What is an appeal play in softball?
A · Advanced · Pitching and base running · 6 of 6It is a ruling the umpire gives only when asked. If a runner misses a base or leaves too soon on a caught fly ball, the umpire says nothing until the defence appeals. The appeal must come before the next pitch. Batting out of order and illegal substitutions are appeal plays too.
How it works
- The idea: a play in which "an Umpire cannot make a decision unless requested".
- Running appeals: missing a base, leaving early on a caught fly and trying for second after overrunning first.
- Line-up appeals: batting out of order, an unreported substitute, an illegal re-entry and the wrong placed runner.
- Live ball appeal: a fielder with the ball touches the base missed or tags the runner.
- Dead ball appeal: once time is called, any infielder may ask aloud, with or without the ball.
- By a coach: allowed on a dead ball, after stepping onto the field.
- The deadline: before the next pitch, legal or illegal.
- At the end of an inning: before every fielder has left fair territory.
- At the end of a game: before the umpires leave the field.
- Line-up appeals last longer: they may be made for as long as the player is in the game.
- After three outs: a further appeal may still be made to cancel a run.
- Putting it right: a runner may go back to touch a missed base while the ball is dead, before the appeal.
The glossary has the appeal play, the fly ball, the base, the dead ball, the live ball and the umpire.
Tricky cases
A runner misses second base on the way to third. The pitcher throws the next pitch. Can the defence still appeal?
No. The chance is lost once the next pitch, legal or illegal, has been thrown.
With two out, a runner scores but missed third base. The third out is then made at second. Can the run be taken off?
Yes. An appeal may be made after the third out in order to remove a run.
A batter out of turn hits a single, and the defence notices before the next pitch. What is the ruling?
The player who should have batted is out, and any advance made on the hit is cancelled.
Can a coach appeal that a runner was tagged before reaching the base?
No. Safe or out is a judgement, not an appeal play, and a judgement cannot be protested.
Why the rule exists
Some mistakes are for the opposing team to notice. Making them appeal plays keeps the umpire from coaching one side, and rewards a defence that watches the runners' feet. The deadline stops a team from saving an appeal for a better moment.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Base running | Appeal before the next pitch | WBSC Softball Rule 1.2.6 a |
| Illegal re-entry, unreported substitute | Appeal at any time the player is in the game | WBSC Softball Rule 3.3 |
| Protests | Only on a misapplied rule, never on judgement | WBSC Softball Rule 1.2.8; 1.2.10 |
| Senior World Cups and Olympic Games | Video review is also used | WBSC Softball World Cup Regulation C7.3 |
From the rule book
World Baseball Softball Confederation, Official Rules of Softball: Fast Pitch (2026-2029), Rules 1.1.1, 1.2.5 d, 1.2.6, 1.2.8 to 1.2.11, 3.3 and 5.4.1. WBSC, Softball World Cups Tournament Regulations (revised 3 March 2026), C7.3. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: WBSC Official Rules of Softball, Fast Pitch, 2026-2029 (PDF).