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2020 USA Softball Umpire Exam – Slow Pitch Only

by
Dustin Rice
January 10, 2020

**Umpires, you will not be able to save your answers. Please complete in one sitting, we recommend printing out the exam and pre-filling it out prior to entering it online. if you plan to pause in the middle of the exam, you must leave your computer on and your web browser open. Exiting the exam prior to final submission will result in all entered answers being erased. You will have 3 attempts to complete this, after 3 failed attemps you will have to contact Dustin Rice (dustin@usasbc.org) to reset your submissions.**

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Do you plan on Umpiring in 2020?

General

1) R1 on 1B with one out. B3 hits a line drive to F1 who catches the ball in the air. R1 left 1B on contact and was on their way to 2B when the ball was caught. F1 throws the ball to F3 at 1B. What can F3 do in order to have R1 called out for leaving the base too soon?

a. Touch the white portion of 1B.

b. Touch the contrasting color portion of 1B.

c. Touch R1 while maintaining control of the ball.

d. All the above.

2) R1 on 2B and R2 on 1B with one out. B4 hits a fly ball to F6. With F6 under the fly ball ready to make the catch R1 runs into F6 prior to F6 contacting the fly ball. The umpires should rule:

a. Dead Ball, R1 is out for interference and B4 is awarded 1B and R2 is forced to 2B.

b. Dead Ball, B4 is out and R1 is retuned to 2B and R2 to 1B.

c. Dead Ball, R1 is out for interference, and B4 is out on the Infield Fly. R2 is returned to 1B.

d. None of the above.

3) R1 on 2B and R2 on 1B with one out. B4 hits a fly ball to F3. The umpire declares infield fly if fair. B4 runs into F3 before they can catch the fair fly ball.

a. Dead Ball, B4 is out on the infield fly and runners return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch.

b. Dead Ball, B4 is out on the infield fly and R1, as the runner closest to home, is out due to interference by a retired runner.

c. Dead Ball, B4 is out and R2 is out because B4 attempted to prohibit a double play.

d. Dead Ball, B4 bats again because the ball had not become fair at the time of the collision.

4) R1 on 3B, R2 on 2B, R3 on 1B two outs and B6 at bat. B6 hits a line drive that strikes R1 over fair territory while standing on 3B. R1 collapses in pain and cannot move as the ball falls into fair territory.

a. Dead Ball, R1 is out and B4 is awarded 1B.

b. The ball remains live, and runners must advance with liability to be put out.

c. The umpires rule that R1 is injured and call time. They then award the base that would have been reached by all runners and B4 is awarded 1B.

d. None of the above.

5) R1 on 2B with two outs. B4 gets a base hit to short left field, F8 scoops the ball and throws to F5 at 3B to attempt to retire R1 who got a late start. R1 sees they may get thrown out at 3B and stops. Meanwhile, B4 rounds 1B advances and is standing on 2B. R1 gets in a run down and is obstructed between 2B and 3B. They are then tagged out with B4 standing on 2B.

a. R1 is out because they would not have reached 3B and B4 is standing on 2B.

b. Umpires call dead ball and award R1 the base they would have reached had there been no obstruction. Sending B4 back to 1B if they award R1 2B.

c. Umpires call dead ball and award R1 3B because 2B is now occupied by B4, even though they judge R1 would have only reached 2B without the obstruction.

d. Umpires call dead ball and rule R1 out since in their judgement R1 would not have reached either 2B or 3B.

6) B1 gets a base hit to left field and as they swing out wide to make the turn at 1B collide with the 1B coach who is watching the ball in the Coaches Box and both coach and batter-runner fall to the ground. What is the ruling?

a. The batter-runner is out since the coach interfered with their baserunning.

b. The batter-runner is out if they are tagged with the ball while off the base or the ball is returned to a player that touches 1B prior to them reaching it.

c. The batter-runner is out if the coach physically assists the batter-runner in the process of regaining their footing.

d. Both b and c are correct.

e. a, b, and c are all correct.

