The look-back rule is in effect when the ball is live, the batter-runner has touched first base and the pitcher has possession (for example, has the ball in her hand or glove, under her arm or chin, or between her legs) and control of the ball within the pitcher's circle. The pitcher is considered to be in the pitcher's circle when both her feet are within the circle or on the lines.

When a runner is legally off her base after a pitch or as a result of a batter completing her turn at bat and she is in motion as the pitcher takes possession of the ball within the pitcher's circle, the runner may continue moving forward in the direction she is going without stopping; or she may immediately and directly go back in the other direction. If the runner is stopped as the pitcher takes possession of the ball within the pitcher's circle, the runner must immediately and directly go forward or back. A base on balls or a dropped third strike is treated as a base hit as long as the batter-runner continues past first base.

At the time the pitcher is within the pitcher's circle and gains possession of the ball:

1. A runner may not step off any base after stopping at it.
2. Any runner standing off her base must immediately advance to the next base or return to the base she last legally occupied.
3. A runner who starts back to the base she last occupied or starts forward toward the next base shall not stop or reverse direction.
4. The batter-runner, after overrunning first base, may not retouch the base and advance toward second base.
5. After stopping at a base a runner may not step off the base.
6. The batter-runner may round first base, stop, and make an immediate decision to advance or return without again stopping or reversing direction.
7. The batter-runner, after overrunning first base, must immediately return nonstop to first base or, if she does not retouch first base, must make an attempt to advance to second. If after passing the base, the batter-runner is heading back toward first base within the baseline extended, she may make a decision to go to either base. However, stepping beyond the extended baseline in foul territory commits her to first base while stepping beyond the baseline toward the second-base side commits her to second base.
8. After rounding first base the batter runner may stop, and immediately make a decision to advance or return without reversing direction or stopping their movement again.

A runner may not reverse her direction after deciding it unless the pitcher:

1. Has one foot on the ground completely outside the pitcher's circle while she possesses the ball.
2. Carries the ball outside the pitcher's circle.
3. Makes a play on any runner.
4. Throws the ball from the pitcher's circle.
5. The pitcher fakes a throw.
6. No longer possesses the ball in the circle.
7. Makes a body movement toward a runner indicating a potential play on a runner. (Moves the head or body to fake toward a runner, steps towards a runner, raises the arm to simulate a throw.).

The pitcher is not required to actually look at the runner in order for the runner to adhere to the look back rule. The runner must comply with the conditions of the look back rule regardless of the pitcher's gaze of focus.

EFFECT: The ball is dead, the offending runner is out, and each other runner must return to the last base legally touched at the time of the infraction. If two runners are off base and both are called out, the officials must determine which runner was called out first as it is not possible to obtain more than one out under the look-back rule. The ball is dead when the first runner is called out, and the other runner must return to the base last touched at the time of the infraction.

Batter becomes a batter runner with the ability to advance and liability to be put out when:

1. After a legally batted fair ball that is not blocked.
2. When a fair batted ball unavoidably strikes a base runner (not in contact with a base) or an official, including the attached equipment or clothing of either, after touching a fielder (including the pitcher).
3. Because of a dropped third strike.
4. When a base runner is unintentionally hit by a fair untouched batted ball while in contact with a base, and the closest defensive player is in front of that base.
5. When a fair batted ball becomes stuck in a defensive player's uniform or equipment.

EFFECT: The ball is live. The batter becomes a batter runner and advances with liability to be put out. Each base runner may advance with liability to be put out, unless she is forced, in which case she must advance.

Any base runner may advance with liability to be put out:

1. Any time a foul tip is caught
2. When an infield fly is not caught
3. When a pitch enters foul territory unblocked.
4. When a pitch contacts a game official.
5. When the pitcher releases a pitcher from her hand.
6. When a fly ball is first touched.
7. When a thrown ball becomes stuck in a defensive player's equipment or uniform..
8. When a thrown ball contacts a game official.
9. When she overslides or overruns first base legally, and attempts further advancement.
10. After attaining the final base of an award (dead or live).
11. When a thrown ball enters foul territory unblocked.
12. When unavoidably struck by an untouched fair batted ball over foul territory and, in the official's judgment, no defender had a reasonable opportunity to make a play.

