Apr 6

2026 Umpire Exam

2026 Umpire Exam

2

2026 MSF Umpire Exam

NSF/MSF

Umpire Exam 2026

This exam is based on the rules/definitions found in the NSF/MSF Softball Rulebook, 5th Edition.

Select the most correct answer. Read the question, and all selections carefully and completely.

If abbreviations or acronyms are used in this exam, F = fielder, B = batter and R = runner.  FP is for fastpitch; MP refers to Modified

The following questions may be applicable for Slowpitch, Fastpitch, and Modified Pitch.
If the rules differ for the three, the first set of questions default to Slowpitch rules.

If you fail to receive a passing score on this test you must retake it by going to the right–hand side of the MSF Umpires page on www.msf1.org and click on 2026 Umpire Exam and take a new random one.

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1 / 75

The umpire signals that play is ready, and the pitcher has the ball in position to pitch, the batter

2 / 75

A pitcher must do all of the following prior to delivering a legal pitch in slowpitch, EXCEPT:

3 / 75

Players may not wear dangerous jewelry or a uniform containing dangerous or reflective ornaments unless authorized by the team manager.

4 / 75

A runner must return to the last base legally occupied, when

5 / 75

If a batter hits a pitched ball with an altered bat, it is considered an “illegally batted ball”.

6 / 75

A Runner is at second base. Batter hits a ground ball to an infielder who throws to first base. Batter-runner touches only the white portion and collides with Fielder who is standing on the white portion about to receive the ball. The correct ruling is:

7 / 75

In FP, A team may use a FLEX/DP option only if they have made it known in the pre-game conference before play has begun.

8 / 75

In FP, Which of the following would be an illegal pitch?

9 / 75

If a fair batted ball strikes an umpire before passing a fielder other than pitcher:

10 / 75

Bases are loaded with two outs. Batter hits a fly ball that lands in left-center field. Runner tries to score from first base. Which of the following timing play statements are applied correctly?

11 / 75

For MP, Which of the following is true for a legal delivery:

12 / 75

Players from either team may warm up in the opposing team’s on-deck circle.

13 / 75

The correct pitching distance for Men’s or Women’s Adult slowpitch is:

14 / 75

At the time of the pitch, all defensive players must be in fair territory.

15 / 75

If a runner runs in front of a fielder or outside a base path to avoid interfering with an infielder making an initial play on a batted ball,

16 / 75

A base runner establishes their own base path if they are not being played upon.

17 / 75

The Flop Rule can be invoked if any of the following occur, EXCEPT:

18 / 75

If the ball is thrown out of play by an infielder, with a runner between 2nd and 3rd and the batter-runner not yet to 1st base, the umpire should award:

19 / 75

For FP and MP, If a pitch touches a batters clothing,

20 / 75

An infield fly may be called by the umpire in which situation:

21 / 75

A runner must always slide to avoid contact at home plate.

22 / 75

The pitcher may deliver a pitch from the glove, as long as it is a continuous forward motion.

23 / 75

The ball becomes dead in all of the following situations, EXCEPT:

24 / 75

Runner is on first base with one out.  Batter hits a long fly ball to left field. The ball is over foul territory when first touched and is dropped by Fielder. On the fly ball, Runner touched second base and was moving to third as the ball was dropped. Runner shall: 

25 / 75

A substitute may enter the game without reporting, as long as they are properly listed on the scorecard.

26 / 75

Any player showing signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion, or balance problems) shall be immediately removed from the game and shall not return to play until cleared by the umpire.

27 / 75

If the catcher accidentally bumps the batter's bat as they are swinging at a pitch, and the batted ball subsequently is a ground ball to the infield:

28 / 75

The score for a forfeited game, with play never started, is recorded as:

29 / 75

If a defensive player attempts a fake tag on a runner they should be called out.

30 / 75

An umpire is required to review video on a close call, if either team offers a recording.

31 / 75

In FP, an intentional walk requires all pitches to be delivered to the batter.

32 / 75

The entire pitched ball must pass completely through the strike zone to be considered a strike.

33 / 75

The pitcher's plate is how wide?

34 / 75

Which of the following situations would not result in the batter being called out? 

