Softball umpire calls, explained

What the umpire does

The umpire enforces the rules, calls each pitch and each play, and settles disagreements on the field. Youth games may have one umpire or several, depending on the league. The umpire's judgment calls, such as whether a pitch was a strike or whether a runner was safe, are final and cannot be argued. Rule details differ by league and age group, so treat this guide as a general picture and ask your coach if something seems different at your field. For the basics of the game, see softball rules for beginners.

Calls on every pitch

• Strike: a pitch through the strike zone, or any pitch the batter swings at and misses. The exact definition of the zone comes from your league's rules.
• Ball: a pitch outside the zone that the batter does not swing at.
• Illegal pitch: in fastpitch, a pitch thrown with an illegal motion or foot placement can be called against the pitcher. The details are technical and differ by rule set, so the umpire decides.
• Hit by pitch: a batter hit by a pitch is usually awarded first base, as long as the batter made an effort to get out of the way. Rules vary slightly.

Umpires have their own way of calling pitches, and some are more generous than others. A pitch your child thinks was a ball may be called a strike. Accept it and move on, because the zone usually stays consistent for both teams throughout the game.

Fair or foul

A batted ball is fair or foul depending on where it first lands, settles or is touched, in relation to the foul lines. The foul lines themselves are part of fair territory. A fly ball is judged by where it is first touched, or where it lands if untouched. The umpire calls a foul ball, and a foul ball that is not caught is dead. Runners return to the base they had before the pitch. You will often see an umpire point to fair ground or raise both arms and call "foul." A foul ball that is caught in the air is an out.

Safe or out

A runner is safe while touching a base after arriving before the ball and tag. The umpire signals safe with arms spread wide, and an out is usually shown with a raised fist. Umpires stand where they can see the play, and they often have a better view than parents in the stands.

Calls that confuse new parents

Infield fly

A rule that protects runners in certain situations by calling the batter out on an easily caught fly ball. The umpire will announce it. Your coach can explain how your league uses it.

Obstruction

A fielder who does not have the ball, or is not about to receive it, blocks a runner. The umpire may award bases to protect the runner.

Interference

An offensive player, such as a runner or batter, hinders a fielder trying to make a play. The umpire may call someone out.

Dropped third strike

In some rule sets, a batter may try to run to first when the catcher does not cleanly hold strike three. Whether it applies depends on the situation and your league.

Dead ball

Play stops. Runners may only advance if the rules award them bases.

Time

The umpire pauses play. The umpire may call time for an injury or other issue.

Base-running calls

• Leaving early: in fastpitch, a runner who leaves the base before the pitcher releases the ball can be called out or sent back, depending on the rules.
• Running out of the base path: runners generally may not run far from the path between bases to avoid a tag.
• Missed base: a runner who misses a base can be called out on an appeal in many rule sets. Ask your coach what applies.

When you disagree with a call

Disagreeing is human, but yelling at an umpire is never helpful. Many umpires in youth games are young themselves, and some are volunteers still learning. If your child's team has a question, the coach is usually the only person who should talk to the umpire, and only calmly. Parents should stay in the stands. Teach your child to move on after a call, because the next pitch is the one that matters. Our sportsmanship guide for parents goes deeper on this.

Learning more

If you want to learn how calls are recorded, read how to keep score in softball. You can also ask the umpire or coach after the game, once everyone has cooled off, to explain a rule you did not understand. Most are happy to help, and learning the rules together is a good habit for any young player.