EFFECT: The ball is live. Runners may advance with liability to be put out.

A Runner is out when:

1. On a force play a defender puts her out prior to the runner reaching the base.
2. When a defensive player legally tags her.
3. When she physically passes (that is, completely overtakes) a preceding runner before that runner has been put out, unless the passed runner was obstructed or was tagging up on a fly foul ball that is uncaught.
4. When a coach or anyone other than another runner who has not yet crossed the plate physically assists her while she is actively running the bases and the ball is in play.

EFFECT: (a-d) The ball is live. Each other runner may advance with liability to be put out.

5. When she is running to any base in regular or reverse order, she attempts to avoid or delay a tag by running out of the base path.
6. When she commits an act of interference.
7. When a member of the offense or offensive team personnel interferes with the defense's opportunity to make a play on a runner.
8. When a member of the offense or offensive team personnel interferes with a runner who is legally running the bases on a dead ball award until the point the player contacts home plate.
9. When a member of the offense or offensive team personnel interferes with the game official's ability to verify all bases are legally and properly contacted.
10. When she violates the look-back rule.
11. When coach interference is ruled.
12. At any point she leaves a base after returning to it unless a play is made on her or another runner, or the pitcher no longer possesses the ball in the pitcher's circle.
13. When she abandons her base or effort to run the bases.
14. Slides illegally.
15. Leaps, jumps, or hurdles over a defender.

NOTE: Leaping, jumping, or hurdling a defender is only permissible if the defender is lying on the ground. The definition of “Lying on the Ground” shall be: A player whose physical position is no longer upright, and their front/back plane of the body is in contact flat with the ground. (Front Plane: Chest, Stomach, or Legs. Back Plane: Shoulder blades, back, glute, or legs.)

The batter runner is out when:

1. When she is legally put out prior to reaching first base after a dropped third strike.
2. When she hits a fair ball and is legally put out prior to reaching first base
3. When she hits a fair or foul ball, other than a foul tip, and it is legally caught by a defensive player prior to it touching the ground, or any object, person other than a defensive player.

EFFECT: The ball is live and each runner may advance regardless or being forced or not with liability to be put out.

4. When the infield fly rule is in effect and the batter hits an infield fly.

EFFECT: Rule 8-14-1-Effect

5. When either of her feet is completely outside the runner's lane, in contact with the ground, and, in the judgment of the official, she interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base. EXCEPTION: She may run outside the runner's lane to avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball.
6. When she moves backward toward home plate to delay or avoid being tagged.

EFFECT: (f) The ball is dead and all runners must return to the base last legally occupied.

7. When the officials rule an intentionally dropped fair fly ball.
8. When the immediately preceding base runner who is not yet out intentionally interferes, in the official's judgment, with a fielder who is attempting to catch a thrown ball or throw a ball in an attempt to complete a play.

EFFECT: The ball is dead, the batter-runner and base runner are out, and each other runner must return to the last base legally touched at the time of the interference.

9. A runner may not remain on her feet and deliberately, with great force, crash into a defensive player who is holding the ball and waiting to apply a tag.

The base runner is out when:

1. When she uses a running start (from a position behind and not in contact with the base) to tag up on a caught fly ball.

EFFECT: The ball is live. Base runners may advance with liability to be put out.

2. When she leaves the base she is occupying before the pitch is released and the defensive coach does not take the result of the play.

EFFECT: “No pitch” is declared, the batter is returned to the batter's box and the offending base runner is out. Each other base runner must return to the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

A base runner must touch each base in legal order (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and home plate) when advancing. When awarded bases the bases must also be touched in legal order.