7) B1 hits a base hit to right center field. After they have rounded 1B they are driven back to 1B by a throw from right center field which goes offline and gets by F3. The defensive coach steps out of the dug-out, retrieves the errant throw and throws to 1B where F3 tags B1 returning to 1B. The umpire at 1B calls the runner out thinking that F2 made the throw. The offensive coach protests the out call. The correct ruling would be:

a. Runner remains out

b. Runner is awarded 1B

c. Runner is awarded 2B

d. Runner is awarded 3B.

8) With one out and R1 on 3B and R2 on 2B. B4 hits a fly ball to RF. F9 catches the fly ball. Both R1 and R2 tag up legally and advance. R1 scores and R2 has reached 3B, B4 continues to run to 2B and draws a throw to allow R2 to score. What is the proper ruling?

a. Legal play. R1 and R2 both score.

b. B4 is out for interference. R1 and R2 are returned to 3B and 2B respectively.

c. B4 is guilty of interference by a retired runner. R1’s run counts since it happened before the interference. R2 is out since they are the runner closest to home at the time of the interference by B4.

d. B4 is out for interference. R1 is out and R2 is returned to 2B.

9) In Championship play where all bats have been compression tested and given a specific sticker to identify they have passed testing, B1 enters the batter’s box with a bat that does not have the required sticker. Upon further inspection it is found that the bat does not bear an ASA or USA Softball Certification Mark. What is the correct ruling?

a. The batter is out and the bat removed from play.

b. The bat is removed from the game and the batter allowed to complete their turn at bat with a legal bat.

c. The batter is out, ejected and may be subject to future penalties by the Tournament Protest Committee.

d. None of the above.

10) In the pre-game equipment inspection, the umpire is checking the protective face guards worn by the pitcher and infielders. These guards did not have a NOCSAE approved marking. The umpire would not allow these guards to be worn by the players. This is the correct ruling.

True

False

11) In the bottom of the 7th inning with a tie score, two outs and R1 on 1B, B4 hits a long fly ball that lands fair and rolls away from the right fielder allowing R1 to score the winning run. However, before the umpires leave the field, the defensive coach informs the umpires that the ball continued rolling into foul territory and rolled past the dead ball line that extends from the fence that ends at the foul pole to the fence along the side of the field. The umpires verify that the ball had entered dead ball territory, what is the proper ruling?

a. Where the ball ends up after hitting fair and going beyond the fence line has no effect on this play – run counts and the game is over.

b. R1’s run should count because they scored before the ball entering dead ball territory was brought to the umpire’s attention.

c. R1 should be sent back to 3B and B4 should receive a two-base award.

d. R1 should be returned to 2B and B4 should be awarded a single.

12) With R1 on 1B, B2 places a hard-hit fly ball away from the centerfielder. R1 thinking the ball will not be caught rounds 2B heading to 3B, however F8 makes an amazing diving catch. R1 in their haste to retreat to 1B did not retouch 2B. When the ball is returned to the infield the umpire should:

a. Call dead ball and rule R1 out for missing 2B.

b. Move toward their next position until an appeal is made by the defense.

c. Rule the runner out on a proper live ball appeal from any defensive player with possession of the ball.

d. Rule the runner out on a proper dead ball appeal from any coach or infielder.

e. b, c and d are correct.

13) B1 gets a base hit between the right and center fielders. As B1 is trying to reach 3B the relay throw is on its way from the outfield. B1 slides into 3B ahead of the throw but slides into F5’s foot who is waiting to receive the throw with their foot blocking 3B. Before B1 can touch 3B, F5 catches the throw and tags them. What is the correct ruling?

a. B1 is ruled out; they were legally touched by a fielder with the ball while they were not in contact with the base.

b. B1 is ruled safe; they are in contact with F5’s foot that is in contact with the base.

c. Umpire should signal a delayed dead ball when F5 without possession of the ball hinders B1’s progress. Once B1 is tagged out, they should rule a dead ball and award B1 the base they would have received had there been no obstruction, 3B in this case.

d. In the judgement of the umpire B1 had enough time to touch 3B regardless of F5’s obstruction; they are ruled out.

