Umpiring at CSA
- All games at CSA are umpired by players on a team based roster.
- All players are expected to know the rules and do their duty as a base and then plate umpire.
- Teams must provide two (2) experienced umpires. If a team is supplying someone that is inexperienced or has never umpired before - then teams MUST provide 3 umpires to be fair to the playing teams.
- CSA welcomes umpires from other softball associations.
- Teams MUST NOT umpire their own games.
Umpire responsibilities
Please see the current by-laws C1 for umpire responsibilities.
1. Wear the safety equipment identified in bylaw C31.
2. Plate umpires may wear any colour clothing (in variation of Rules Appendix 5).
3. Base umpires shall wear a hi-vis vest, if requested by either team's coach
4. Plate Umpires shall upon completion of the game sign completed score sheets & submit them to the canteen.
5. All Umpires must be at assigned diamonds at least ten (10) minutes prior to commencement of the game.
Plate umpires shall collect their gear from the racks near the bar. All gear is marked with diamond number. Umpires may wear their own protective gear in place of those provided.
Sanitise umpire equipment using provided sanitiser spray.
Return all umpire gear to racks near the bar.
Plate Umpire Protective Equipment
For safety, plate umpires must wear the following protective equipment (based on Appendix 5 in the official rules):
- face mask with throat protection
- chest plate
- leg guards with knee protection
- enclosed shoes
Plate umpire's clothing and equipment can be any colour.
Umpires may use their own equipment in place of that provided by CSA.
Learn to Umpire
Start by knowing the rules - read our Quick Reference Guide to learn the essential rules. A printed version is provided with the plate umpire's gear or in the diamond bag.
Base umpire a few games to build your confidence before moving to plate.
Before each game, refresh your memory by reading the Quick Reference Guide.
Have an experienced umpire mentor you from behind back net.
More info available from Softball Australia including accreditation as a "Blue".
Playing Rules [Bylaw C17]
Our playing rules are based on the "Official Playing Rules 2018-2021" for *Modified Pitch Softball* as published by Softball Australia or World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC).
Basic Rules of Softball (Modified Pitch)
Softball Australia Official Playing Rules 2018-2021 - Fast/Modified Pitch (BUY)
WBSC 2018-2021 Official Rules of Softball - Fast/Modified Pitch (FREE)
Rule updates and amendments are available via Technical Bulletins published by Softball Australia.
CSA Modified Rules
Additional CSA modified rules are detailed in Section C of the Bylaws.
In particular, a legal pitch is described in bylaw C17.
Quick Reference Guide
Umpires may refer to our
CSA Umpire's QRG (Quick Reference Guide)
or
Playing Rules - Extracts & Interpretation
CSA Pitching Rules [Bylaw C17]
Rule 4.3.1(d) & 4.3.2(c) Interpretation - The pitcher must have two (2) feet on the plate when the ball is presented and through the initial part of their pitching motion.
Rule 4.3.3.2(b) addition -
The back swing must stop at the horizontal (i.e. the pitchers arm parallel to the ground).
Rule 4.3.3.2(d) interpretation –
The pitcher’s palm holding the ball must face the home plate from the point where it crosses the hip through to the balls release.
Extract of the Official Softball Rules (Modified Pitch) for pitching at CSA
Strike Zone [Rule 5.1.41]
Bat Requirements [Bylaw C33]
For safety reasons, CSA requires all bats to meet Softball Australia or international standards.
Softball Australia bat requirements - Technical Bulletin TB-2017-1
USA Softball bat requirements
Allowed Bats
Bats having one or more of the following marks are allowed provided they are not banned:
Bats on these lists are allowed. Bats not listed are NOT allowed.
WBSC approved softball bat list 2023
USA Softball approved softball bat list 2023
Banned (Dangerous) Bats
Some bats with ASA markings have been banned for non-compliance.
For safety reasons, banned bats are NOT acceptable and MUST NOT be used.
https://usa.asasoftball.com/e/BB1P2000.asp
Rules Quiz - Test Yourself
Take the CSA Basic Rules Quiz via our app or web.
Umpire Signals
Check out our Umpire Signal Chart.
Thunderstorm Safety Guidelines
Lightning Strike (Thunderstorm) Guidelines for Team Officials and Umpires
We play in the rain but not when lightning is in the area!
Lightning 30/30 Rule - Should a local thunderstorm occur in the 30 minutes before or during a game, the plate umpire can postpone, suspend or cancel the game.
A local thunderstorm is one where there is less than 30 seconds from seeing lightning to hearing thunder.
Play can resume 30 minutes after a thunderstorm:
- ends, ie no lighting or thunder for past 30 minutes; or
- passes, ie more than 30 seconds between lightning and thunder.
Heavy Rain Safety Guidelines
We play in the rain unless it is dangerous!
The umpire may suspend play if rain is going into the eyes of any infielder reducing visibility or if they believe the conditions are generally unsafe to proceed.
Contacts
For any questions about umpiring please contact
Chief Umpire (volunteer)
Email: umpiring@canningsoftball.org.au
TeamApp Chat Room: Umpiring Q&A (via app or web)