1. A runner shall not run the bases in reverse order or intentionally run to the outfield to confuse the defense or create a travesty of the game.

EFFECT: The ball shall be declared dead and the runner is out. All other runners must return to the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

A runner who is required to return to a base while the ball is dead or in play must retouch the bases in reverse order.

EFFECT: For failure to touch a base when advancing or returning while the ball is in play, the runner is out if, before they reach each untouched base, they are legally tagged or if the ball is held by a fielder on the base they failed to touch, including home plate (live-ball appeal). If the appealed runner is the batter-runner at first base, or any other base runner forced to advance, this is a force out and no runs would score if it was the third out. It is still a force out when a base runner misses a base to which they were forced to advance and is subsequently appealed after the batter-runner or a trailing base runner has been retired. Any runner who misses the first base to which they are advancing and who is later called out shall be considered as having advanced one base.

The batter runner shall not retreat or step back in the direction of home plate to delay or avoid being tagged.

EFFECT: The ball is dead, the batter-runner is out, and each base runner must return to the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch

When a base becomes dislodged from its proper position, neither the initial base runner nor the trailing runner(s) in the same series of plays are required to follow the base out of position. The base is considered to have followed the runner.

EFFECT: The ball is live, and the runner may stay where they are without liability to be put out, or they may attempt to advance with liability to be put out. Each other runner may advance with liability to be put out. Each runner who attempts to advance to or past the dislodged base must touch the spot where the base should be located. At the conclusion of play, play is suspended, and the dislodged base shall be returned to its proper position.

The runner shall not slide out of the baseline nor outside their reach of the base they are attempting to slide into in order to slide directly at a fielder.

EFFECT: Interference.

The batter runner may legally overrun or over slide first base after initially reaching it safely, but if they faint or make an attempt to advance to second, they may be tagged out while they are off base by a defensive player with possession of the ball.

NOTE: This applies to a batter entitled to advance on a dropped third strike or a base on balls as well.

Any runner who overslides or overruns a base subsequently loses contact is at liability of being put out.

EFFECT: The runner is out if tagged while not in contact with the base and the ball remains live.

Any runner may overrun or overslide home plate after legally contacting it without being liable to be put out.

In the process of running the bases a runner is considered to have attained the base if they contact the base or pass the base (within a body's length). If they pass the base but have failed to touch it, they are considered to have touched it until the defense appeals they have missed the base.

If a runner fails to contact home plate and the fielder either misses or makes no attempt to tag the runner, the official should make no signal, verbal or nonverbal. If an appeal play is made (that is, by tagging either the runner or home plate), the official should then make a decision on the appeal.

1. If a runner fails to contact home plate, they are considered to have scored on a timing play. Should they return and touch home plate, the time is established upon contact with home plate. If they do not return, the time is established at the time they pass home plate.

If a batter-runner passes first base before the throw arrives, they are considered to have touched the base unless an appeal play is made.

A base runner is required to return to their base or remain in contact with their base until a batted fly ball whether fair or foul is first touched by a fielder. The initial contact of the ball by a fielder releases the base runner(s) from the base(s) occupied at the time of the pitch.

1. If a base runner leaves a base too soon on a legally caught fly ball, they may return in an attempt to retag with liability to be put out. Either the base runner or the base may be tagged by the defender in advance of the base-runner's return. This is considered a timing play and not a force out.

EFFECT: The ball is live (live-ball appeal). The base runner is out if they fail to retouch the base occupied at the time of the pitch before a fielder tags them or the base. If the appeal is the third out, all runs scored in advance of the appeal would count.

During a dead ball, a runner may return to a missed base or a base they left illegally even though they are awarded bases by the official. If they fail to legally touch the appropriate base, a proper appeal may result in the runner being ruled out.

