Newmarket Minor Softball Association
Providing over 35 years of continuous softball enjoyment in Newmarket
5. Batter stepping on home plate or mat or directly in front of home plate or mat.
Stepping on Home Plate or Mat
- the batter is out if any part of their foot is touching home plate or touching the mat when the bat contacts the ball
- the ball is dead and runners may not advance on the play
Stepping directly in front of Home Plate or Mat
- The batter is out if their foot is completely outside the lines of the batter’s box and touching the ground when the bat contacts the ball - therefore if the batter’s foot is completely in front of home plate their foot is obviously completely outside the lines of the batter’s box.
- The batter is out if their foot is completely in front or behind the mat touching the ground when the bat contacts the ball.
- The ball is dead and runners may not advance on the play.
Points of Emphasis:
- There is no penalty unless the batter makes contact with the ball.
- The position of the foot must be judged at the time the bat makes contact with the ball - if the foot is in the air and then comes down on the ground after the ball is hit, there is no penalty.
- With the exception of the foot touching home plate or touching the mat, the foot must be completely outside the lines of the batter’s box - touching any part of the lines is acceptable as the lines are part of the box.
- The same penalty applies whether the batted ball is fair or foul - “Dead Ball” is called as soon as the batter makes contact with the ball.
