What counts as interference in the 2026-2029 rules?
Rule- Australia
- Softball Australia
- Fast pitch
- WBSC rules
- Umpire accreditation
- All ages
- 2026-2029
- Umpires
WBSC rule 5.1.30 (2026-2029) defines interference as the act of:
- an offensive player or team member who impedes, hinders or confuses a defensive player attempting to execute a play;
- an umpire who impedes a catcher's attempt to throw out a runner who is off the base;
- an umpire or runner being hit with a fair untouched batted ball before it touches a fielder (including the pitcher), before it passes an infielder other than the pitcher, or after it passes a fielder (excluding the pitcher) when, in the umpire's judgment, another fielder had a chance to make an out; or
- a spectator who enters or reaches into the playing field and impedes a fielder playing the ball, or makes contact with a ball a fielder is attempting to play.
Where a batter-runner or runner commits an act of interference before advancing one base on an illegal pitch that was hit, the illegal pitch is nullified and the interference is enforced (rule 4.3 effects).
Updated 24 Oct 2026