EFFECT: An appeal must be honored even if the base missed or left too soon on a caught fly ball was before or after an award. Bases missed or left too soon on a caught fly ball must be retouched before advancing to awarded bases.

A runner may not return to touch a missed base or a base left too soon on a caught fly ball if:

1. They are standing on a base beyond the base they missed or left too soon, and play is suspended.
2. The ball is put back into play after having been dead
3. On a dead-ball base award, they have touched the final base of the base award.
4. They have left the field of play.
5. A trailing runner has scored.

In between pitches and after a dead ball, each base runner must return to their base. The pitcher is required to allow sufficient time for the base runner to return to their base, and the base runner is required to return to their base without undue delay.

The failure of a preceding base runner to touch or retouch a base or to legally tag up on a caught fly ball (and who is declared out) does not affect the status of a trailing runner who touches each base in proper order. However, after two are out, a trailing runner cannot score a run when a preceding runner is declared out for failing to touch a base in regular order or to legally tag up on a caught fly ball.

EFFECT: When the ball is live and the base runner is not given sufficient time to return to a base, they will not be called out for being off base before the pitcher releases the ball, a “No pitch” shall be declared and the runner is directed to return to their base. When the ball is dead, the ball will not be put in play until each base runner has retouched their base. However, a base runner may be declared out if, after being allowed a reasonable amount of time, they fail to retouch the base.

If play becomes suspended while a runner is standing on base they may not advance.

A runner may not abandon or willingly leave their occupied base:

1. After reaching a base safely, the runner abandons their base (for example, obviously heads toward their position or the dugout believing they were put out, the batted ball was foul, etc.), or leaves the field of play for any reason.

EFFECT: The ball is live. The batter-runner or base runner(s) is out. Each other runner may advance with liability to be put out.

EXCEPTION: The runner may not be declared out if a call/directive by a game official placed the runner in jeopardy.

2. In considering the scoring of runs, with two outs, the runner does not proceed to a base to which they are forced to advance.

EFFECT: The ball is live and the runner is out. Whether or not a run scores is determined by the defense. If the runner is declared out for abandonment, it is a timing play and the run would score if another runner touched home plate before the offending runner is declared out. If the defense puts the runner out by force out (tagging them or playing the ball to the base to which the runner was forced), the run would not score.

The double first base is a white colored base positioned in fair territory connected to a colored base positioned in foul territory.

Any batted ball contacting or bounding over any part of the colored base shall be ruled foul.

Any batted ball contacting or bounding over any part of the white base shall be ruled fair.

When a play is being attempted on the batter runner, the defense must use the white base to put the batter runner out. The batter runner must run to the colored base.

1. If the defense contacts only the colored base it shall be the same as missing the base.
2. If the batter runner only contacts the white base when there is a play being made at first base, the batter runner shall be judged to have missed first base. The batter runner shall be declared out on proper appeal if done prior to the batter runner returning to first base.

The defense and offense may use either base when:

1. On a batted fair ball or errant throw pulls the defender to foul territory.
2. The ball is thrown from the foul side of first base.
3. Any time there is a force out attempt from the foul side of first base.

When there is no play being made on the batter runner at first base, the batter runner may use either base.

After the batter runner achieves first base safely, runners and any defensive player may use the white or colored base. NOTE: The double first base shall be treated as one big base.

On a force play on the batter runner, while a defender is in contact with the white base, if the batter runner collides with the defender on the white base it shall be declared interference.

A runner acquires the right to a base by touching it before being put out.

A runner is entitled to hold the base until she has legally touched the next base in order or is forced to vacate it for a trailing runner.

Two runners may not occupy the same base simultaneously.

EFFECT: The runner who first legally occupied the base is entitled to it, unless forced to advance. The other runner may be put out by being contacted with the ball securely held in the hand or glove/mitt of the fielder.

