SOFTBALL

Introduction

• Softball is a team sport that was invented by George Hancork in Chicago, Illinois (U.S.A).

• Softball developed from a game called indoor baseball, first played in Chicago in 1887. It became known
in the United States by various names, such as kitten ball, mush ball, diamond ball, indoor–outdoor, and
playground ball

• The game was 1st played as an indoor version in 1887.

• Later it moved to outdoor as an outgrowth of baseball.

• International Softball Federation (I.S.F) is the world governing body, which was formed in 1952, acts as
liaison between more than 40 softball organizations of several countries. Headquarters are in Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma.

• The federation coordinates international competition and regular regional and world championship
tournaments for men and women. In 1996 a women’s softball competition was added to the Olympic
Games. It was removed from the Games following the 2008 Summer Olympics but was added back to the
program of the 2020 Summer Olympics, which were postponed until 2021, owing to a worldwide
coronavirus pandemic.

• The fundamentals of softball are the same as those of baseball. Batting and fielding strategy are similar,
but softball is played on a much smaller area, and a game is only seven innings long.

Equipment and facilities

Ball

• The official softball is a spherical smooth-seam ball 12 inches (30.5 cm) in circumference, weighing
between 6.25 and 7 ounces (177 and 198 grams).

• Light material covered with leather or synthetic 28 – 30.15 cm in circumference.

• 178 – 198.4 g.

• Raised Seam.

• Highly visible yellow /white covering.

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Bat

• 86. 4 cm in length or shorter.

• 1077.3 g in weight (1.08 kg).
• Metal or composite materials (aluminium).
• Not more than 5.7 cm in diameter at the largest part.

Gloves
• Worn by all defensive players.
• Qualities – Leather or similar material of any other than that of the ball.
• They have larger, deeper pockets than baseball gloves to help secure the ball and facilitate quicker
retrieval and release.

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 • They assist players in catching and fielding balls hit by a batter or thrown by a teammate.
NB: Pocket – the webbing between the thumb and forefinger used to trap (catch) the ball.

Mitt
-Worn by 1st baseman & the catcher.
-They are fingerless gloves.
- They have a larger and more padded pocket because they catches the most balls of any infielder and it is
designed to help "scoop" bad throws as well as be easier on the catching hand.

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Uniform: Each team wears distinctive uniforms. Uniform include: -
A cap
- A visor (open cap) - A shirt.
- An undershirt.
- Tight sliding undershorts.
- - Shorts/pants.
NB: At the back of the uniform, player numbers range from 1 – 99 and must be visible.

- Player names are optional.

- No jewelry shall be worn by players.

SHOES: Have no spikes or cleats (studs).

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
-Batting helmet.
-Face mask.
-Throat protector.
-Shin guards.
-Chest protector.
-Sliding pants.

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The playing field

The playing field is divided into fair territory and foul territory. Fair territory is further divided into the infield
and the outfield and territory beyond the outfield fence.

Infield

The infield is a square called a diamond. There is a base at each corner: first base, second base, third base and
home plate. The pitching distance is measured from the rear point of the home plate to the front edge of the
pitcher’s plate.

Outfield

The outfield is a grassed area beyond the infield and extends the entire width of the field and to the outfield
fence. The table below outlines the distances relevant to the competition. Playing field layout and
dimensions

Playing field layout and dimensions

Below is a table outlining the international standard distances. They are measured from the rear point of home
plate to the first base and the front edge of the pitcher’s plate.

International standard distances - Adult

Division Age group Bases Pitching Outfield fence

Fast-pitch Men 18.29m 14.02m 76.20m

Fast-pitch Women 18.29m 13.11m 67.06m

Slow-pitch Men 19.81m 15.24m 91.44m

slow-pitch Women 19.81m 15.24m 83.82m

slow-pitch Co-ed 19.81m 15.24m 83.82m

International standard distances - Youth
Division Age group Bases Pitching Outfield fence
Fast-pitch U19 Women 18.29m 13.11 67.06m
Fast-pitch U19 Men 18.29m 14.02 76.20m

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 Fast-pitch U16 Women 18.29m 12.19 67.06m
Division Age group Bases Pitching Outfield fence
Fast-pitch U16 Men 18.29m 14.02 76.20m
Slow-pitch U19 Women 19.81m 15.24m 80.77m
Slow-pitch U19 Men 19.81m 15.24m 91.44m
Slow-pitch U16 Women 19.81m 14.02m 80.77m
Slow-pitch U16 Men 19.81m 14.02m 91.44m
School age programs

The following table is suggested distances for younger aged children.

