Crash Course in Softball Rules?

[Nafxos]

My assigner called me this morning and asked if he could switch me from a 12U baseball game to a softball game, because he was short umpires and scrambling to cover games.  I told him I'd never done softball before and wasn't too thrilled with the idea, but would do it if absolutely necessary.  It ended up not being necessary (thankfully), but it got me thinking about what would have happened if it had. 

If I had just a couple of hours to prepare, what are the rules/mechanics differences I'd need to be aware of?  I don't even know what ruleset the softball game would have been under. I'm assuming it would have been girls somewhere between the ages of 12-16.  And I probably would have been working solo.

[Mizzou2016]

http://stevetheump.com/nfhs_rules_dif.htm

This is what I found when I had to work a softball game on short notice.

The only thing I had issue with was the 'lookback' rule. I had absolutely no idea what the coaches were screaming about.

[dookiexman]

If you are PU and alone, you will need to know illegal pitches (similar penalty as a balk, but since the runners cannot leave until release of the pitch there is no throwing to a base pick off to worry about), then runners cannot leave their base until pitch is released from the pitchers hand, after that the differences are based upon the rule set ASA, USSSA, Babe Ruth, Little League, etc. Most things are the same between baseball and softball. Strike zone is generally armpits to knees.

Mechanics behind the plate are hammer for strike instead of the point. Usually a "Dead Ball" call for HBP instead of "Time", same award.

As a BU (2-man), you will be in the same spots as the 60' baseball bases, outside the fielders. Mostly looking for the early base leave. Leaving base early is a "No pitch" call and an out. If multiple runners leave, then just the runner closest to home that left early is out. All other runners return.

As BU, you will be responsible to watch the pitcher's motion for the illegal pitch. Illegal pitch can be tricky because it is a different motion and rules for softball. Generally, both feet must start in contact with the pitcher's plate (rubber). They cannot bring their hands together more than one time from engaging the rubber to release of the pitch. One rotation of the arm, but you can drive the arm backward to begin. One forward step with their non-pivot foot, cannot step backward, though some High School level allow the pitcher to start with the stepping foot behind the pitcher's plate. Must stay within the pitching lane (which is an area 24" wide defined by imaginary lines extending from the outer edges of the pitcher's plate directly toward home plate within the pitching circle). Must not leave the ground with more than one foot at a time (i.e. the pivot foot can drag or glide across the ground while the other foot steps toward home).Must finish their delivery within the pitching circle (which is 16' diameter centered on the pitching plate).

Then the 'lookback rule'. Always gets the baseball guys.

When the ball has been returned to the pitcher with control within the pitching circle and no play is being attempted (including a fake throw), the runners may decide to continue running toward the next base or return to the previously touched base. Runners may stop only once and must make a decision immediately. It only takes effect once the BR reaches first or when BR has been properly put out prior to reaching first. If the pitcher attempts a play (including a fake throw), the rule is suspended and runners are free to continue running or stop and change directions until the pitcher is not attempting to make a play again, then the rule is again enforced. There is no need for the pitcher to actually look at the runner(s) to enforce this rule.

 

...and the obvious big yellow ball.

[maven]

Are we playing Jeopardy!®?

"How do you torture a baseball umpire?"

[noumpere]

If I had just a couple of hours to prepare, what are the rules/mechanics differences I'd need to be aware of? 

If the batted ball goes sharply and directly off the batter, do NOT say, "It hit her in the box."

[Tksjewelry]

Are we playing Jeopardy!®?

"How do you torture a baseball umpire?"

This! 

UIC is hard after me to take the HS softball test. Kill. Me. Now. 

[MadMax]

Any "rah-rah meetings" at the pitcher's plate, with the entire infield running in screaming and giving each other hugs, are not charged conferences... but are grounds for an ejection.

I never regretted ejecting myself from that mess. Whew.

[Tksjewelry]

Any "rah-rah meetings" at the pitcher's plate, with the entire infield running in screaming and giving each other hugs, are not charged conferences... but are grounds for an ejection.

I never regretted ejecting myself from that mess. Whew.

I did a 12u softball game as a last minute emergency fill in. Never. Again. Eveeeeer. These little screechers screamed chants at the top of their lungs for two freaking hours nonstop as did the "fans". How any of them had any voice left is a medical miracle. I earn many libations that evening. 

[MB_Ump]

Look at the positive side: players smell better, coaches many times are athletic females, I have yet to get bruised by a softball, the fields are tiny, the money is similar, and with any kind of pitching you are done in 1:30 or less on a regular basis.  As the father of 4, I can tune out virtually any noise, especially female noises...

[Majordave]

As the father of 4, I can tune out virtually any noise, especially female noises...

Laughing. My. Ass. Off. 

[clasonater]

I am sure this answer is the same for most baseball umpires.  I have done softball for a few years and I still have no clue about how some rules are supposed to work DP/FLEX, illegal pitches, lookback...etc.  I will ask my partner if a situation comes up.  And yes, in softball with 90% of my partners, I will drag them in and make them share a SH*# sandwich.  If you do more than one softball game at lower levels, you will find that generally handling situations individually is a rare occurrence, and you will probably be asked to help out.  This is not true for all, not even most, but "that partner" will show up a lot when it's time for powder blue and heather .  The best advice I got when I started was very simple.  Use the hammer... call balls, strikes, outs, and safes.  Do not try to over-umpire a softball game.  And do not put your hand on the catchers back.