALF INNING.

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28. The Coaches Box is 8 feet from the foul lines.

Explanation

Rule 1-2-H

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29. It is a delayed dead ball when an illegal pitch is delivered.

Explanation

10-2-A

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30. 14U players are allowed to wear metal cleats.

Explanation

In all divisions 14 and under and younger, Metal cleats and metal toe plates are
prohibited. (Rule 2-4)

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31. Conferences not used carry over into extra innings.

Explanation

Conferences are not cumulative (4-8-A)

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32. The pitcher must start with both feet on the pitching rubber.

Explanation

6-1-A

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33. Players may not wear casts while participating in the game.

Explanation

Cast may be worn if padded. (Rule 2-6)

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34. Pam comes to bat in the top of the first inning in the third position in the batting order and is wearing #8. The official line-up has Pam batting in the third position in the batting order but wearing #17. Number can be corrected with no warning or penalty.

Explanation

Numbers on the lineup card may be corrected without penalty. Casebook 5-c

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35. With Fran on First, Beth hits a ground ball to the outfield. Fran (the lead runner) has not reached second and Beth has rounded first when the right fielder throws the ball.  At the time of the throw both runners were between 1st and 2nd base. The throw goes out of play. Beth (the trailing runner) is awarded third base moving Fran Home.

Explanation

If two runners are between the same bases, the award is based on the position of the lead runner. Therefore the two base award is given to Fran, the lead runner. She is awarded 3rd base on the two base award. 8-14-C-3; 8-14-C Note

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36. The pitching distance for Girls 14 and under is 40 ft.

Explanation

Rule 1-1. Pitching distance for 13U on up will be 43 Ft since January 2011.

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37. Each team, when on defense, may be granted not more than two charged conferences without penalty during a seven-inning game.

Explanation

Not more than three. (Rule 4-8-A)

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38. The FLEX can be declared up until the DP bats for the first time.

Explanation

Must be declared prior to the start of the game. (5-4)

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39. The pitcher must release the ball the first time past the hip.

Explanation

The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip. (6-1-G-4)

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40. A bat that has graphics added to the barrel should be considered an altered bat.

Explanation

Rule 3-Altered Bat: The bat has had the surface of the barrel or the taper changed in any way such as by addition of graphics, painting, repainting, removal of bat material or paint by any means including but not limited to sandpapering or applying a solvent to the surface such as fingernail polish remover or by any other means.

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41. The role of the DP is terminated for the rest of the game when the FLEX bats.

Explanation

The DP may re-enter which brings the lineup back to 10 again. This can happen more than once provided the substitution rules are complied with. (5-4-E)

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42. An illegal pitch which is released is a dead ball and the penalty is invoked.

Explanation

Illegal pitches which are released are considered a DELAYED DEAD ball and the play continues. (6-3)

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43. Double base again ... The shortstop fields a ground ball and throws directly to first base. The first baseman catches the throw touching only the orange base before the batter runner reaches first. The batter runner is out.

Explanation

The first baseman is considered to be off the base. The batter-runner is safe. 8-19-B

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44. Pam is the only substitute. Pam is used as a courtesy runner. Karen bats Pam home but is injured sliding safely into second and cannot continue. Pam must substitute immediately for Karen.

Explanation

This is the EXCEPTION. If there is an injury and there is no substitute available, the courtesy runner must be used as a substitute and take the place of the injured player. Should the courtesy runner be on base, the pitcher or catcher for whom the courtesy runner is running must run in their place. (8-3-D)

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45. The pitcher can only take a signal from the catcher.

Explanation

The pitcher may simulate taking the signal from the catcher. No requirement to have signals. No restrictions as to can give signals. (6-1-C)

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46. A batter-runner who overruns first and delays in her attempt to advance to second is required to return to first base and stop.

Explanation

(8-2-para 4)

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47. Defensive players may not wear batter's helmets.

Explanation

All players may wear protective equipment. (Rule 2-7)

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48. Same situation ...With a runner on second base, the batter hits a fair ground ball. The batted ball bounds off the third baseman's glove and goes to the shortstop, standing in the baseline attempting to field the deflection and hinders the runner going from second to third. Obstruction has occurred.

