024 SOFTBALL EXAM
2
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS |
Correct Solutions | NFHS &
USA Softball Umpire Prep |
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Graded
## **PART A: MULTIPLE CHOICE (Q1–60)**
* *Q1 (Infield Fly Rule):** With runners on first and second and no outs, the batter hits a high pop
fly in the infield. The umpire declares "Infield fly" while the ball is in flight. The fielder intentionally
drops the ball. What is the correct ruling?
. Batter is out, runners may advance at their own risk.
A
B. Batter is out, runners must return to their original bases.
C. Fielder is charged with an error, batter stays at bat.
D. Batter is safe because the intentional drop prevents an infield fly.
**[CORRECT]** A
* Rationale: NFHS Rule 2-19-1 defines the infield fly as a fair fly ball (not including a line drive or
attempted bunt) with runners on first and second or bases loaded, with fewer than two outs,
which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort. Once declared, the batter is out
regardless of whether the ball is caught or dropped intentionally. The ball remains live, and
runners may advance at their own risk. Distractor B is incorrect because the ball is not dead on
an infield fly; runners are not required to return unless the ball is caught, in which case they
must tag up.*
,---
* *Q2 (Pitching – Illegal Pitch):** The pitcher, with both feet on the pitching plate, begins her
windup. She brings her hands together, separates them, then brings them together again before
releasing the ball. The umpire should call:
. No pitch – the pitcher simply changed her mind.
A
B. Illegal pitch – double pumping.
C. Ball on the batter – automatic award.
D. Dead ball – return the pitcher to the plate.
**[CORRECT]** B
* Rationale: NFHS Rule 6-1-1 and 6-1-2 state that once the hands are brought together in the
pitching position, they must not be separated except to deliver the ball. Bringing the hands
together, separating, and bringing them together again constitutes "double pumping," which is
an illegal pitch. Distractor A is incorrect because this is not a permissible action; once the
pitching motion begins with hands together, any additional motion that is not part of the delivery
is illegal.*
---
* *Q3 (Base Running – Leaving Early):** With a runner on first base, the pitcher releases the
ball. The runner leaves first base before the ball leaves the pitcher's hand and is thrown out at
second base on a close play. The umpire should rule:
. Safe – the runner beat the throw.
A
B. Out for leaving early – no pitch, runner is out.
C. Out on the play at second – the leaving early is ignored if the runner is put out.
D. No pitch – return the runner to first base.
**[CORRECT]** B
* Rationale: NFHS Rule 8-7-3 states that a runner who leaves a base before the pitch is
released by the pitcher is out, and the pitch is nullified (no pitch). The runner is declared out
immediately upon leaving early, regardless of the subsequent play. Distractor C is incorrect
because the leaving early violation takes precedence; the play at second is irrelevant once the
runner has violated the leaving early rule.*
---
* *Q4 (Obstruction – Type A):** With a runner on second base, the batter hits a ground ball to the
shortstop. The shortstop fields the ball and throws to first base. The first baseman, without the
, all, physically blocks the runner from second who is advancing to third. The runner collides
b
with the first baseman and is tagged out at third base. The correct ruling is:
. Runner is out – obstruction only applies when the fielder has the ball.
A
B. Dead ball immediately – runner is awarded third base.
C. Runner is out at third – the collision was the runner's fault.
D. Obstruction – runner is awarded the base she would have reached (third base), dead ball.
**[CORRECT]** D
* Rationale: NFHS Rule 2-22-1 and 8-3-2 define obstruction as the act of a fielder who, while not
in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any
runner. Type A obstruction (without the ball, not fielding) results in a dead ball, and the runner is
awarded the base she would have reached had obstruction not occurred. Distractor A is
incorrect because obstruction explicitly applies when the fielder does NOT have the ball; a
fielder may only impede a runner when actively fielding or in possession of the ball.*
---
* *Q5 (Interference – Offensive):** With a runner on first base, the batter hits a sharp ground ball
to the second baseman. The runner from first, seeing the ball is hit, intentionally runs into the
second baseman to prevent her from fielding the ball. The second baseman was in position to
make a play. The correct ruling is:
. Runner is out for interference; batter-runner is awarded first base.
A
B. Runner is out for interference; batter-runner is also out.
C. No interference – the runner has a right to the baseline.
D. Delayed dead ball – let the play finish, then rule interference.
**[CORRECT]** B
* Rationale: NFHS Rule 8-6-10 states that a runner is out when she intentionally interferes with a
thrown ball, or interferes with a fielder attempting to make a play on a batted ball. Additionally,
Rule 8-6-10(c) specifies that when a runner interferes with a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball, both the runner and the batter-runner are out. Distractor A is incorrect because in this
scenario, both the interfering runner and the batter-runner are declared out; the batter-runner is
not protected when the runner intentionally interferes.*
---
* *Q6 (Catch vs. No Catch):** The left fielder runs back on a deep fly ball, reaches over the
fence, and catches the ball before it crosses the fence. She then falls to the ground, and the ball
comes loose from her glove and falls to the ground. The correct ruling is:
, . Home run – the ball crossed the fence.
