Fastpitch Softball Knowledge Check - Field, Equipment, And Uniforms

1. NFHS Only: If a batter intentionally erases a chalk line in the batter's box to gain an advantage for a slap attempt, the umpire should first award _____________________, followed by issuing a warning to the offending team.

A BALL to the batter.

A STRIKE to the batter.

A BASE on BALLS to the batter.

After awarding a strike to the batter, and warning the team, any subsequent violations will result in the player and head coach being restricted to the bench for the remainder of the game.

Explanation

After awarding a strike to the batter, and warning the team, any subsequent violations will result in the player and head coach being restricted to the bench for the remainder of the game.

2. Regarding a player wearing an ILLEGAL GLOVE is brought to the attention of the umpire:

A delay dead ball is ruled, and provided no play is made by the defensive player wearing the glove, the illegal glove shall be removed immediately.

True

False

If the player touched the ball with the illegal glove, additional effects would apply. (see Blue Book table) Otherwise, just remove the glove from the game.

Explanation

If the player touched the ball with the illegal glove, additional effects would apply. (see Blue Book table) Otherwise, just remove the glove from the game.

3. The On-Deck Batter Circle MAY be left empty if desired by the team at bat.

True

False

Yes, but if occupied must be the circle designated closest to their own bench.

Explanation

Yes, but if occupied must be the circle designated closest to their own bench.

4. Intentionally removing a helmet on the field during a live ball, shall result in a WARNING to the player, the first time it occurs.

True

False

2nd Violations shall result in player (USSSA) or player / coach (NFHS) restriction to the bench.

Explanation

2nd Violations shall result in player (USSSA) or player / coach (NFHS) restriction to the bench.

5. If an On-Deck Batter interferes with a fielder on a foul fly ball, the _________________ is declared out and runners must return to the base last legally occupied prior to the interference.

On-Deck Batter

Batter

Runner Closest to Home

Different penalties apply if the on-deck batter interferes with a fair ball. (refer to Blue Book Chart)

Explanation

Different penalties apply if the on-deck batter interferes with a fair ball. (refer to Blue Book Chart)

6. Regarding a DOUBLE (FIRST) BASE:

The BATTER-RUNNER must ALWAYS use the colored portion of the base on force-out attempts from the foul side of the base, or on errant throws that pull the fielder into foul ground.

True

False

The DEFENSE and the BATTER-RUNNER may use BOTH PORTIONS of the base on force-out attempts from the foul side of the base, or on errant throws that pull the fielder into foul ground.

Explanation

The DEFENSE and the BATTER-RUNNER may use BOTH PORTIONS of the base on force-out attempts from the foul side of the base, or on errant throws that pull the fielder into foul ground.

7. Only the 1st Base Person or Catcher may utilize a MITT style glove while playing those positions only. All other players must wear a fielder's type glove unless they are catching or playing 1st base.

True

False

NFHS/ USSSA: Any fielder is permitted to utilize a MITT (first base style or catcher) while playing ANY position if it meets all specifications to be legal (Exception: NSA stipulates ONLY the catcher and 1st base person may WEAR a MITT)

Explanation

NFHS/ USSSA: Any fielder is permitted to utilize a MITT (first base style or catcher) while playing ANY position if it meets all specifications to be legal (Exception: NSA stipulates ONLY the catcher and 1st base person may WEAR a MITT)

8. Regarding BATTING HELMETS:

Which SEAL / STAMP is required to be visible on the exterior portion of every helmet's shell?

NFHS

USSSA

OSHA

NOCSAE

Underwriter's Laboratory

The correct answer is NOCSAE. NOCSAE stands for the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment. It is a non-profit organization that sets safety standards for athletic equipment, including batting helmets. The NOCSAE seal or stamp is required to be visible on the exterior portion of every helmet's shell to ensure that it meets the safety standards set by the organization. This helps to ensure the safety of the players and reduce the risk of head injuries while batting.

Explanation

The correct answer is NOCSAE. NOCSAE stands for the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment. It is a non-profit organization that sets safety standards for athletic equipment, including batting helmets. The NOCSAE seal or stamp is required to be visible on the exterior portion of every helmet's shell to ensure that it meets the safety standards set by the organization. This helps to ensure the safety of the players and reduce the risk of head injuries while batting.

9. A BLOCKED BALL results when a LIVE Batted, Pitched, or Thrown ball contacts loose equipment or miscellaneous items, not being legally used in the game.

Which of the following items would CAUSE a BLOCKED BALL (as described above)?

(Check ALL that are considered BLOCKED BALLS)

Batter's bat dropped legally.

Catcher's mask dropped during play.

Umpires mask dropped during play.

Scorekeeper standing in live ball territory.

Warm-up Equipment not in possession of the on-deck batter.

Batting helmet left on the field by accident.

Bats that are not put away properly and left on the field.

Batter-Runner's helmet that accidentally falls off while advancing to 2nd base.