Age Pitching Bases

6 and under T-ball 7.6m

8 and under T-ball 13.7m

10 and under 10.66m 16.76m

12 and under 10.66m 18.28m

14 and under 12.9m 18.28m

The minimum length of the baselines varies depending on the competition played. For fast pitch and slow-pitch,
the baselines are 18.29m. In wheelchair softball the baselines are 15.24m.

Backstop

The backstop is the area behind the home plate. It is 7.62 -9.14m.

Bases

At one corner of the diamond is the home plate with bases at each of the remaining corners. The bases are
numbered counter clockwise as 1st base, 2nd base and 3rd base and securely fastened to the ground. Each base is
a 38.1cm square and made of a white material. First base is a double base-76.2cm x 38.1cm and 1,33cm thick.
They are made of rubber canvas.

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Home plate

Home plate is a five-sided piece of white rubber or any other suitable material located between the two batter’s
boxes and the catcher’s box. It is 13cm thick.

Batters and catcher’s box

The batter’s boxes are the rectangular areas beside home plate and the catcher’s box is behind home plate.

Coach’s box

➢ A coach’s box is located in foul territory outside both baselines.

➢ 8m from foul line.
➢ Measures 5m by 3m.
➢ Located beside 1st & 3rd bases

Foul lines

The two foul lines meet at a right angle at home plate. These lines and the fence running between the baselines
defines the limits of the field.

Pitching circle

The pitching circle surrounds the pitching rubber/plate

Pitcher’s Plate

• It is rubber

• The pitching rubber is located at the centre of the diamond. It is 61cm wide and
15.3cm deep.

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 Diagram showing the player’s positions

The Softball Team

A softball team fields 9 players namely;
P = Pitcher
C = Catcher
1B = 1st baseman
2B = 2nd baseman
3B = 3rd baseman
SS = Short stop
LF = Left outfielder
CF = Center outfielder

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 RF = Right outfielder

Pitcher
➢ Plays as a fielder.
➢ Throwing the ball: The pitcher's main job is to throw the ball to the batter to start each play. The
pitcher must stand with both feet on the pitcher's rubber (mound) when making the pitch. The ball
should pass through the strike zone, which is an imaginary area from the chest to just below the
knee.
➢ Controlling the pace of the game: The pitcher is responsible for controlling the pace of the
game.
➢ Preventing stolen bases: The pitcher keeps an eye on the bases to prevent runners from stealing.

➢ Fielding ground balls and pop ups: The pitcher fields ground balls and pop ups in the infield.
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 ➢ Communicating with the catcher: The pitcher works closely with the catcher to come up with a
game plan to strike out batters.
➢ Keeping cool under pressure: The pitcher needs to stay focused and keep their cool when the
pressure's on
Attributes of a pitcher
• Tall, with long arms and legs
• Strong lower half
• Wide shoulders
• Flexible and explosive

Batter
Hits the ball thrown by the pitcher and help their team score runs
The batter's main goal is to advance to first base or beyond, and help baserunners advance. The
batter stands in the batter's box, a few inches to the right or left of home plate. Right-handed
batters stand on the third-base side of home plate, and left-handed batters stand on the first-base
side.

When to stop batting

The batter continues batting until they:
✓ Hit the ball in fair territory
✓ Get 3 strikes
✓ Get 4 balls
✓ Are declared out by the umpire
✓ Become a batter-runner

Catcher
1. Catching pitches - The catcher's main responsibility is to catch pitches thrown by the pitcher.
2. Blocking pitches - Catchers must block pitches that bounce in front of them to stop runners from
advancing.
3. Framing pitches - Catchers can frame pitches to make them look like they are in the strike zone,
which can help their team get more strike calls.

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4. Preventing stolen bases - Catchers must prevent runners from stealing bases.
5. Backing up throws - Catchers often back up throws from other fielders to show their defensive
awareness and support for their teammates.
6. Directing infield play - Catchers are the "quarterback" of the team and are responsible for
directing infield play and calling cut-offs.
7. Communicating with the pitcher - Catchers and pitchers work together to get batters out, so they
need to coordinate a plan for how to handle each batter. Catchers can use pre-pitch hand signals to
suggest pitch selection.
8. Knowing the pitcher - Catchers should get to know the pitcher so they can identify any problems
the pitcher might be having.
9. Catchers are often considered to have the most difficult position in softball because of the physical
and mental demands of the role.
10. collects backward hits.
11. Protects home plate.