14) With R1 on 1B, B2 hits a line drive to F4 who catches the ball and attempts to throw to F3 for a double play on R1 who was off on the hit. F4’s throw is errant and enters dead ball territory, as R1 continues to and touches 1B. The correct ruling should be:

a. R1 is out on the live ball appeal from F4 for leaving the base before the ball was first touched.

b. R1 is awarded 2B since they were headed back to 1B at the time of the throw.

c. R1 is awarded 3B, 2 bases from the time of the throw.

d. R1 remains at 1B since that is the base they were headed to when the ball entered dead ball territory.

15) With R1 on 2B and one out B3 hits the ball to F3, as B3 runs to 1B and F3 is coming toward them B3 stops. As F3 reaches out to apply the tag B3, now a batter-runner moves backward toward home plate to avoid or delay being tagged out. What is the correct ruling?

a. The batter-runner is out, and the ball remains live.

b. A dead ball is called, and the batter-runner is out, all runners are returned to the last base touched at the time of the interference.

c. Obstruction is called on F3 for hindering the batter-runners progress.

d. A dead ball is called, and the batter-runner is out, R1 is awarded the base they would have reached had there not been interference, in this case 3B.

16) In the second inning scheduled to bat are B8, B9 and B10. Instead of B8, B9 leads off and hits a single. B8 now bats and hits a triple scoring B9 from 1B. B10 now bats and has a no ball, one strike count when the defense appeals batting out of order. What is the proper ruling?

a. B8 is declared out, and B10 continues at bat.

b. B8 is declared out, and B9 comes to bat.

c. B9 is now the correct batter and assumes the count of no balls and one strike.

d. B10 is now batting in the correct order with a count of no balls and one strike.

17) With a 1 ball 1 strike count, R1 on 2B and no outs, the pitch to B2 gets away from F2 then R1 attempts to steal 3B. F2 throws their glove and stops the ball so they can retrieve it more quickly. What should the Umpire rule?

a. Dead ball and R1 is entitled to one (1) base from the time of the pitch.

b. Delayed dead ball and R1 is entitled to two (2) bases from the time of the pitch.

c. Delayed dead ball and R1 is entitled to one (1) base from the time of the pitch.

d. Dead ball and R1 is entitled to one (1) base from the time of the pitch and F2 is ejected.

18) R1 on 1B, the batter hits a line drive to F5 who then throws to 1B to attempt a double play, but the ball is thrown out of play. The ball becomes dead and the umpire delays to allow R1 to complete their running responsibilities, seeing that R1 shows no intention of returning to 1B the umpire awards R1 3B. R1 proceeds past 2B when a teammate from the dugout yells at R1 to go back and touch 1B, R1 then retouches 2B and then touches 1B. They then proceed to 2B and end up at 3B. Once the ball is returned to the infield the defensive coach appeals that the runner did not legally tag up at 1B. What is the correct ruling?

a. R1 is ruled out on appeal, once R1 advanced to the next awarded base they cannot return to legally touch 1B.

b. R1 is ruled safe, they can return to touch a missed base unless they have reached dead ball territory.

c. R1 is ruled safe, once the ball enters dead ball territory the defense can no longer appeal the missed base.

d. R1 is ruled out on appeal, they cannot receive baserunning advice from the dugout.

19) A disqualified player is prohibited from playing but can remain in the team area or serve as a coach/manager.

True

False

20) An illegal player is a player who does not meet the requirements of the USA Softball Code.

True

False

21) B1 hits a line drive that goes to the fence. As B1 rounds 1B they run into U1 and are knocked down. The throw from the outfield is in time to tag B1 out at 2B. What should the umpire rule?

a. A delayed dead ball, this is umpire obstruction and the runner is awarded 2B.

b. A delayed dead ball, this is umpire obstruction and the runner is awarded 1B.

c. A delayed dead ball, this is umpire interference the runner is awarded 1B.

d. The runner is out.