Explanation

The 3rd baseman made the initial play ... not the shortstop. This is obstruction. (3-39 and 8-13)

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49. During the Pre-game conference, a team member must verify hall players are legally and properly equipped.

Explanation

Only a coach can verify. (4-8-D-4)

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50. Use of an altered bat by a Youth player can lead to suspension of the parents.

Explanation

Rule 2-1M The parents or legal guardians of a youth player suspended under section 2-1 E (Altered Bat Director Inspection and Suspension) and/or EI (Altered Bat Determination by Altered Bat Committee Chairman or Manufacturer) shall be suspended for life from all USSSA sanctioned activities.

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51. A player shows up late and is not listed as a starter or substitute on the line-up card.  She is ineligible to play in that game.

Explanation

Eligible roster members may be added as substitutes at ANY time. (5-1-B)

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52. The pitcher must physically have the ball in one hand or she is not considered to have possession of the ball.

Explanation

the pitcher has possession of the ball (e.g. has the ball in their hand, glove, under arm or chin, between
their legs) within the 16-foot circle. (8-2-para 1)

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53. With a runner on second base, the batter hits a fair ground ball. The batted ball bounds off the pitcher's glove and goes to the shortstop, standing in the baseline trying to field the deflected ball, and hinders the runner going from second to third. Obstruction has occurred.

Explanation

This is NOT obstruction. A fielder is considered to be making an initial play on a fair batted ball when she has a reasonable chance to gain control of a ground ball that NO OTHER fielder (except the pitcher) has touched.

A fielder who either has the ball or is attempting an initial play on a batted ball cannot obstruct the runner.

(3-39 and 8-13)

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54. Regarding the look-back rule. If the pitcher has both feet straddling the line of the pitcher's circle, she is considered to be in the pitcher's circle.

Explanation

Provided one foot is inside (or partially inside) the circle, she is considered in the circle. (8-2 para 9)

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55. It is obstruction if a fielder hinders a runner by moving into her path to get ready to catch a thrown ball.

Explanation

The fielder must have the ball or be attempting an initial play on a batted ball, otherwise it's obstruction. 8-13

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56. Same situation ...With a runner on second base, the batter hits a fair ground ball. The batted ball goes to the shortstop. She fumbles the ball and the ball goes behind her. She takes a step and starts to pick up the ball when she hinders the runner going from second to third. Obstruction has occurred.

Explanation

No obstruction here. The fielder is still considered to be making an initial play if she fails to gain control of
the batted ground ball and is within a step and a reach. (3-39 and 8-13)

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57. A batted ball that travels directly from the bat to the catcher's chest protector and is caught before touching the ground is a live ball.

Explanation

This is a foul ball. If the ball traveled directly to the glove (or hand) first , then to the catcher's protector, and was caught, this would be considered a "foul tip" and the ball would remain alive. However in this situation the ball touched the chest protector first which caused the ball to be a dead ball / foul ball. 3-Foul Tip Note

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58. When a coach physically assists a runner during playing action, a dead ball occurs.

Explanation

Delayed Dead ball occurs ... ball remains alive. 10-2-D

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59. Double base again ... The runner on first is stealing second. After catching a line drive, the shortstop throws directly to first base. The first baseman catches the throw touching only the orange base before the runner returns to first. The runner is declared out.  Is this correct ?

Explanation

8-19-F Permitted.

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60. If a runner is thrown out when a batter committed interference with the catcher making a throw, the interference is ignored.

Explanation

Batter Interference is an immediate Dead Ball. 7-12 penalty

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61. With no outs, Fran is stealing second when the batter lines out to the shortstop. Fran is returning to first as the shortstop throws to the first baseman. The throw goes out of play. Fran is awarded second base.  Is this correct ?

Explanation

Fran is awarded 3rd base ... since the award is TWO BASES from the base runners position (and base reached) at the time of the throw. Fran's running direction has no bearing on the dead ball award. She get's third. 8-14-C-3; 8-15-C

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62. A step backward in the pitching motion is legal if it begins before the hands come together.