Attributes of a catcher
• Thick, strong and durable
• Taller catchers are becoming more common
• Slightly slimmer, more athletic and agile catchers
• Very athletic, strong and agile

First baseman
Stands at first base, to the right of the pitcher,
✓ Catches throws to prevent the other team from scoring.
✓ They also cover the base and must be quick on their feet.
✓ First basemen often wear a larger glove, called a first baseman's mitt, to help them catch balls.
✓ Tug/touch batter runners.

Attributes of a first baseman

• Left-handed is a plus
• Tall and powerful
• Size matters, speed not so much
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• A strong arm is a bonus but not overly important
• Good fielding skills – needs to be able to pick balls and read bad throws
• Quick reflexes – batted balls come to first base HOT
• Small players will NOT get recruited to play as a first baseman.

Second baseman
Stands between first and second base,
He/she is positioned opposite the home base across the field. Also known as the second bagger
sometimes, he or she does not usually stand at the exact right angle that marks the second base, but
more towards the first base instead.
And he/she is responsible for:
✓ Fielding balls hit to the right side of the infield
✓ Turning double plays with the shortstop and first baseman
✓ Working in tandem with the shortstop in a leadership role ✓ Tug/touch batter runners.

Attributes of a second baseman

✓ Great IQ for the game
✓ Very agile and quick
✓ Excellent glove and defensive skills
✓ Needs an adequate arm, but it doesn’t need to be a cannon
✓ Should be fast and a skilled contact hitter
✓ Typically a “spark plug” type player who gets on base and makes things happen on the base paths

Third baseman
Stands near third base, and is responsible for:
✓ Fielding balls hit to the left side of the infield
✓ Throwing to first base
✓ Making quick decisions to defend home plate ✓ Tug/touch batter runners.

Attributes of third baseman

• Moves very well and is fast with fast footwork
• Big, strong, athletic and agile
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 • Excellent hand-eye coordination Strong, accurate throwing arm

Shortstop
Stands between second and third base, and is responsible for:
✓ Turning double plays with the second baseman
✓ Catching and fielding: The shortstop is responsible for balls that end up between second and third base,
which is the area they cover.
✓ Covering second base: The shortstop covers second base on steal attempts and double plays.
✓ Relaying throws: The shortstop relays throw from the outfield to the infield.
✓ Directing infield positioning: The shortstop directs other infielders in play setups and strategies.
✓ Calling off the third baseman: If both the shortstop and third baseman are attempting to field the same
batted ball, the shortstop will often call off the third baseman.

Attributes of a good Shortstop

✓ Agility: The shortstop needs to be agile to perform plays like a 4-6-3 double play.
✓ Strong arm: The shortstop needs a strong arm to throw out a batter-runner before they reach first
base.
✓ Quick decision-making: The shortstop needs to make split-second decisions during plays.
✓ Leadership and strategic thinking: The shortstop needs to direct other infielders in play setups
and strategies.
✓ very versatile
✓ Must have excellent glove skills
✓ Excellent field vision and understanding of where to go and other players’ movement
• Hitting skills are secondary to defensive ability, however at the MLB level there is a growing importance
on being threat at the plate – it’s not enough any more to hit .250 as an MLB shortstop
• Must be mentally tough and have strong leadership skills

Outfielders
The outfielders are positioned outside the area marked by the four bases (infield square), with
the right one standing closest to first base. their job is to: Catch and throw balls that fly out of the
infield, backing up their teammates at the bases.
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 ✓ Catching and fielding balls hit into the outfield
✓ Throwing them to infielders to prevent runners from advancing

Attributes of outfielders
✓ Catching: Outfielders must be skilled at catching fly balls and ground balls.
✓ Throwing: Outfielders must be able to throw the ball accurately to infielders.
✓ Covering: Outfielders must be able to cover large areas of the field.
✓ Quick reactions: Outfielders must be able to respond quickly to fly balls and grounder
✓ Because of their distance from the rest of the game, outfielders are usually strong throwers.

How the game is played

Played by two teams of 9 players each.

Starting play
Teams toss a coin to determine the order of play. However, the rule states that the home team bats second with the
road team batting first.
After players have taken positions (defensive positions and batting position) the umpire calls
“Play Ball” and the game starts.