22) R1 on 2B, B2 hits towards the left side of the infield. F5 attempts to field the ball but it is deflected off their glove, directly into the path of the runner who unintentionally collides with F6 who is attempting to field the ball.

a. Dead ball, R1 is out for interference, B2 is awarded 1B.

b. Delayed dead ball, obstruction is called on F6.

c. No call, R1 unintentionally contacted a fielder on a deflected batted ball and F6 is in the act of fielding a batted ball.

d. Delayed dead ball, if F6 is able to make the play on B2 there is no penalty if not the ball is dead and R1 is called out.

23) The on-deck batter moves to stand in the other team’s on-deck circle, which is behind the batter. Is this allowable?

a. This should not be allowed by the umpires in any division of play.

b. This is allowed in the Slow Pitch Game only.

c. This is allowed in all Fast Pitch Divisions.

d. This is allowed in Men’s Modified Pitch.

e. Both c and d are correct.

24) In extra innings, the defensive team is charged with its second conference in the same half inning. What is the penalty?

a. The pitcher is removed from the game and is not allowed to play any defensive position.

b. The pitcher is removed from the pitching position but is allowed to play any other defensive position.

c. The pitcher is removed from the pitching position but is allowed to play any other defensive position for the remainder of that inning and could return to pitch in a later inning.

d. This is a team warning, if any additional conferences are taken the pitcher shall be ejected.

25) Team A starts the game with the minimum number of players (9 in Fast Pitch, 10 in Slow Pitch). In the third inning two players who are on the team roster show up at the game. When Team A comes to bat the coach informs the plate umpire that they now want to use the DP / FLEX in Fast Pitch or add an EP in Slow Pitch. This is allowed since they now have enough players to support doing so.

True

False

26) With one out, R1 on 3B and R2 on 2B, B4 hits a long fly ball that the left fielder catches for the second out. R1 leaves early but R2 tags up and leaves as the ball is touched by the left fielder. Both runners score, but after the ball is returned to the infield the defensive team appeals that R1 left early. The PU agrees and rules R1 out but allows R2’s run to score based on the timing of the appeal. What is the correct ruling on this play?

a. R1 is called out, but because the appeal came after R2 scored, it is a timing play and R2’s run would count.

b. This is not a timing play and because R1 was called out on the appeal, R2’s run does not count.

c. Because the appeal was honored and R1 was ruled out, R2 can only be advanced one base and should be placed on 3B.

d. This is a timing play, and because the appeal came after both runners scored, both runs count and B5 would come to bat with 2 outs.

27) In Junior Olympic Pool Play or Seniors Slow Pitch the coach elects to bat all 20 players on their roster. During the game, B6 deliberately crashes into F5 on a close play at 3B. The Plate Umpire deemed the crash to be flagrant. What is the correct ruling on the play?

a. The player committing the act is disqualified and an out is taken in their position in the batting order.

b. The player committing the act is warned and there is no further penalty.

c. The player committing the act is ejected, the line-up is compressed to 19 players, and not out is recorded.

d. The player committing the act is ejected and the game is forfeited.

28) A runner is out for interference when they are accidently contacted by a thrown ball.

True

False

29) A team’s lineup card must include all the following, EXCEPT:

a. First and last names.

b. Uniform number.

c. Defensive Position being played.

d. Batting order of starting players.

e. All of the above are required.

30) (Fast Pitch, Slow Pitch with Stealing or 16-Inch Slow Pitch) With R1 on 1B, they attempt to steal 2B. As F2 attempts to throw out R1, their throwing arm contacts the plate umpire. The throw is late and R1 reaches 2B safely. The correct call is:

a. This is a delayed dead ball. Since R1 reached 2B safely, they are permitted to stay at 2B.

b. This is an immediate dead ball. Because there was umpire interference, R1 must return to 1B.

c. This is a delayed dead ball. Because there was umpire interference and R1 reached 2B safely, R1 must return to 1B.

d. There is no such thing as umpire interference. Therefore, R1 stays at 2B.