Explanation

No step backward is allowed. 6-1-E-2

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63. A quick return pitch (when the batter is not in position and ready) is considered an illegal pitch.

Explanation

No, quick return pitches should be ruled a NO PITCH. (6-4-C)

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64. Same situation ...With a runner on second base, the batter hits a fair ground ball. The third baseman turns to watch the ball in left field and blocks R2 before she gets to third base. Obstruction is called and R2 is thrown out at home plate. The umpire states that the runner could not have made home plate regardless of the obstruction. R2 is returned to third base without an out being recorded.

Explanation

Key here is "before" she gets to third base. If the obstructed runner advances beyond the base the runner would have reached, in the Umpire’s judgment, the runner advances with liability to be put out. The runner would be declared out for trying to advance beyond the base she was obstructed to. 8-13-A

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65. The next 5 questions deal with a DOUBLE first base.   The white base is in fair territory and the orange base is in foul territory, in all cases. If a play is being made on the batter-runner at first base and the batter-runner touches only the white portion of the base, the runner is out.

Explanation

This is an appeal play. If the batter-runner touches only the white portion when there is a play being made at first base, it is treated the same as missing the base. The batter-runner is out providing the defense appeals prior to the batter-runner returning to first base by tagging the runner or touching the base. This is an "implied live ball appeal." 8-19-B-1

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66. If the Batter Runner moves backward toward Home Plate for any reasons, the ball is dead.

Explanation

Only to avoid or delay being tagged out. The batter-runner may stop but cannot move backward to avoid the tag. This is a common situation during a bunt play with runners on base. 10-1-M

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67. If a pitcher does not release the pitch within 20 seconds from the time of receiving the ball, an illegal pitch is called.

Explanation

Not an illegal pitch ... just a DEAD ball and a BALL awarded to the batter. This is a pitcher (timing) violation. (6-1-K)

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68. On a base on balls, the look back rule goes into effect as soon as the pitcher receives the ball in the circle.

Explanation

The LOOK-BACK RULE is in effect when the ball is live, the batter-runner has touched first base or has been declared out, and the pitcher has possession of the ball ... within the 16-foot circle. (8-2-para 1)

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69. The third baseman obstructs R2 after she touches third base and the umpire who called obstruction does not think R2 would have scored regardless of the obstruction. R2 is thrown out at home plate. R2 is returned to third base without an out being recorded.

Explanation

the obstructed runner is awarded the base they would have reached had there been no obstruction.
An obstructed runner may not be called out between the two bases where she was obstructed – exceptions do NOT apply.

8-13, 8-13-D

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70. When a coach physically assists a runner during playing action, a dead ball occurs.

Explanation

It is a delayed dead ball when a coach physically assists a runner. The play remains alive until completed. 10-2-D

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71. An Optic Yellow Manufacter's Logo on the pitcher's glove is to be considered legal.

Explanation

Rule 2-9. B. The glove/mitt may be any combination of colors except the color of the game ball or optic. Glove lacing may be any color other than that of the ball. The manufacturer’s logos are not considered a glove color. A gray, white or optic colored circle on the outside or inside of the glove/mitt that gives the appearance of a ball is illegal. A glove/mitt that is judged to be distracting by the Umpire is illegal.

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72. If during a live ball, a runner deliberately removes her helmet, it results in a dead ball.

Explanation

Warning then ejection; Delayed Dead Ball should be ruled here. 2-1; 10-2-F

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73. A courtesy runner may not be used for the DP.

Explanation

A courtesy runner is permitted for the DP if the DP is the pitcher or catcher of record. (8-3-F)

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74. After hitting an illegal pitch, the batter is thrown out at second base, the coach has the option of accepting the illegal pitch penalty.

Explanation

Unlike high school, in USSSA if the batter reaches first base and all runners advance at least one base, the play stands, and the illegal pitch is canceled. NO OPTION is given. (6-3-B)

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75. The team fails to report Pam as a courtesy runner. Pam becomes an illegal substitute.

