Softball Rules and Information

Pre-Game Duties and Softball Signals

PRE-GAME CONFERENCE 
1.  Greet Coaches Cordially
2.  Line-Up Cards (Starters & Subs)
3.  Are Players Properly Equipped?
4.  Please remove all Jewelry
5.  Cover Rule Changes (Early Season Only)
6.  Courtesy Runners, Run Rule
7.  Ground Rules (By Home Coach)
8.  Sportsmanship, Hustle, Questions?

 
Before the Game

 

• Arrive 30 minutes before game time, conduct brief mechanics discussion.
• Enter field 10 minutes before game time.
• Check bats, helmets, and catcher’s equipment.
• Prepare game balls, determine who will supply replacement balls.
• Conduct the pre-game conference with both Head Coaches 5 minutes prior to game time (line-up cards, substitutes, sportsmanship, ground rules).
• Respond to any pre-game questions and remind coaches to call time and talk with us if an issue arises.
• Home team takes the field at the conclusion of the pre-game conference.

 

 

Game Signals (Softball Rule Book, page 85)

 

• Ball In Play - Point Index finger toward pitcher, vocal call.
• Foul Ball - Both arms up, then point foul, vocal call.  Echo partner’s hand signal.
• Fair Ball - Point fair, hold arm out and repeat signal, NO VOCAL CALL.
• Strike/Out - Clenched fist to hammer at 90 degrees.  When calling outs, no vocal call on obvious plays.  On close plays, make a vocal call, with a more animated signal for more emphasis.
• Safe – Spread arms, verbally call “safe.”
• Catch/No Catch – Same as Out/Safe calls.
• Foul Tip – Glance palms of hands against each other, give strike signal, NO VOCAL CALL.
• Infield Fly – Right arm across chest – clenched fist for no outs, index finger extended for one out.  When Infield Fly occurs, right arm up, clenched fist.
• Full Count - Use three fingers and two fingers.
• Need Count - Tap hand on top of cap.
• Delayed Dead Ball - (Obstruction) - Left arm extended with fist.
• Immediate Dead Ball – (Balk, Interference) – Both hands up, vocal call.

 

 

      Between Batters

 

• First to third in order or delayed advance from second, wiggle right hand.
• Plate Umpire will remain at the plate – point to ground.
• Time Play – Tap wrist with two fingers.
• Infield Fly – No outs, open hand to cap bill; One out, index finger to cap bill.
• Double Advance by Runners – Chop Fists. Runners 1^st and 2^nd, less than two out, Plate takes tag at first, play at 3^rd.  Base has tag at 2^nd, and stays there.  Duties change on hit ball to Right Field line.

The FLEX Rule 

1. The DP is listed as one of the first 9 hitters in the batting order
2. The FLEX is listed in the 10^th position in the batting order
3. The FLEX can play any defensive position at any time
4. The DP must remain in the same position in the batter order the entire game
5. The DP may be substituted for by any legal substitute or by the FLEX
6. Any 9 of the 10 players can play defense any inning without reporting a change, except if the FLEX doesn’t play defense, this must be reported and she has left the game
7. The DP and the FLEX are starters and, if substituted for, may re-enter the game once
8. If the FLEX bats, she must bat for the DP and the team is now playing with 9
9. The DP and FLEX cannot both play offense at the same time
10. The DP and FLEX may both play defense at the same time
    
    2 Man Mechanics
    
    3 Man Mechanics
    

    
    If you have any further questions please contact the FUA Commissioner