35 / 75

Each team may use only 1 courtesy runner per ½ inning.

36 / 75

If a pitched ball passes through the strike zone and strikes the plate

37 / 75

A runner is not required to run in a direct path to a base if a fielder in the direct line does not have the ball and is not attempting to make a play on the runner.

38 / 75

In NSF-MSF Postseason Tournament Play, players may be added to the scorecard/lineup after the first pitch is thrown.

39 / 75

When a coach makes a substitution during a game, the home plate umpire should report the substitution to:

40 / 75

A batted ball that carries over the outfield fence and strikes the right side of the 1st base side foul pole in flight is:

41 / 75

If the ball becomes Blocked due to offensive equipment not involved in the game, the ball is dead and all runners are awarded one base from the last base touched prior to the ball being blocked.

42 / 75

A verbal or physical act by an offensive player to hinder or confuse a defensive player is:

43 / 75

In FP, a No Pitch is called if the pitcher attempts a quick return of the ball before the batter has taken a position in the batter’s box or if the batter is off-balance.

44 / 75

The batter hits a high fly ball down the line to right field. Fielder, with both feet clearly in fair territory, reaches across the foul line in an attempt to catch the ball. While the ball is still in the air, completely over foul ground, the ball deflects off of Fielder’s glove and lands in fair territory. The correct call is:

45 / 75

An umpire may only use smokeless tobacco when they are the field or base umpire.

46 / 75

A slide is illegal if:

47 / 75

A runner, while not in contact with a base, is struck with a fair untouched batted ball that a fielder could have made a play on. An OUT is called.

48 / 75

A runner intentionally interferes with a defensive players ability to complete a double play:

49 / 75

There is a play at 1st Base on a fair batted ball. The batter-runner beats the throw by 2 steps and touches only the white portion of the double-base. The defensive player controls the ball and touches the white portion of the base.

50 / 75

A batter can be assessed a penalty strike if they intentionally delay the game.

51 / 75

If  runner1 passes  another preceding runner2 who has not been obstructed or put out:

52 / 75

The game begins when :

53 / 75

Runner is caught in a rundown between second and third base. As Runner is attempting to return to second base, he/she is obstructed by Fielder and subsequently tagged while off the base by another Fielder. What does the umpire call?:

54 / 75

A runner is struck with a fair batted ball they were unable to avoid, after the ball was deflected by a defensive player

55 / 75

A fair batted ball rolls or bounces through a hole in the outfield fence. The umpire should:

56 / 75

Which situation is not a possible appeal play?

57 / 75

The batter’s box is 4’6” wide by 6’6” long.

58 / 75

An out is awarded on a caught fly ball when it is verified that:

59 / 75

A runner is struck with a fair batted ball they attempted to avoid while touching a base,

60 / 75

All of the following are true regarding the catcher's box, EXCEPT:

61 / 75

The proper signal for an illegal pitch is:

62 / 75

An interpretation of an umpires call may be requested by the manager of either team playing.

63 / 75

An umpire’s decision involving judgement may be questioned by the manager of the home team.

64 / 75

In FP, 2 complete revolutions of the arm are allowed for a legal pitch.

65 / 75

Appeals must be made:

66 / 75

If an eye/face shield mask or helmet is used in the infield, it can be reflective, as long as it has less than 70% tint.

67 / 75

Players found to be using altered, illegal, or banned bats will be:

68 / 75

If an illegal pitch is called and the batter doesn’t swing:

69 / 75

Batter hits a ground ball to the infield. Two fielders attempt to make a play on the ball and collide, with one of them collapsing with an apparent serious injury. The umpire should: 

70 / 75

The batter-runner or runner may touch either the white or colored portion of double 1st base when advancing on a fair ball hit to the outfield when there is no play attempted at first base.

71 / 75

Which of the following are NOT appealable plays?

72 / 75

The pitcher may pitch the ball between the legs as long as it is in continuous motion.

73 / 75

Which members of the offensive team are permitted to be outside the designated bench/warm-up area during play?

74 / 75

Concussion symptoms typically include:

75 / 75

In youth FP, a batting helmet shall be worn by offensive personnel while:

Your score is