Explanation

This is considered an Unreported courtesy runner: An unreported courtesy runner is treated the same as an unreported substitute. The team is warned and further violations result in the ejection of the coach. (8-3-Penalty)

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The umpire who called the Illegal Pitch shall explain the violation to...
A ball that has been cooled is an altered ball and falls under the...
If a batter swings and the ball hits the batter's hand, she is...
Coaches must be neatly attired.
If a runner is called out for violating the look back rule, any other...
Any time a pitched ball hits the batter, it is a Dead Ball.
The Three Foot running lane starts halfway between home plate and...
Interference by a batter, runner or retired runner is a dead ball.
The leadoff hitter, Amy, strikes out. The next batter, Betty, is...
A chin strap is required on the batting helmet.
Regarding the use of a courtesy runner ......
A batter-runner who is running legally is hit by a thrown ball and...
Unadorned bobby pins less than 2 inches in length are legal.
The Flex must be listed in the last spot in the lineup, either the...
Each team may be granted one charged conference while on offense per...
The DP can play defense for any of the other players in the...
The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter.
A throat protector is not required on a catchers hockey style mask.
The FLEX can play offense for any ot the other players in the...
The Penalty for excessive defensive conference is the pitcher may not...
A player may return to pitch any number of times in one inning.
The Umpire shall make awards to nullify spectator interference.
If the batter-runner touches only the white portion and collides with...
Double base ......
The ball must have the USSSA FASTPITCH CLASSIC label on it.
If the FLEX runs for the DP ... the DP has left the game.
Pam is one of five substitutes who have not participated at all in the...
The Coaches Box is 8 feet from the foul lines.
It is a delayed dead ball when an illegal pitch is delivered.
14U players are allowed to wear metal cleats.
Conferences not used carry over into extra innings.
The pitcher must start with both feet on the pitching rubber.
Players may not wear casts while participating in the game.
Pam comes to bat in the top of the first inning in the third position...
With Fran on First, Beth hits a ground ball to the outfield. Fran (the...
The pitching distance for Girls 14 and under is 40 ft.
Each team, when on defense, may be granted not more than two charged...
The FLEX can be declared up until the DP bats for the first time.
The pitcher must release the ball the first time past the hip.
A bat that has graphics added to the barrel should be considered an...
The role of the DP is terminated for the rest of the game when the...
An illegal pitch which is released is a dead ball and the penalty is...
Double base again ......
Pam is the only substitute. Pam is used as a courtesy runner. Karen...
The pitcher can only take a signal from the catcher.
A batter-runner who overruns first and delays in her attempt to...
Defensive players may not wear batter's helmets.
Same situation ...With a runner on second base, the batter hits a fair...
During the Pre-game conference, a team member must verify hall players...
Use of an altered bat by a Youth player can lead to suspension of the...
A player shows up late and is not listed as a starter or substitute on...
The pitcher must physically have the ball in one hand or she is not...
With a runner on second base, the batter hits a fair ground ball....
Regarding the look-back rule....
It is obstruction if a fielder hinders a runner by moving into her...
Same situation ...With a runner on second base, the batter hits a fair...
A batted ball that travels directly from the bat to the catcher's...
When a coach physically assists a runner during playing action, a dead...
Double base again ......
If a runner is thrown out when a batter committed interference with...
With no outs, Fran is stealing second when the batter lines out to the...
A step backward in the pitching motion is legal if it begins before...
A quick return pitch (when the batter is not in position and ready) is...
Same situation ...With a runner on second base, the batter hits a fair...
The next 5 questions deal with a DOUBLE first base.  ...
If the Batter Runner moves backward toward Home Plate for any reasons,...
If a pitcher does not release the pitch within 20 seconds from the...
On a base on balls, the look back rule goes into effect as soon as the...
The third baseman obstructs R2 after she touches third base and the...
When a coach physically assists a runner during playing action, a dead...
An Optic Yellow Manufacter's Logo on the pitcher's glove is to...
If during a live ball, a runner deliberately removes her helmet, it...
A courtesy runner may not be used for the DP.
After hitting an illegal pitch, the batter is thrown out at second...
The team fails to report Pam as a courtesy runner. Pam becomes an...
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