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| Sept. 12, 2022 Turning2 | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: runner interference BJ - I agree with you 100%, i just wanted to help the original poster to understand and locate the rule(s). And yes, the rule book is definitive and is to be followed and has leniency to allow an experienced umpire to apply their hard earned mechanics and years of experience to make the proper judgement call to provide a fair and equitable game for both teams. Much emphasis on runners ALWAYS making every effort to avoid contact with fielders making a play. Safety first. |
| Sept. 11, 2022 Turning2 | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: runner interference The original poster is asking for clarity for SSUSA rule book reference 8.7 listed on page 52 of the SSUSA Rule Book SSUSA Rule book has clarity for this situation, under Definitions 1.45 Interference -this runner would be out, also under 8.6 • WHEN SLIDING IS OPTIONAL - AVOIDING COLLISIONS which is a two part rule listing, the second half of the rule states, "if in the umpire’s judgment the runner fails to avoid a collision with a defensive player involved in the play, the ball will be declared dead and that runner called out." One of the posters above has interjected ASA/USA rules to differ with this outcome of the play but ASA/USA Rule book Section 7.J.1 states that the runner is out and gives Effects A,B,C,D,E for accidental or incidental contact and also 7.J.4 also for intentional contact - runner is out and lists the same Effects A,B,C,D,E Both Ruel sets agree, this runner is out for interference with fielder making a play on a batted ball if it prevents or hinders the fielder from making a play on a base runner or batter/runner |
| Aug. 31, 2022 Turning2 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Baden Balls tatoo - let me get this straight as your response to me seems a bit personal. the initial post asked, has anyone had the occasion to hit these Baden balls, i responded yes, and described the Baden ball that we hit to the best of my ability, without writing down a model number as far as "Especially coming from someone that "reps" another company?" This guy from Brunswick County, (that was given the balls and probably from a Baden Rep?) sells all kinds of softball equipment, he simply wanted a diverse group of seniors to hit the ball and give him an honest evaluation. Job accomplished facts that i posted were from personal experience, all 10 players were in lock step as to the results Next time we will include a dial indicator caliper to check the diameter of the sphere that we are hitting, and see if we can find a Brinell hardness tester to check the surface hardness of the spheres that we are hitting. As i said in my original post, "Just an observation, not even sure if this would be same ball as described in the posts above." |
| Aug. 31, 2022 Turning2 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Baden Balls One of the Sr players in Brunswick County, NC had been given a couple of the "Baden Fire" red lettered balls for trials a couple of weeks back. This player apparently reps different bat and ball distributors and/or manufacturers. Those of us that hit this ball were told that the overall diameter of the ball was slightly less than the AD Starr Tatoo 44/375 ball that we use and were comparing during these trials. Visually you could not discern the diameter was any smaller on the Fire vs the Tatoo (possibly manufactured to the bottom of the specification tolerances relative to diameter?). The ball felt good coming off the bat initially but after approximately 10 batters hitting maybe 10 each, the cover felt "softer or rather more spongy" as described by all of those hitting this ball. The performance of the ball fell off during this approx 100 + hits as all hitters agreed. Just an observation, not even sure if this would be same ball as described in the posts above. |
| Aug. 23, 2022 Turning2 | Topic: Bats Discussion: Hitting gary - if you change to a chest high and/or even shoulder high pitch i can almost guarantee you better results especially in your power shots. Tendency is to hit ground balls when waist high or lower pitches are hit as well being more selective will minimize "reaching" for lower pitches. Practice by being selective of higher pitches when you stride into your swing, emphasize on "practice" Also as a senior player, position yourself forward in the batters box. I place my right foot (right-handed batter) even with the front of the plate, which works for me. Hope this helps, others may differ as everyone is different |
| Aug. 5, 2022 Turning2 | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: Legal pitch rt - on the tool bar on home page, click on "tournaments", click on "rules", Section 6 pages 34-39 cover pitching regulations for SSUSA. Should be applicable in almost all Sr Associations. |
| July 11, 2022 Turning2 | Topic: Players looking to join a team Discussion: Who needs a good athlete Viper - quick way to check for limited information if the poster has listed in his profile is to click on his name, in this case, HOPP, it shows his name, location, and division or age group, hope this helps |
| June 27, 2022 Turning2 | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: Runner going to 2nd on ground ball over the middle with fielder racing to 2nd, both converge and collision ensues - who's at fault? Sweet - The rule above, I just copied from the SSUSA rule book. The portion of the rule about the runner missing a bag to avoid the collision is for the benefit of senior players, to keep them safe. If you click on the tool bar at the top of the website - TOURNAMENTS you can see the full SSUSA rule book when you need a reference for rules, effects, etc Enjoy the website, lot of good folks post, respond, agree, disagree on many topics. Glad to see you on here. RR |
| June 26, 2022 Turning2 | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: Runner going to 2nd on ground ball over the middle with fielder racing to 2nd, both converge and collision ensues - who's at fault? 8.6 • WHEN SLIDING IS OPTIONAL - AVOIDING COLLISIONS Sliding or diving into first base or the scoring line or scoring plate is permitted only to avoid a collision with a defensive player. This is an umpire’s judgment call and is not subject to protest or appeal. A player may slide or dive into second or third bases, or when returning to any base. A runner must make every effort to avoid colliding with opposing players while running the bases or sliding or diving. If in the umpire's judgment a runner misses a base to avoid a collision, the runner will not be called out. If in the umpire’s judgment the runner fails to avoid a collision with a defensive player involved in the play, the ball will be declared dead and that runner called out. All base runners except the batter will be returned to their previous base unless forced to advance. If in the umpire’s judgment the runner's collision with the defensive player involved in the play negates a double play, the umpire may award a second out. |