NOTE: If a runner is being run down between bases and the trailing runner occupies the same base the first runner has left, the trailing runner cannot be put out while occupying said base. If the first runner, however, returns safely to the base she left and both runners then are occupying the same base, the trailing runner is out if touched with the ball.

Interference is an act that denies or inhibits a defensive player a reasonable opportunity to make a play (fielding or throwing) anywhere on the field of play. Interference may be intentional, unintentional, physical, or verbal.Interference can be caused by offensive players (batter, runner, on-deck batter), coaches, game officials, nongame personnel, and or spectators. Interference may also be caused by the offensive team in its entirety due to loose equipment belonging to them.

The batter runner commits an act of interference when:

1. She contacts the ball with the bat a second time in fair territory.

EFFECT: Rule 8-11-1-Effect 2.

2. She throws the entire bat into fair territory resulting in interfering with a defensive player attempting to make a play.

EFFECT: 8-11-1-Effect 4.

3. The batter-runner may not interfere with a fielder attempting to field a batted ball.
4. The batter-runner may not interfere with the catcher's attempt to field a third strike.
5. The batter-runner may not interfere with a fielder's attempt to throw or to receive a thrown ball.

EXAMPLES:
1) The batter-runner may not run outside the runner's lane and, in the official's judgment, interfere with the fielder taking the throw at first base. (Except to avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball).
2) The batter-runner may not slide into first base to interfere with the play whether on her or another runner.

6. The batter-runner may not intentionally interfere with a thrown ball while out of the batter's box.

EFFECT: The ball is dead, the batter-runner is out, and each base runner must return to the last base occupied at the time of the pitch. If the interference, in the official's judgment, is an obvious attempt to prevent a double play, the base runner closest to home plate also shall be called out.

7. The batter-runner may not interfere with a play at home plate in an attempt to prevent an obvious out at home plate.

EFFECT: The ball is dead. The batter-runner and the base runner advancing to home plate shall both be declared out. Each other base runner must return to the last base occupied at the time of the pitch.

The base runners commit an act of interference when:

1. She interferes with a defensive player attempting to field a batted ball.
2. She intentionally contacts a ball that an infielder has missed.
3. She contacts an untouched, fair batted ball after it passes a defensive player if another defensive player has an opportunity to make a play.
4. She contacts a fair batted ball, while off base, prior to it contacting a defensive player (including the pitcher) or before it passes a defensive player (other than the pitcher), who has a reasonable chance to make a play.
5. She intentionally removes her helmet or other personal equipment to deliberately interfere with a batted or thrown ball.
6. Physical contact by the runner with a fielder attempting to field a fair batted ball shall be interference, provided the fielder had a reasonable chance to make a play.
7. The runner may not at any time unnecessarily wave her arms or verbally distract the fielder.
8. When the defensive player, while watching the flight of a ball, bumps a base runner who is standing on a base and fails to make a catch on a catchable ball, the base runner shall not be called out unless the hindrance is intentional. A base runner must vacate any space needed by a fielder to make a play on a batted ball, unless the base runner has contact with a legally occupied base when the hindrance occurs. This is an exception to the rule that defensive players must be given the opportunity to field the ball anywhere on the playing field without being hindered.
9. It is still interference if a batted ball is misplayed and remains in front of a fielder such that the fielder still has an opportunity to make a play, and the runner contacts the fielder. However, if the misplayed ball bounds away or past the fielder and then contact occurs as the fielder and runner collide, this may be considered inadvertent contact.
10. Interference occurs when the ball ricochets off one defensive player, and another player still has the opportunity to make a play, but the runner intentionally interferes with the second fielder.
11. If two fielders try to field a batted ball and the base runner contacts one or both, the official shall determine which one is more likely to field the ball, and only that fielder is entitled to protection.