31) With R1 on 3B and R2 on 1B, there is one out. B4 hits a ground ball, which contacts R2 after it has passed F3 and no other fielder has a chance to make an out. The correct ruling is:

a. Immediate dead ball. R1, the runner closest to home is out. R2 goes to 2B, B4 is awarded 1B.

b. The ball remains live, unless it is determined that R2 intentionally contacted the ball, then the ball is dead, R2 is out, and R1 is returned to 3B and B4 is awarded 1B.

c. Immediate dead ball. R2 is out and R1 returns to 3B, B4 is awarded 1B.

d. Delayed dead ball is signaled. When the play is over and the ball gets back to the pitcher, R2 is declared out for obstruction.

32) R1 at 3B with two outs, B4 hits a ball up the 1st baseline. As F3 comes up to play the ball B4 in order to avoid F3 making a play on the ball, steps backward toward home plate then continues around F3 to proceed to 1B, F3 fields the ball and throws to home in an attempt to put out R1. The umpire should rule:

a. B4 out for stepping backward toward home plate, the ball is dead and R1 must return to 3B.

b. F3 is guilty of obstruction since they did not have possession of the ball when they hindered B4 legally running the bases. B4 is awarded 1B and R1 is awarded home.

c. The umpire should allow play to continue. B4 is not out for stepping backward toward home plate since they were not trying to avoid or delay a tag.

d. B4 is out for interference, since they were in the vicinity of F3 when they were making a play on a batted ball.

33) B4 bats instead of B3 and reaches 1B safely. F1 then steps onto the pitcher’s plate and commits an illegal pitch. The defense now attempts to appeal that B4 has batted out of order. What is the correct ruling?

a. B3 is declared out and B4 comes to bat with a one ball/no strike count in Fast Pitch or a 2 ball/one strike count in Slow Pitch.

b. B4 is replaced by B3 at 1B.

c. The defense is not permitted to appeal batting out of order after the next pitch, regardless of whether the pitch is legal or illegal.

d. The defense can appeal since the pitch was illegal. B3 is declared out and B4 comes to bat.

34) After the line-up cards have been submitted to and verified by the plate umpire, Team A’s coach has a player arrive late and wants to add that player to the line-up. The umpire should rule:

a. This is not permitted.

b. Eligible roster members can be added to the available substitute list at any time without penalty.

c. The umpire will add the player to the line-up and shall issue a team warning to Team A’s head coach.

d. The umpire will add the player to the line-up and restrict the coach to the dugout/bench area for submitting an inaccurate line-up card.

35) With the bases loaded and less than two outs, F4 is using ordinary effort to catch a pop-up. The correct call is:

a. Infield fly is called by the umpire and the batter is out.

b. Runners may not advance at any time.

c. Only an infielder can catch an infield fly.

d. If the ball is ruled foul, it still is an infield fly.

36) Until properly appealed, when a runner passes a base, they are considered to have touched it.

True

False

Mechanics

44) With Runners on 2B and 1B in a Three Umpire System the base umpires should:

a. Continue to walk the line.

b. Go to the ready position at the start of the pitch.

c. U1 should go to the ready position and U3 should walk the line since U3 does not have a runner on 3B.

d. All the above are allowed.

45) In a Three Umpire System, with no outs B1 hits a line shot just over F6’s head that rolls to the fence. U1 button hooks and U3 cuts across the diamond to 2B. PU should:

a. Trail the batter-runner to first base and then move to the holding zone unless there is a play at 3B.

b. Move to the area around the pitcher’s plate and read the play, then move to 3B if a play develops.

c. Trail the batter-runner and once the runner approaches 2B move across the diamond to a position 90 degrees of the path of the runner just short of 3B.

d. Trail the batter-runner and then move to home plate in case there is a play at home plate.