NB: Batting teams must have two coaches in the coaches‟ boxes during their half inning.

The game is on when.

- The batter steps in the batter’s box.

- The catcher is ready in the catcher’s box.
- The pitcher stands with both feet securely on the ground and in contact with the pitche’s plate.
- The umpire calls “play ball”.

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 The first batter steps into the batter's box and prepares to hit the pitch. There is a batter's box on both
sides of home plate. The batter may choose which side of the plate to hit from, but both of her feet
must be inside the box. They attempt to score runs by hitting the ball when it's pitched to them.

Duration of the game

A game consists of 7 innings.
Inning - A part/division/portion of the game when both teams have batted once or fielded once.
Batting team is also called offensive team or in team.
Pitching team is also called defending team or out team.

The aim/objective of the game is for teams to score more runs than the opposing team.
A run is a score made by an offensive player who advances after hitting pitched ball towards fair territory and
touches 1st, 2nd, 3rd base & home plate successfully (without being dismissed). Batting team continues to bat until
3 batters are dismissed. After 3 are out, half an inning is over and the teams switch/change roles i.e. fielding team
becomes batting team & vice versa.

Scoring
The winner is the team with the greater number of runs.
A run is scored / completed when a player completes a circuit of the bases touching each in turn.
NB: A player may not score a run ahead of a preceding runner.

A home run is scored when a batter hits a fly ball over the boundary fence and completes a circuit of the bases
touching each in turn.
In case of unfenced fence, a fly ball hit over 200 feet, the batter and runners are allowed to proceed two bases.

A forfeited game scores 7 – 0 in favour of the team not at fault.

Substitution
-A team is entitled to 3 substitutes.
-Introduced any time when the ball is dead.
-Substitutes take the replaced player’s position in the batting order. -Once
substituted, the player cannot return to the game.

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-Umpire is informed prior to effecting a substitution.

Breaking a tie
Add extra innings until the tie is broken

Dead Ball situations

The ball is deemed out of play (dead) when;

1. Touches any object/area, /player/person not part of in official game.

2. It’s lodged in umpire’s gear or offensive players clothing.
3. Pitcher is not holding the ball within his/her circle.
4. Touches the batter after batting.

Basic Skills in softball

1. Pitching – A skill of delivering the ball to the batter to hit by the pitcher. This is done in a
windmill motion or sling shot.

Techniques in pitching deliveries

Windmill: Delivery makes a complete circle from straight up overhead to behind the body and then downwards
and out (release) towards the batter.

Slingshot: Delivery movement should be back up down and forward (release) towards the batter.

Types of pitching styles

-Slow pitch
-Fast Pitch

NB: The difference of the above styles of pitching is the speed upon which the ball is released /delivered to the
batter.

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Conditions observed when pitching
-Ball shall be delivered in an underhand motion.
-Both feet must be grounded within the length of the pitcher’s plate.
-Motionless state takes 1 – 10 seconds before delivery.
-Take pitching position with the ball.
-Take one step only towards the batter.
-Shall not stop or reverse the forward motion after separating the hands.
-Shall make only one revolution of the arm in windmill.
-Shall not make another revolution after releasing the ball.
-Shall not deliberately drop, roll or bounce the ball in order to prevent the batter from hitting it.
-Ball is released below the hip.
-One foot (pivot foot) shall remain in contact with the pitcher’s plate.

No pitch
Shall be called by the umpire in case of:
-A pitcher pitches when game is dead.
-A runner is jumped out for leaving a base too soon /early. -Catcher’s both feet are
not within the catcher’s box.

An illegal pitch
-A pitch delivered when the pitcher does not have his/her pivot foot in contact with the pitcher‟s plate. -Pitcher
delivers a ball with a foreign substance applied to the ball.
-A quick return pitch delivered before the batter is ready (set) in the batter‟s box.

NB: The pitcher tries to deliver the ball so that it passes through the strike zone.
Strike zone is the area vertically over/above the home plate between the shoulders and the knees of the batter.
(When assuming natural batting position).
A pitch that passes through the strike zone is called a strike otherwise it‟s called a ball.

A strike is a legal pitch which meets these conditions Swung

at by the batter and its missed.

• Passes through the strike zone and not swung at.

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 • It’s fouled by the batter when there are less than three strikes.
• Touches the batter’s body as he bats /hits it.
• Touches the batter in line of the strike zone.
• Becomes a foul tip.
.
Foul tip
A batted ball that goes directly from the bat to the catcher and is legally caught.

