Page 423 - Revised Unified Sports Curriculum electronic version Rev. 8.1_2

SOFTBALL

SPORT RULES

An infielder is a defensive player, including the pitcher and catcher, who is generally positioned
anywhere near or within the lines of the base paths forming fair territory. A player who normally plays
in the outfield may be considered an infielder if he moves into the area normally covered by infielders.
Infield Fly:
An Infield Fly is a fair fly ball (not including a line drive or an attempted bunt) that can be caught by an
infielder with ordinary effort when first and second, or first, second, and third bases are occupied,
before two are out. The pitcher, catcher, and any outfielder that positions himself in the infield on the
play shall be considered infielders for the purpose of this rule.
Note: When it seems apparent that a batted ball will be an infield fly, the umpire shall immediately
declare, "INFIELD FLY, IF FAIR-THE BATTER IS OUT," for the benefit of the runners. The ball is alive and
runners may advance at the risk of the ball being caught, or retouch and advance after the ball is
touched, the same as on any fly ball. If the hit becomes a foul ball, it is treated the same as any foul.
If a declared infield fly is allowed to fall untouched to the ground, and bounces foul before passing first
or third base, it is a foul ball. If a declared infield fly falls untouched to the ground outside the baseline,
and bounces fair before passing first or third base, it is an infield fly.
Inning:
An inning is that portion of a game within which the teams alternate on offense and defense, and in
which there are three outs for each team. A new inning begins immediately after the final out of the
previous inning.

Intentional Base on Balls:
An intentional base on balls occurs when the defensive team desires to place the batter on first base
without the requirement to deliver four pitched balls. This is referred to as an Intentional Walk. The ball
is dead.
Intentionally Dropped Fly Ball:
An intentionally dropped fly ball is a fair fly ball, including a line drive or a bunt, with less than two outs
and a runner on first base, which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, and the infielder
intentionally drops, after it is controlled with a hand or a glove. A trapped ball or a fly ball allowed to
bounce shall not be considered as having been intentionally dropped.
Interference:
Interference is the act of:
1. An offensive player or team member that impedes, hinders, or confuses a defensive player
attempting to execute a play.
2. An umpire who impedes a catcher’s attempt to throw out a runner who is off the base.

3. An umpire being hit with a fair-batted ball prior to it passing an infielder, excluding the pitcher.
4. A spectator who reaches into the playing field and impedes a fielder playing the ball, or makes
contact with the ball that a fielder is attempting a play on.
Legal Touch (Tag):
A legal touch (tag) is the action of a fielder in touching (or tagging):

68 VERSION: June 2018
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