What is the name of the play on which an umpire may not make a decision until asked by the coach?

What is the name of the play on which an umpire may not make a decision until asked by the coach?

• A. A two-out play
• B. An appeal bunt
• C. A tag play
• D. An obstruction call

Answer: (B)

The scenario described involves a specific situation in softball where the umpire's decision-making is contingent on a coach's inquiry, which applies to the concept of an "appeal play." In softball, an appeal play occurs when a defensive team requests the umpire to make a call regarding a baserunning error or a missed base. For example, if a runner fails to touch a base or leaves a base too early on a catch, the defensive team can appeal to the umpire for a ruling on the situation. In this context, the umpire will not make a ruling until the coach or the defensive team brings it to their attention, which is why it’s called an "appeal." The coach must actively notify the umpire that an appeal play is occurring, prompting the umpire to then make a decision based on the appeal. This differentiates it from other plays, which may be assessed by the umpire without needing a specific request from the coach.

The scenario described involves a specific situation in softball where the umpire's decision-making is contingent on a coach's inquiry, which applies to the concept of an "appeal play." In softball, an appeal play occurs when a defensive team requests the umpire to make a call regarding a baserunning error or a missed base. For example, if a runner fails to touch a base or leaves a base too early on a catch, the defensive team can appeal to the umpire for a ruling on the situation.

In this context, the umpire will not make a ruling until the coach or the defensive team brings it to their attention, which is why it’s called an "appeal." The coach must actively notify the umpire that an appeal play is occurring, prompting the umpire to then make a decision based on the appeal. This differentiates it from other plays, which may be assessed by the umpire without needing a specific request from the coach.