Page 388 - Revised Unified Sports Curriculum electronic version Rev. 8.1_2

SOFTBALL

SPORT RULES

When the immediate preceding runner who is not yet out intentionally interferes, in the
umpire's judgment, with a fielder who is attempting to
Catch a thrown ball, or
Throw a ball in an attempt to complete the play.
Effect: The ball is dead and the runner shall also be called out. All other runners must return to the
last base legally held at the time of the interference.
When any person, other than a team member, enters the playing field and interferes with
A fielder about to catch a fly ball, or
A fly ball that a defensive player, in the judgment of the umpire, is able to
catch.
Effect: The ball is dead and runners may be awarded a base or bases they would have made, in the
umpire's judgment, had the interference not occurred.
The Batter-Runner is Out
When a fielder makes a play on a batter-runner while using an illegal glove.
Effect - Sec. 11.3.1: The manager of the offended team has the option of

Taking the result of the play, or
Having the player resume batting, assuming the ball and strike count prior to the
pitch, with other runners returned to the base held at the time of the pitch.
Touching Bases in Legal Order
Runners must touch bases in legal order (i.e. first, second, third and home plate).
Exception: If a runner is obstructed at a base preventing the runner from touching that base.
When a runner is returning to
The base left before a caught fly ball is first touched, or
The missed base, while the ball is in play, he must touch the bases in reverse order.
Effect- Sec. 11.4.1: The ball is in play and runners must return with liability to be put out.
When a runner or batter-runner acquires the right to a base by touching it before being put
out, he is entitled to hold the base until he has legally touched the next base in order, or is
forced to vacate it for a succeeding runner.
When a runner dislodges a base from its proper position neither he nor succeeding runner(s)
in the same series of plays are compelled to follow a base unreasonably out of position.
Effect - Sec. 11.4.2-11.4.3: The ball is in play and runners may advance, or return, with liability to be
put out.
Two runners may not occupy the same base simultaneously.
Effect - Sec. 11.4.4: The runner who first legally occupied the base shall be entitled to it, unless forced
to advance. The other runner may be put out, by being touched with the ball.
Failure of a preceding runner to touch a base, or to leave a base legally on a caught fly ball
and who is declared out does not affect the status of a succeeding runner who touches bases
in proper order.
Exception: If the failure to touch a base in regular order or to legally tag up on a caught fly ball is the
third out of the inning, no succeeding runner may score a run.
No runner may return to touch a missed base or one left illegally, after a following runner has
scored, or he leaves the field of play.

33 VERSION: June 2018
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