EFFECT: The ball is dead. The batter runner is awarded first base unless she is the player guilty of interference. The offending runner is out. Each base runner not forced by the batter-runner must return to the last base legally touched at the time interference occurred. If in the official's judgment, an obvious attempt to prevent a double play occurs before the runner is put out, the runner being played on also is called out. If the interference occurs after the runner is put out, the runner closest to home plate also is called out. If the interference is with a fielder attempting to field a routine fair fly ball, the batter is also out. If the base runner is off a base and is hit by an infield fly, both the base runner and the batter are out. However, if the base runner is stopped at base when she is struck by an infield fly, only the batter is out. If two base runners are hit by the same fair ball, only the first base runner is out.

12. A runner may not remain on her feet and deliberately, with great force, crash into a defensive player who is holding the ball and waiting to apply a tag

EFFECT: The ball is dead, the runner is called out and ejected. If the game officials judge it was an intentional attempt to break up a double play both the offender and the other runner being played on are declared out. If the offender is a retired runner, the runner closest to home plate shall be declared out.

13. The base runner who immediately precedes the batter-runner and who is not yet out may not intentionally interfere, in the official's judgment, with a fielder who is attempting to catch a thrown ball or to throw a ball in an attempt to complete a play.

EFFECT: The ball is dead, the batter-runner and base runner are out, and each other runner must return to the last base legally touched at the time the interference occurred.

The runner is not out and it shall not be deemed interference when:

1. When a defensive player fields a ground ball and attempts to tag the runner who crashes into her causing the ball to come loose.
2. When a defensive player is standing watching the ball roll near the foul line and the runner makes incidental contact, the defensive player is not entitled to protection as she is not fielding the ball.
3. When the runner is hit with a fair batted ball while standing in foul territory and, in the official's judgment, no defensive player has a reasonable opportunity to make a play.
4. When the bat breaks and a part of it is hit by the batted ball in fair territory or a part of it hits a runner or a defender.
5. When a batted ball is misplayed, the ball bounds away or past the defensive player, and then the defensive player and runner collide.
6. When the runner is hit with a fair, untouched batted ball that has passed a defensive player (other than the pitcher) and, in the official's judgment, no other defender had a reasonable opportunity to make a play. If the ball contacts the runner while still in flight, it shall be considered a ground ball; it cannot be caught as a fly ball.
7. When more than one defensive player attempts to field a batted ball and the runner comes into contact with the one who, in the official's judgment, could not have made a play.
8. When the runner, not in contact with a base, is unintentionally hit by a fair batted ball after it touches or is touched by any fielder (including the pitcher).

EFFECT: The ball is live and all runners may advance with liability to be put out.

9. When the base runner is hit by a fair batted ball while in contact with a base, unless she intentionally interferes with the ball or a fielder making a play.

EFFECT: The ball is live or dead, depending on the position of the defensive player closest to the base. If the closest defensive player is in front of the base that the base runner is in contact with, the ball is live. The batter runner and any other base runner may advance with liability to be put out. If the closest defensive player is behind the base that the base runner is in contact with, the ball is dead. The batter is awarded first base, and each other base runner not forced by the batter runner must return to the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch. If the official rules intentional interference, the ball is dead, and the batter is out if there are two outs. If there are fewer than two outs, both the batter and the base runner are out. Each base runner must return to the base legally occupied at the time of the interference.

Interference by a Retired Member of the Offense, Offensive Team Personnel or Loose Offensive Equipment.

1. Once the pitch has crossed home plate, offensive team personnel may not interfere with a fielder who has a reasonable opportunity to make a play on a thrown or pitched ball within the field of play.
2. An offensive player, who no longer has status (a retired member of the offense or a player who has scored), may not interfere with a defensive player making a play on an active runner

EFFECT: The ball is dead, and the runner closest to home plate at the time of the interference shall be declared out. Each base runner must return to the last base legally touched at the time of the interference, unless forced to advance.

EXCEPTION: If the batter struck out and is still in the batter's box when she interferes with the catcher's attempt to throw out a base runner, the base runner being played on, not the runner closest to home plate, is declared out.