A bunt
A batted ball not swung at but intentionally met with the bat and tapped slowly within the infield.

A pitch which is not a strike and which the batter does not swing at is a ball.
A pitched ball that does not go through the strike zone and is not swung at by the batter.

The number of balls and strikes is called the count.

A count of 3 and 2 if a „full count‟ since the next ball or strike will end the batters turn at the plate, unless the ball
goes foul.

NB: Four (4) balls the batter walks to first base.

2. Batting
An act of hitting /striking a pitched ball using a bat

Factors to consider when selecting a bat

- Length
- Weight
- Body structure
- Strength
- Cost
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 - Durability

Batting grips
Medium: When the lower hand is an inch or two up from the bat (held with hands leaving some space at the
bats).

Short grip: Where the lower hand is placed 3 – 4 inches from the bat.

Choke grip: When hands tightly hold the bat.

Long grip: When no space is left from the bat.

Conditions observed when batting -

batters to follow the batting order.
-batter to take his/her position in the batter’s box promptly.
-batter must have both feet within the batte’s box.
-batter is entitled to three strikes only.
-batter to hold the bat with both hands.
-batter to stand facing the pitcher.
-Once the ball is hit into fair territory the runner must run/advance to 1 st base or beyond.
Batting Order: List of current offensive players in their progressive way/format of batting.

NB: A batted ball hit high in the air is a fly ball. A fly ball hit upward at an angle greater than 450 is a pop fly.
Line drive: - A batted ball driven in through the infield at a height of which an infielder would play it in the right
position.
Ground ball; - A batted ball which hits the ground within the diamond (infield).

3. Bunting:
- A batted ball not owning at, but intentionally met with the bat and tapped slowly towards the infield.

Types / kinds of bunts.

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 Push bunt

• Sacrifice bunt
• Squeeze bunt
• Fake bunt
• Slap bunt

Sacrifice
A bunt for the purpose of advancing a batter.

Push bunt
When the batter put the ball between the pitcher and 1st baseman or between the pitcher and the 3rd baseman.

Slap bunt
Places ball between infielders.

Fake bunt
Used when defense is playing very close in a bunt situation or in early to cover particular area of the infield to
defend the possible bunt.

Squeeze bunt
An offensive tactic in which the runner on 3rd breaks from the base as the pitcher releases the ball while the batter
tries to bunt the ball on the ground.

Types of the squeeze bunt

-Suicide squeezes bunt:

Base runner is going on the base.

-Safety squeezes bunt:

Base runner goes to the plate when sure that the ball has been bunted down.

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Fair ball; Fair hit It’s a batted
ball that:-
-Bats / hit within the fair territory
-lands past first or third base on or over fair territory.
-Touches 1st, 2nd, or 3rd base.
-While on/ over fair territory, passes out the playing field beyond the outfield fence.
-While on/over fair territory touches a person or clothing of an umpire /player.

Foul ball/Foul hit (Ball hit outside the fair territory) A

foul ball is a legally batted ball which;

• Touches batter while within the batter‟s box.

• Bounds past first or third base over foul territory.
• First touches on foul territory.
• Knocks against any object in foul territory.

Getting a batter out /dismissing a batter.

A batter is out if:

• Three strikes are called (strike out).

• Uses an altered bat (faulty bat).
• Hits a fair ball twice with the bat.
• Hinders /prevents the catcher from catching or throwing the ball.
• Interferes with play at home plate.

NB: A batter becomes a batter runner when:

-Legally hits/bats a fair ball.
-Catcher drops /fails to catch a third strike.
-Fair ball has been called by the umpire.
-Hit by a pitch.

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Batter runner is out when;

• Interferes with the fielding of a batted ball.

• Failure to be in contact with the base until the ball is pitched.
• Overtakes a preceding runner before the runner is put out.
• Runs more than 3 feet of the straight lines to avoid being tagged.
• A fly ball is caught. (Fly-out).
• After being tagged.
• An infield fly is declared.

N.B (a.) When the batter hits the ball and advance to a base without a fielding error or being dismissed; that is
called a base hit.
(b.) Bases must be tagged /reached in anti – clockwise order 1st, 2nd, 3rd and home plate. A base
hit that advances the batter to:

- 1st base is called a “single”.

-2nd base – „double‟.
-3rd base – „triple‟.
-Home plate – Home run.