A blocked ball occurs when a live batted, pitched, or thrown ball comes into contact with loose equipment or miscellaneous items that are not being legally used in the game. The items that would cause a blocked ball in this scenario are the scorekeeper standing in live ball territory, warm-up equipment not in possession of the on-deck batter, batting helmet left on the field by accident, and bats that are not put away properly and left on the field. These items are not being legally used in the game and can potentially interfere with the ball, causing a blocked ball situation.

Explanation

A blocked ball occurs when a live batted, pitched, or thrown ball comes into contact with loose equipment or miscellaneous items that are not being legally used in the game. The items that would cause a blocked ball in this scenario are the scorekeeper standing in live ball territory, warm-up equipment not in possession of the on-deck batter, batting helmet left on the field by accident, and bats that are not put away properly and left on the field. These items are not being legally used in the game and can potentially interfere with the ball, causing a blocked ball situation.

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10. Which of the following would be considered ILLEGAL as it relates to the GLOVE requirements:

(Check ALL that are ILLEGAL)

Contains a tacky substance in the glove.

Glove is two colors, plus lacing a different color, totaling three colors.

Glove is entirely Optic Yellow.

The height of the glove measures 14 inches.

The webbing has been altered to be 8 inches across.

Markings on the gloves that is deemed distracting by the umpire.

Tacky substances are permitted on bats and not gloves. Gloves that are entirely grey, white, or optic yellow/green are illegal. The maximum webbing distance is 5-3/4 inches

Explanation

Tacky substances are permitted on bats and not gloves. Gloves that are entirely grey, white, or optic yellow/green are illegal. The maximum webbing distance is 5-3/4 inches

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11. Which of the following are considered ILLEGAL as it pertains to the BAT / EQUIPMENT:

(Check ALL that apply which are illegal)

A "2-1/4" inch ring does not pass over the barrel end of the bat.

Bat has a 12 inch grip.

The bat has proper markings but is made of wood.

Bat is 34" in length.

Bat is 44 ounces in weight.

A tacky substance is found from the handle end, extending 7 inches up the bat.

Bat appears to be altered from the original manufacturer's specifications.

A "2-1/4" inch bat ring must be passable over the barrel end. Maximum bat weight is 38 oz. Altered bats are illegal.

Explanation

A "2-1/4" inch bat ring must be passable over the barrel end. Maximum bat weight is 38 oz. Altered bats are illegal.

Submit

12. Which of the following statements are TRUE as it relates to UNIFORMS:

(CHECK ALL that are TRUE) ... Make sure to scroll down to see all possible answers.

Teams members shall have the same color and style uniform.

It is permitted to have a uniform top without a number.

If exposed undergarments are worn, they should be the same color by all players.

Jewelry is permitted, provided it is not dangerous or larger than one inch in length.

Casts and splints are permitted provided they are padded and not dangerous.

USSSA: Metal Cleats are permitted in 15U and above age groups.

NFHS: Metal Cleats are permitted based on state adoption.

Visors must be worn at all times by field players.

Blood shall be removed from any player's uniform before being allowed to participate.

The correct answers are:

- Teams members shall have the same color and style uniform: This means that all members of a team should wear uniforms that are identical in color and style, promoting unity and identification.
- If exposed undergarments are worn, they should be the same color by all players: This implies that if players choose to wear undergarments that are visible, they should all be of the same color, maintaining a consistent appearance.
- Casts and splints are permitted provided they are padded and not dangerous: This indicates that players are allowed to wear casts and splints as long as they are properly padded and do not pose a risk to themselves or other players.
- USSSA: Metal Cleats are permitted in 15U and above age groups: This statement specifies that in the USSSA league, players aged 15 and above can wear metal cleats, which provide better traction on the playing surface.
- NFHS: Metal Cleats are permitted based on state adoption: This means that in the NFHS league, the use of metal cleats is allowed depending on the regulations adopted by each state.
- Blood shall be removed from any player's uniform before being allowed to participate: This rule states that if a player's uniform is stained with blood, it must be cleaned before they are allowed to participate, ensuring a sanitary and safe environment.

Explanation

The correct answers are:

- Teams members shall have the same color and style uniform: This means that all members of a team should wear uniforms that are identical in color and style, promoting unity and identification.
- If exposed undergarments are worn, they should be the same color by all players: This implies that if players choose to wear undergarments that are visible, they should all be of the same color, maintaining a consistent appearance.
- Casts and splints are permitted provided they are padded and not dangerous: This indicates that players are allowed to wear casts and splints as long as they are properly padded and do not pose a risk to themselves or other players.
- USSSA: Metal Cleats are permitted in 15U and above age groups: This statement specifies that in the USSSA league, players aged 15 and above can wear metal cleats, which provide better traction on the playing surface.
- NFHS: Metal Cleats are permitted based on state adoption: This means that in the NFHS league, the use of metal cleats is allowed depending on the regulations adopted by each state.
- Blood shall be removed from any player's uniform before being allowed to participate: This rule states that if a player's uniform is stained with blood, it must be cleaned before they are allowed to participate, ensuring a sanitary and safe environment.

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