A
B. No catch – the ball was not held securely through the act of catching.
C. Catch – the ball was caught before crossing the fence.
D. Ground rule double – the ball hit the fence.
**[CORRECT]** B
* Rationale: NFHS Rule 2-9-1 defines a catch as the act of a fielder gaining secure possession
of a live ball in flight and releasing the ball voluntarily. The fielder must maintain possession
through the act of catching, including falling to the ground. If the ball comes loose upon hitting
the ground, it is not a catch. Distractor C is incorrect because merely touching the ball before it
crosses the fence is insufficient; the fielder must secure possession and maintain it through the
completion of the catch.*
---
* *Q7 (Force Play vs. Tag Play):** With the bases loaded and one out, the batter hits a ground
ball to the third baseman. The third baseman steps on third base (forcing the runner from
second) and then throws to first base, but the throw is wild and the batter-runner reaches first
safely. The runner from second had already crossed third base when the third baseman touched
the bag. The correct ruling is:
. Force play at third – runner from second is out; batter-runner is safe at first.
A
B. No force at third – the runner from second must be tagged; both are safe.
C. Force play at third – runner from second is out; batter-runner is out on the appeal.
D. Double play – runner from second and batter-runner are both out.
**[CORRECT]** A
* Rationale: NFHS Rule 2-24-1 defines a force play as a play in which a runner loses her right to
occupy a base because the batter-runner or another runner is advancing and must be put out.
With bases loaded, the runner from second is forced to advance to third when the batter-runner
advances to first. Stepping on third base before the runner reaches it results in a force out. The
subsequent wild throw to first does not affect the force out at third. Distractor B is incorrect
because this is a clear force play situation; the runner from second is forced and can be put out
by touching the base before the runner arrives.*
---
* *Q8 (Pitching – Pivot Foot):** The pitcher begins her delivery with her pivot foot in contact with
the pitching plate. During her windmill motion, her pivot foot loses contact with the plate but
does not replant before releasing the ball. Per 2024 NFHS Rule 6 updates, this is:
A. Legal – the pivot foot may lose contact during delivery.
2
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS |
Correct Solutions | NFHS &
USA Softball Umpire Prep |
Pass Guaranteed - A+
Graded
## **PART A: MULTIPLE CHOICE (Q1–60)**
* *Q1 (Infield Fly Rule):** With runners on first and second and no outs, the batter hits a high pop
fly in the infield. The umpire declares "Infield fly" while the ball is in flight. The fielder intentionally
drops the ball. What is the correct ruling?
. Batter is out, runners may advance at their own risk.
A
B. Batter is out, runners must return to their original bases.
C. Fielder is charged with an error, batter stays at bat.
D. Batter is safe because the intentional drop prevents an infield fly.
**[CORRECT]** A
* Rationale: NFHS Rule 2-19-1 defines the infield fly as a fair fly ball (not including a line drive or
attempted bunt) with runners on first and second or bases loaded, with fewer than two outs,
which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort. Once declared, the batter is out
regardless of whether the ball is caught or dropped intentionally. The ball remains live, and
runners may advance at their own risk. Distractor B is incorrect because the ball is not dead on
an infield fly; runners are not required to return unless the ball is caught, in which case they
must tag up.*
,---
* *Q2 (Pitching – Illegal Pitch):** The pitcher, with both feet on the pitching plate, begins her
windup. She brings her hands together, separates them, then brings them together again before
releasing the ball. The umpire should call:
. No pitch – the pitcher simply changed her mind.
A
B. Illegal pitch – double pumping.
C. Ball on the batter – automatic award.
D. Dead ball – return the pitcher to the plate.
**[CORRECT]** B
* Rationale: NFHS Rule 6-1-1 and 6-1-2 state that once the hands are brought together in the
pitching position, they must not be separated except to deliver the ball. Bringing the hands
together, separating, and bringing them together again constitutes "double pumping," which is
an illegal pitch. Distractor A is incorrect because this is not a permissible action; once the
pitching motion begins with hands together, any additional motion that is not part of the delivery
is illegal.*
---
* *Q3 (Base Running – Leaving Early):** With a runner on first base, the pitcher releases the
ball. The runner leaves first base before the ball leaves the pitcher's hand and is thrown out at
second base on a close play. The umpire should rule:
. Safe – the runner beat the throw.