46) The correct place to carry your brush as a base umpire or plate umpires is?

a. As a base or plate umpire in a holder attached to your belt.

b. As a base umpire in your pants pocket and as a plate umpire in your pants pocket or your ball bag.

c. As a base umpire in a holder attached to your belt and as a plate umpire in your ball bag.

d. All of the above are acceptable.

47) In a Three Umpire System, with a single runner at 3B:

a. U3 only goes set on the pitch square to the plate; U1 continues to walk the line since they have no runner near them.

b. U3 and U1 both continue to walk the line on the pitch.

c. U3 andU1 both go set on the pitch at 12-15’ both square to the plate.

d. U3 goes set on the pitch square to the plate and U1 rotates off the line 15-18’ shading 1B.

48) In the Two Umpire System with R1 at 2B and a ground ball hit to F6:

a. BU has any play at 1B or 2B and the last runner into 3B; PU has any play at 3B on a lead runner and any play at the plate.

b. PU has the first throw at 1B and BU has the subsequent throw to 3B.

c. BU has the first throw at any base in the infield, PU has a subsequent throw at 3B on a lead runner and any play at the plate.

d. a is correct for Slow Pitch, c is correct for Fast Pitch.

49) Which statement is true regarding the Plate Umpire trailing the batter-runner:

a. Trail slightly inside the foul line no more than ½ of the way to 1B.

b. On a batted ball with no runners on base or a single runner at 1B or 2B, the Plate Umpire trails the batter-runner unless the ball takes them elsewhere.

c. When moving to 3B, move directly across the diamond to a location 90 degrees to the path of the runner, 10 to 12 feet from the base.

d. All the above.

50) When going to the outfield for fly ball coverage, the Base Umpire should:

a. Communicate with their partner.

b. Move to an angle parallel to the flight of the ball.

c. Indicate ball status by pointing fair or foul when the ball is first touched near a foul line.

d. All the above

Slow Pitch

51) For a pitch to be legal a pitcher can:

a. Make any motion while on the pitcher’s plate and immediately pitch to the batter.

b. Make any motion while on the pitcher’s plate, stop and again make any motion to pitch then deliver the pitch.

c. Step on the pitcher’s plate and with a continuous motion deliver the pitch.

d. Make any motion while on the pitcher’s plate, stop and then immediately deliver the ball to the batter.

52) In a Men’s Class B SP game, a fly ball is hit to right center field. The defensive player collides with the fence at the same time as the ball hits the top of the fence and bounces over into dead ball territory. The umpire should rule:

a. Four-base award.

b. Home run.

c. Ground rule double.

d. “Do-over”.

53) (Slow Pitch with stealing) R1 is on 1B. While B2 is at bat. An illegal pitch crosses home plate and is not swung at. R1 steals 2B with no throw from the catcher. After the pitcher receives the ball back from the catcher, and all action has stopped. The Plate umpire will call time.

True

False

54) In the game of Adult Slow Pitch (Except Seniors), the pitcher must have:

a. One foot firmly on the ground and the other can be in the air.

b. Both feet firmly on the ground and one foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate.

c. Neither foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate but both within the 24 inch width of the pitcher’s plate.

d. Both feet firmly on the ground and both touching the pitcher’s plate.

55) The pitcher shall not attempt a quick return of the ball before the batter has taken a position in the batter’s box or when the batter is off balance. The penalty is:

a. A ball on the batter.

b. An illegal pitch is called.

c. No pitch is declared.

d. The pitcher is ejected.

56) The EP can be moved to any position in the batting order during a game as needed.

True

False

57) In the game of Slow Pitch when the ball slips from the pitcher’s hand during the delivery or during the backswing the umpire should call:

a. Nothing, play on

b. Illegal pitch

c. No pitch

d. Ball on the batter.

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2020 USA Softball Umpire Exam – Slow Pitch Only

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