Help me understand the criteria to rule an error versus a hit.

What is the criteria to rule an error versus a hit?

Are there specific guidelines that need to be followed in determining an error? For example, does a play have to physically touch the ball in order to be charged with an error?

Top_Notch said:

What is the criteria to rule an error versus a hit?

Are there specific guidelines that need to be followed in determining an error? For example, does a play have to physically touch the ball in order to be charged with an error?

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NCAA Scoring Guidelines:

http://www.soconsports.com/fls/4000...3-14/softball_stats_manual.pdf?DB_OEM_ID=4000

The answer to your question is that it is complicated but it is clearer after reading these guidelines.

If the ball goes right through your legs under your glove and you don't touch it - error so there are clearly situations where it is an error if you don't touch it, but there is also many cases where you do touch the ball and it isn't an error... But if you make a mental mistake - no error. And do on....

Section 21 (page 11) of the NCAA Baseball and Softball Scoring Guide has a pretty good summary of what is and is not an error.

https://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/Stats_Manuals/Baseball/baseball_softball_scorebook.pdf

When talking about a hit ball, an error is charged for the failure to make a routine play, not the failure to make an exceptional one. As mentioned above, a ball rolling through the legs is a no-brainer, but a ball that takes a wicked hop in close, or has some kind of weird spin, and is missed by the fielder, isn't an error. A lazy fly ball to 2B that drops right at her feet, but never touches a glove, is typically an error, but a player dropping a line drive that she went horizontal trying to catch ISN'T an error. For younger age groups and lower levels of play, adjust the bar lower. If a play required more than routine effort for the level of play that you're seeing, credit a hit.

My default is that if you've played the game and read the scoring criteria, you'll know an error when you see it. I've seen people claim something was an error who would have no prayer themselves of making that play. Almost without exception, their DD is the pitcher! If you have to wonder about it or debate the issue, credit a base hit.

The links didn't work for me, but I am at work, so there's that. Pretty much what I knew, but was told differently. It didn't seem right, so I wanted to clarification, in writing. I know there are often times plays that are questionable and difficult to determine and one could make a case either way.

Think about what happens at the time the ball arrives. Should the player make the play with reasonable effort. Ignore all the stuff that happened previous to that. That's why a popup that no one calls is not an error. It's a mistake and sucks for the P, but it's still a hit.

Top_Notch said:

The links didn't work for me, but I am at work, so there's that. Pretty much what I knew, but was told differently. It didn't seem right, so I wanted to clarification, in writing. I know there are often times plays that are questionable and difficult to determine and one could make a case either way.

Click to expand...

Take the S off of the https: in the link provided.