A
B. Out for leaving early – no pitch, runner is out.
C. Out on the play at second – the leaving early is ignored if the runner is put out.
D. No pitch – return the runner to first base.
**[CORRECT]** B
* Rationale: NFHS Rule 8-7-3 states that a runner who leaves a base before the pitch is
released by the pitcher is out, and the pitch is nullified (no pitch). The runner is declared out
immediately upon leaving early, regardless of the subsequent play. Distractor C is incorrect
because the leaving early violation takes precedence; the play at second is irrelevant once the
runner has violated the leaving early rule.*
---
* *Q4 (Obstruction – Type A):** With a runner on second base, the batter hits a ground ball to the
shortstop. The shortstop fields the ball and throws to first base. The first baseman, without the
, all, physically blocks the runner from second who is advancing to third. The runner collides
b
with the first baseman and is tagged out at third base. The correct ruling is:
. Runner is out – obstruction only applies when the fielder has the ball.
A
B. Dead ball immediately – runner is awarded third base.
C. Runner is out at third – the collision was the runner's fault.
D. Obstruction – runner is awarded the base she would have reached (third base), dead ball.
**[CORRECT]** D
* Rationale: NFHS Rule 2-22-1 and 8-3-2 define obstruction as the act of a fielder who, while not
in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any
runner. Type A obstruction (without the ball, not fielding) results in a dead ball, and the runner is
awarded the base she would have reached had obstruction not occurred. Distractor A is
incorrect because obstruction explicitly applies when the fielder does NOT have the ball; a
fielder may only impede a runner when actively fielding or in possession of the ball.*
---
* *Q5 (Interference – Offensive):** With a runner on first base, the batter hits a sharp ground ball
to the second baseman. The runner from first, seeing the ball is hit, intentionally runs into the
second baseman to prevent her from fielding the ball. The second baseman was in position to
make a play. The correct ruling is:
. Runner is out for interference; batter-runner is awarded first base.
A
B. Runner is out for interference; batter-runner is also out.
C. No interference – the runner has a right to the baseline.
D. Delayed dead ball – let the play finish, then rule interference.
**[CORRECT]** B
* Rationale: NFHS Rule 8-6-10 states that a runner is out when she intentionally interferes with a
thrown ball, or interferes with a fielder attempting to make a play on a batted ball. Additionally,
Rule 8-6-10(c) specifies that when a runner interferes with a fielder attempting to field a batted
ball, both the runner and the batter-runner are out. Distractor A is incorrect because in this
scenario, both the interfering runner and the batter-runner are declared out; the batter-runner is
not protected when the runner intentionally interferes.*
---
* *Q6 (Catch vs. No Catch):** The left fielder runs back on a deep fly ball, reaches over the
fence, and catches the ball before it crosses the fence. She then falls to the ground, and the ball
comes loose from her glove and falls to the ground. The correct ruling is:
, . Home run – the ball crossed the fence.
A
B. No catch – the ball was not held securely through the act of catching.
C. Catch – the ball was caught before crossing the fence.
D. Ground rule double – the ball hit the fence.
**[CORRECT]** B
* Rationale: NFHS Rule 2-9-1 defines a catch as the act of a fielder gaining secure possession
of a live ball in flight and releasing the ball voluntarily. The fielder must maintain possession
through the act of catching, including falling to the ground. If the ball comes loose upon hitting
the ground, it is not a catch. Distractor C is incorrect because merely touching the ball before it
crosses the fence is insufficient; the fielder must secure possession and maintain it through the
completion of the catch.*
---
* *Q7 (Force Play vs. Tag Play):** With the bases loaded and one out, the batter hits a ground
ball to the third baseman. The third baseman steps on third base (forcing the runner from
second) and then throws to first base, but the throw is wild and the batter-runner reaches first
safely. The runner from second had already crossed third base when the third baseman touched
the bag. The correct ruling is:
. Force play at third – runner from second is out; batter-runner is safe at first.
A
B. No force at third – the runner from second must be tagged; both are safe.
C. Force play at third – runner from second is out; batter-runner is out on the appeal.
D. Double play – runner from second and batter-runner are both out.
**[CORRECT]** A
* Rationale: NFHS Rule 2-24-1 defines a force play as a play in which a runner loses her right to
occupy a base because the batter-runner or another runner is advancing and must be put out.
With bases loaded, the runner from second is forced to advance to third when the batter-runner
advances to first. Stepping on third base before the runner reaches it results in a force out. The
subsequent wild throw to first does not affect the force out at third. Distractor B is incorrect
because this is a clear force play situation; the runner from second is forced and can be put out
by touching the base before the runner arrives.*
---
* *Q8 (Pitching – Pivot Foot):** The pitcher begins her delivery with her pivot foot in contact with
the pitching plate. During her windmill motion, her pivot foot loses contact with the plate but
does not replant before releasing the ball. Per 2024 NFHS Rule 6 updates, this is:
A. Legal – the pivot foot may lose contact during delivery.
