What defines an error in softball?

Definition. A fielder is given an error if, in the judgment of the official scorer, he fails to convert an out on a play that an average fielder should have made. Fielders can also be given errors if they make a poor play that allows one or more runners to advance on the bases.

What is DP in softball?

What is a Designated Player (DP) and a Flexible Player (Flex)? Basically the DP is a player designated to BAT ONLY for one of the 9 starting defensive players, but with some additional defensive options.

What is the mercy rule in NCAA softball?

In NCAA softball, the rule is invoked if one team is ahead by at least eight runs after five innings and, unlike with college baseball, applies in the NCAA tournament as well with the exception of the championship series.

Is a bobbled ball an error?

Situations that require a fielding error include a misplay–bobble, fumble or wild throw–that results in a runner or batter advancing one or more bases.

How does a pitcher get an error?

Errors are charged to whoever threw the ball, if it hits something and takes a bad bounce, regardless of how unfair that may be. For example, if a throw hits a sliding runner and bounces wild allowing him or another runner to advance another base, or if a ball hits a base or the pitcher’s rubber.

Is a wild pitch an error?

A wild pitch usually passes the catcher behind home plate, often allowing runners on base an easy chance to advance while the catcher chases the ball down. No error shall be charged when a wild pitch or passed ball is scored. A wild pitch may only be scored if one or more runners advance.

How does a DP work in softball?

A team using the DP starts the game with 10 players on the lineup card, but could end the game with 9 or 10. 9. When the FLEX player bats for the DP, the FLEX player bats in position of the original DP. The DP is considered to have left the game, but the FLEX player has not.

Why does softball have a mercy rule?

It essentially ends a game if one team gets too far ahead. It is called the mercy rule because it spares the losing team from a humiliating loss by limiting the degree to which a stronger team can run up the score.

Is obstruction an error?

A fielder is also charged with an error if he is guilty of obstruction and the umpire awards any baserunner at least one base. Typically, shortstops and third basemen are the positions that commit the most errors because they have to make long and difficult off-balance throws on a regular basis.

What are the different types of errors in baseball?

The three most common errors occur while the player is fielding, throwing, and tagging. However, all errors can only be charged if the player’s actions directly benefit the other team.

What does it mean to make an error in softball?

Scorekeeping an Error in Softball. For each player who commits a misplay which prolongs the turn at bat of the batter or extends the existence of the runner. b. For the fielder who fails to touch a base after receiving a thrown ball to retire a runner on a force out, or when a runner is compelled to return to a base,…

What does a base hit mean in softball?

— A ball hit to a fielder who fields the ball cleanly and makes an accurate throw to first, but the batter beats the throw. This is a base hit. — A ball hit to a fielder who fields the ball cleanly and holds the ball to prevent a runner (say, from third base) from advancing.

What does a fielder’s choice mean in softball?

— A ball hit to a fielder who fields the ball cleanly and holds the ball to prevent a runner (say, from third base) from advancing. This is a fielder’s choice.

What happens when the ball goes out to center field in softball?

However, neither the shortstop nor the second baseman remembers to cover the base, so the ball goes out to center field. Instead of giving the catcher the error on the play, the error would go against either the shortstop or the second baseman (usually whichever one was closest to the base when the throw got there).