Page 397 - Revised Unified Sports Curriculum electronic version Rev. 8.1_2

SOFTBALL

SPORT RULES

Courtesy Runner
Any eligible player on the official line-up including available substitutes may be used as a courtesy
runner. Only one courtesy runner may be used per inning. (Unified- Only an Athlete may courtesy
run for an athlete and only a Partner may courtesy run for a partner)

Courtesy Runners
A courtesy runner is in the game when announced by the offensive team
representative.
A courtesy runner whose turn at bat comes while on base:
Effect: Will be called out. The courtesy runner will be removed from the base and come to bat. A
second courtesy runner cannot be substituted at this time.
Baserunner’s (Second) Home Plate
Defensive players can only touch the original home plate and runners can only touch the
second home plate.
Runners must touch the second home plate located adjacent to the right-handed batter’s box
in order to be safe at home.
Runners tagged by a defensive player will not be out if past the commitment line.
Should a defensive player touch the second home plate and still touch the original home
plate before the runner reaches the second home plate, the runner would be out.
If the runner touches the original home plate, the runner will be out and the ball will remain
live
Once a runner passes the commitment line (20 foot marking), from a second home plate, the
runner cannot return to third base.
Effect: The runner will be called out if the runner returns, and the ball remains live.
If the runner has passed the commitment line (20 foot marking) and continues to run on the
original foul line and interferes with the fielder taking a throw at or in contact with the
original home plate:
Effect: A dead ball should be declared, the runner is out and interference rules shall be enforced.

12. Dead Ball, Ball in Play
The Ball is Dead
The ball is dead and not in play in the following circumstances.
When the ball is batted illegally.
When the batter steps from one box to another when the pitcher is on the pitching plate.
When "no pitch" is declared.
When a pitched ball touches any part of the batter's person or clothing whether the ball is
struck at or not.
When a foul fly ball is not caught.
When the offensive team causes interference.
When a fair-batted ball strikes an umpire, or runner.
Before touching a fielder, including the pitcher, and
Before passing a fielder, other than the pitcher, without being touched, or

42 VERSION: June 2018
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