3. Offensive team personnel shall not stand or congregate around a base to which a runner is advancing, confusing the fielders and adding to the difficulty of making the play.

EFFECT: The ball is dead, and the runner being played on is out. Each other runner must return to the last base legally touched at the time of the interference.

Offensive team personnel shall not interfere with a runner who is legally running the bases on a dead-ball award until the runner contacts home plate or hinder an official's ability to see that all bases are properly touched.

1. Offensive team personnel, other than base coaches and base runners, shall not touch a runner until the runner contacts home plate.
2. Offensive base coaches may not physically assist (help up, push, pull, grab) a runner in any way.
3. Offensive team personnel shall congregate only in foul territory around home plate to congratulate the runner.

EFFECT: (a & b) The ball is dead and the player touched is immediately declared out and credited with the last base legally touched at the time of the interference. (c) The ball is dead and the batter runner is declared out and credited with the last base legally touched at the time team personnel entered fair territory. In all cases, each other base runner must return to the last base legally touched at the time of the violation.

Base Coach Interference

1. A coach, whether in or out of the coach's box, shall not intentionally interfere with a thrown ball or interfere with the defensive team's opportunity to make a play on a runner.
2. The offensive coach near third base shall not run in the direction of home plate on or near the baseline while a fielder is attempting to make a play on a batted or thrown ball with a runner in scoring position, drawing a throw to home plate

NOTE: The coach's box is not a sanctuary for the coach when a play is being made in the vicinity of the coach's box.

EFFECT: The ball is dead, the runner closest to home plate shall be declared out, andveach other runner must return to the last base legally touched at the time of thevinterference.

EXCEPTION: If a thrown ball accidentally touches a coach in foul territory, the ball is live. It is not interference if the individual tries to evade the ball or is not aware that the ball is coming.

An offensive player who is entitled to advance because of a base award is not in jeopardy of being put out. However, upon proper appeal by the defense, she may be called out for a base-running violation.

If forced, each base runner must advance one base with no liability to be put out.

If a base runner touches the next base and returns to her original base, the original base she left is considered the last base touched for the purpose of an award.

First Base shall be awarded to the batter with no liability to be put out when:

1. Catcher obstruction occurs.

EFFECT: Rule 6-2-2-Sub a-Effect

2. When a batter is pitched four balls (base on balls).

EFFECT: (b) The ball is live unless blocked. The batter may advance beyond first base with liability to be put out. If forced, each base runner must advance one base with no liability to be put out. If not forced, each base runner may advance with liability to be put out.

3. A pitched ball contacts the batter.

EFFECT: Rule 8-12-1-Effect

4. When a fair, untouched batted ball contacts an official or his/her attached equipment or clothing after passing a fielder (including the pitcher), but another fielder had a chance to make a play.
5. When a fair, untouched batted ball contacts an official or his/her attached equipment or clothing prior to touching a fielder (including the pitcher) or before passing a fielder (other than a pitcher).

EFFECT: The ball is dead, and the batter is awarded first base. Each base runner not forced by the batter-runner must return to the base legally occupied at the time of the interference.

6. When runner interference is ruled and the effect does not include the batter-runner being called out.

EFFECT: Rule 9-9-3-Effect

Second Base shall be awarded to the batter with no liability to be put out when:

1. When a fair batted ball deflects off a defensive player and enters dead-ball territory (excluding a ball deflected over the home run fence in fair territory), or passes an infielder (excluding the pitcher), deflects off a base runner or game official, and crosses into dead-ball territory, provided no other infielder has a reasonable chance to make a play.
2. When a fair batted ball deflects off a fence and then off a fielder before going over the home run fence.
3. When a fair batted ball deflects off a member of the defensive team in an unauthorized area.
4. When a fair batted fly ball clears a home run fence by first bounding off the ground.
5. When a fair batted ball touches loose equipment belonging to the defense.
6. When a fair batted ball bounces over, wedges under or passes through a fence or any designated boundary of the playing field, or becomes blocked.
7. When a fair batted ball lodges in the fence, or in shrubbery or vines on the fence.