| June 8, 2022 Turning2 | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: Is the middle open rule 6.18? Big P - the entire field is playable from foul line to foul line, the middle of the infield can be defended by both the pitcher and the middle fielder. The rule is in place in the event that “in the umpires judgment” based on circumstances he sees, hears, observes during the game that are an intent to hit or hurt the pitcher he has the authority to act accordingly, otherwise, it’s play on, hit it hard, field it cleanly and whomever scores the most runs wins the game. |
| June 4, 2022 Turning2 | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: What constitutes scoring at home plate Nvjimmymac - Refer to 5.7.A along with ALL of 8.9 and you will have everything you need to answer your question. If there is a second "scoring plate" IT MUST BE TOUCHED. If there is a scoring line, either touching or touching ground past the line will result in a safe call prior to the defense making a play on the pitching/standard home plate. |
| June 3, 2022 Turning2 | Topic: Players looking to join a team Discussion: Looking for 65 up team near Charlotte NC I'm on a 70 AAA team mostly made up of players from Wilmington and Fayetteville, couple from VA. Several of my good friends that play in our weekly league play on a 65 AA team and i will gladly get them in touch with you, reply with phone or email. I played out of Anson County back in the day, we may have played in some tournaments at same time, 71 now and always played short stop when young guy. You'll probably get grabbed up by Mecklenburg area team(s) but Either way, good luck, RR |
| June 1, 2022 Turning2 | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: Verbal Obstruction or Interference Scott - i agree with your statement, with two outs, batter should be off at the crack of the bat. you state the runner somehow forced a call to be made? dont understand that comment. the reality is, ball is hit, runners are running, and THE INSTANT that "foul ball" is called out loudly from the home plate area, this verbal order/instruction/ruling, call it what you like affects everything from that point forward. Most runners would pull up or at least slow down thus their progress has been obstructed by the defense calling out "foul ball" Umpire then rules on where runners would end up, based on his best judgment, of runners, fielders, ball position and directs the end result of the play. he would then admonish the catcher and explain to both catcher and manager the error and note that further rule infringements could result in removal from the game. |
| May 28, 2022 Turning2 | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: Verbal Obstruction or Interference Scott - BJ and Guppy have clearly defined proper call and procedure. Both 1.45 Interference and 1.48 Obstruction definitions make no differentiation between physical or verbal act that impedes the opponent by definition. |
| May 28, 2022 Turning2 | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: 3rd baseline SSUSA SENIOR SOFTBALL DIAMOND Infield Layout, Base Dimensions, Pitching Distance, Running Lines, Commitment Line, Coaches Boxes PAGE 83 SENIOR SOFTBALL DIAMOND Batter’s Boxes, Catcher’s Box, Scoring Line/Plate PAGE 84 both the commit line and the scoring lines are to be marked(chalked) with 6' total length, the scoring line is positioned with the line 9'5" from the front left corner of home plate. the scoring line cannot possibly intersect with any portion of the right hand batters box there are also no provisions for a "base line or base path" to be drawn from 3rd base to the scoring line - see required and optional chalk lines page 83 simplification without any added lines should assist the umpires and players alike |
| May 22, 2022 Turning2 | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: out or safe SSUSA Definition 1.10 Catch You are correct, play must be completed. |
| May 4, 2022 Turning2 | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: What's the Call? Diesel - BJ has your answer except substitute "after first touch of the pop up" not before. And a good umpire does exactly what BJ has described, he surveys the field to make sure all active play has stopped before he calls for time out. |
| May 2, 2022 Turning2 | Topic: Bats Discussion: LS TPS Bats S - can't help with the older bats but if you still have them you could certainly try them out. I think, and most senior players will agree (I'm 71) that the current senior bats will out-perform other possibilities. I use an Adidas Melee 2 (red barrel) end load in 27.5 oz and is best bat i have ever used. Next to this bat, my second choice is a Suncoast Adidas Diamond in 27 oz, both are 2 piece bats with end load, which suit my swing. Both of these bats are available in a balanced swing weight if that is your preference. i see in your signature you are 60 or close, pick up the bats the other guys are using and find one that you really like. Check eBay and Facebook Marketplace for a good deal and/or ask the other guys that you'll be playing with what they think or maybe they have a couple bats they aren't using that will suit your swing. Glad to see you returning to the game and joining this forum, you will get a lot of support. Lot of good guys contribute to the content on this website and SSUSA are always on top of the game. Good Luck, RR |
| April 28, 2022 Turning2 | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: You make the call Nice to be able to agree with DD, BJ you’re not reading the original post correctly, 2 base award puts the runner on 3rd base. |
| April 7, 2022 Turning2 | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: Home Run Rule BJ - i referred to 8.4(7) also with emphasis on how the SSUSA Rule is written, "the batter MAY......" but since he didn't, he must comply with the other rules that i listed as he is running the bases. And as an umpire, if he is running the bases, you can't simply stop all play and enact all the stuff you have in your second paragraph. As an umpire your position is to provide a fair and equitable playing scenario for both teams, make good judgment calls, enforce the written rules, not dream up some scenario that makes you lord and king of the land and make up stuff as you go, as you have in your second paragraph. An umpire doesn't replace rules with his opinion. As to your listed rule 5.10(3) this refers to teams hustling on and off the field and even if it were applicable, you don't mention warning the manager??? sad that you also interpret or apply this rule incorrectly also SSUSA Rules 5.7, 8.1, 8.4(7) and 8.9(2) are in the rule book for a reason |
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