A home run is also scored by batting the ball over the outfield fence.

Double play: When two runners are dismissed from one batted ball.
Tipple Play: 3 consecutive put – out from one batted ball.
Force play: A play in which a runner legally loses his/her right to occupy a base by virtue of a batter becoming a
runner.

A runner is safe at a base when he touches the bag (base plate) before the fielder with the ball touches him.
A safe is a declaration by the umpire that a runner is entitled to the base.

A steal (stolen base)

A player on the base advances to the next base without the ball being batted, usually by running to it while the
pitched ball is going towards the batter.
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Walk
Advancing to the 1st base without any liability of being put out. (Dismissed).

A walk (or base on balls) occurs when a pitcher throws four pitches out of the strike zone, none of which are
swung at by the hitter. After refraining from swinging at four pitches out of the zone, the batter is awarded first
base and becomes a runner.

Instances for walk;

-Four balls are called.
-Illegal pitch.
-Catcher interferes with batting action.
-Wild pitch – A very high, low or wide pitch that a catcher cannot control with ordinarily effort.
-Hit by a pitched ball within the batting box.

4. Sliding
A skill used to increase chances of reaching a base safely by evading being tagged.

Types of sliding skills

-Bent leg slide
-Hook slide
-Head first slide
-Pop – up slide

1. Bent leg slide (straight-in slide)

Allow the runner to bend the lower leg and passing it under the knee of the straight leg.

2. Hook slide
Executed when the runner is off target and bends lower leg to contact the base plate with the instep
behind the body.

3. Head first slide

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 Runners glide with the stomach with arms outstretched forward and head up to see the base

4. Pop up slide
Similar to bent legs slide except that the runner finishes the slide in a standing position.

Importance of sliding
-Avoid a tag at a base.
-Break a double play attempt.
-To reach bases going full speed without going by it.

5. Throwing
A skill of delivering a ball while fielding.

Skills in throwing
-Overhand
-Side throw
-Under arm
Overhand is commonly used because;
-It’s the fastest.
-It’s more accurate.

6. Catching
Involves control of batted or thrown ball using gloves.
Catching skills -Ground balls.
-Fly balls.
-Diving for balls (side balls) i.e. dive catching.
-Emergency backhand.

PLAYING STRATEGIES AND TACTICS

A. Offensive principles

• Get a runner on base.

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 • Move a runner into scoring position.
• Surprise the defensive with a bunt if they are playing back.
• Faking a hit by swinging the bat with no intention of batting if a base runner is going to steal.
• Try to get a hit score run.
• Maintain good batting order.
• Hit /get ball to empty /unfielded spaces.
• Combine good defense and offense of your team.

B. Defensive principles

• Coverage: Ensuring that the fair territory is maximum protected /guarded.

• Location: Being where the batter is likely to bat.
• Readiness: Being ready to field all pitched balls i.e. physically and mentally should be ready and know
what to do with the ball caught.

• Adjustment: As the game advances players should readily adapt with the changes.
• Support: All other players not handling the ball should back up the player on the ball.

Match /Game officials

A match shall be officiated by at least three officials;
-Umpire in chief
-Field umpire
-A scorer

Functions of the umpire in chief

-Take full charge of and is responsive for the proper conduct of the game.
-Calls and count balls and strikes.
-Calls and count fair and foul ball.
-Make all decisions on the batter.
-Make all decisions except those commonly reserved for the field umpire(s).
-Decides when the game shall be forfeited.
-Announce any special ground rule.

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-Informs the official scores of the official batting order on request. -Writes match report
to the organizers.

Function of the field umpire

-Makes all decisions on the bases (1st – 3rd base).

-Calls „time‟ in jurisdiction with the umpire in chief. -Aid the umpire
– in – chief in enforcing the rules.

Functions of a scorer
-Record all statistical details of the play.

Umpires signals
-Play ball: Motion /beckon the pitcher to deliver the ball.
-Strike: Raising the right hand upward indicating the number of strikes by the fingers and calling “strike” loudly.
-Ball: No arm signal “just shout ball followed by number of the balls. -Total
count: calls balls followed by no. of strikes.
-Foul: Extend arms horizontally away from the diamond according to the direction of the ball -Fair
ball: Extend an arm towards the centre of the diamond using a pumping motion.
-Runner out: Raise the right hand upward above the right shoulder with the fist closed.
-Safe: Extend both arms horizontally to the side of the body with palm towards the ground.

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