EFFECT: The ball is dead. The batter is awarded second base and is credited with a two-base hit (double). Each other base runner is awarded two bases from the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

Third Base shall be awarded to the batter with no liability to be put out when:

1. When an illegal catch or touch is made on a batted ball that, in the opinion of the official, might become fair.
2. When a fielder intentionally contacts or catches a fair batted ball with her cap, helmet, mask, chest protector, glove/mitt or any part of her uniform that is detached from its proper place on her person.

EFFECT: Delayed dead ball is signaled. The batter is awarded third base and credited with a three-base hit (triple), but may advance farther with liability to be put out. Each other base runner is awarded home plate.

Home Plate shall be awarded to the batter with no liability to be put out when:

1. When a fair batted fly ball is deflected by a fielder or fielders over the home run fence in fair territory
2. An illegal catch or touch is made on a fair hit ball that, in the judgment of the official, would have cleared the home run fence in flight
3. When a fair batted fly ball strikes the foul pole above the fence level or leaves the playing field in fair territory without being caught, touching the ground or going through the fence.

EFFECT: The ball is dead. The batter-runner is entitled to a home run, and each other base runner is awarded home plate.

Runners shall be awarded one base without liability to be put out when:

1. A defensive player intentionally contacts or catches a pitched ball with any equipment or any part of her uniform that is detached from its proper place.

EFFECT: Delayed dead ball is signaled. Each base runner is awarded one base from the base occupied at the time of the pitch but may advance farther with liability to be put out. If the pitch resulted in a base on balls or a dropped third strike, the batter-runner is awarded first base, but may advance farther with liability to be put out.

EXCEPTION: If no play is apparent, there is no penalty.

2. A fielder legally catches the ball but it falls into dead ball territory.
3. A fielder loses possession of the ball, such as on an attempted tag, and the ball enters dead-ball territory or becomes blocked.

EFFECT: The ball is dead. Each base runner is awarded one base from the last base legally touched at the time the ball entered dead-ball territory.

4. When a live ball is unintentionally carried by a fielder from playable territory into dead-ball territory.

EFFECT: The ball is dead. Each base runner is awarded one base from the last base legally touched at the time the fielder entered dead-ball territory.

5. When a pitch is blocked, it lodges in or goes under, over or through the backstop or into dead-ball territory.

EFFECT: The ball is dead. The batter is awarded first base only on the fourth ball or on a dropped third strike. Each base runner is awarded one base from the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

6. If forced to vacate a base because of a one-base award to the batter.

EFFECT: The ball is live unless blocked. Each base runner advances one base if forced and may advance farther with liability to be put out. If unforced, each base runner may advance with liability to be put out.

Runners shall be awarded two bases without liability to be put out when:

1. A defensive player intentionally contacts or catches a thrown ball with any equipment or part of her uniform that is detached from its proper place

EFFECT: When a fielder intentionally contacts or catches a thrown ball with any equipment or part of her uniform that is detached from its proper place

2. The official judges, a fielder intentionally carries, kicks, pushes or throws a live ball from playable territory into dead-ball territory.

EFFECT: The ball is dead. Each runner is awarded two bases from the last base legally touched at the time the ball enters dead-ball territory

3. A live thrown ball enters dead-ball territory, deflects off a member of the defensive team in an unauthorized area, or contacts loose defensive equipment not involved in the game, but on the playing field.

EFFECT: The ball is ruled blocked and dead. Each runner is awarded two bases from the last base legally touched when the ball left the fielder's hand. If two runners are between the same bases, the award is based on the position of the lead runner.

EXCEPTION: (1) When a fielder loses possession of the ball. (2) If the ball becomes blocked because of offensive equipment not involved in the game,