With almost two-thirds of our players and families new to t-ball this season — and half of our umpires new as well — it’s a great time to revisit a few rules that popped up during last weekend’s games. All references below come directly from the Annotated Rule Book and Umpire Manual Edition 7A.

As a club, we’re committed to fair, safe, and consistent play.
Remember, the Head Coach may seek clarification on a rule interpretation during a stoppage (Rule 1.2b) as long as it’s done respectfully. And our committee members are always available after the game to talk through some of the trickier situations t-ball can present.


Here are the key rules our umpires discussed this week:

Player Safety – Uniforms (Rule 2.3)
Rule 2.3 reminds us that player safety begins with correct uniforms. This includes ensuring players are wearing appropriate footwear and that no unsafe clothing items or accessories are worn during play. Safety standards must be met before a player can take the field.


Overthrow / Pass Ball (Rule 17.3)
Runners will be awarded the next base from where they were when any thrown ball crosses the Dead Ball Line.

INTERPRETATION: - At the moment the ball crosses the dead ball line the umpires should note the position of all base runners. The runners will then be awarded the base beyond the last base they had touched or crossed. In some cases, a runner may only be awarded one step if they are just short of a base or the next base if they had actually reached a base, when the ball crossed the dead ball line.

Ninth Batter Indication (Rule 9.3)

Obstruction (Rule 20)
(Obstruction continues to be one of the most challenging rules to interpret — even for experienced umpires.)

Obstruction is 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. If a fielder obstructs a base runner, the umpire shall invoke such penalty that will nullify the obstruction. NOTE: Base runners must advance at least one extra base from where they were going.

Interpretation:
“Impedes the progress” does not imply contact must be made. E.g.: A baseman that stands astride his base while not in possession of the ball and restricts the runners access to the base is “obstructing” the runner. Umpires should be careful not to penalise the runner by calling “TIME” and only advancing the runner to the next base if he/she could have advanced two or more bases had the infringement not have happened. The rule says the runner must at LEAST one extra base from where they were going.

SCENARIO: Batter hits the ball to deep centre field, 1st base immediately takes up position straddling his base. As the batter/runner approaches first he just slightly slows down to evaluate how he can cross first base without colliding with the baseman. He sees he can squeeze through on the inside at the same time noticing the ball is still being chased in the outfield. The runner decides he should advance to second. Arriving at second he notices the ball has just been picked up in the outfield so he decides to continue to third and arrives safely.
CONCLUSION: As the runner was obstructed at 1st the rule says the runner must advance at least to the next base. Therefore, the umpire should call the runner Home. (Runners are NOT permitted to run through fielders blocking their way, even if the fielder has the ball. A runner who does will be given out for charging)

SCENARIO: A runner from 1st collides with a fielder standing on 2nd. Because of the collision it takes a minute for the runner to get to his feet. By this time the ball is being thrown in from the outfield and as the runner is slightly shaken he decides to go no further.
CONCLUSION: Once the ball arrives into an infield position and all other runners are in proximity to their bases the umpire calls “Time” Both umpires come together and decide that had the collision not have occurred the runner from 1st should have reached home. Therefore, the runner is sent home and all runners in front of him also advance to home. The intent of this rule is to discourage fielders from occupying bases before they are entitled to do so, and in turn prevent accidents from occurring. (fielders are only entitled to do so when they have control of the ball) Umpires should inform the coach if this is taking place and ask them to talk to their player. Remember the rule says the runner should advance to AT LEAST one extra base from where they were going. If you believe the runner would have gone further do not penalise them by just awarding the one base. Move them to where you believe they would have ended had they not been obstructed.


As our players develop and the game becomes more dynamic, these rules become increasingly important for fairness and safety. Thank you to all players, coaches, umpires, and families for your continued effort to learn, support, and uphold the spirit of Canning Cougars T-ball.

If you have questions about any rules or situations from your game, please come chat with us after your match, we’re always happy to discuss the nuances!

Lastly, don’t forget our final day for State Team tryouts is this Saturday.

See you on the diamonds!
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