A report published in the Journal of Sports Sciences studied 365 NCAA collegiate games during the 2004-05 season and found that officials had a terrific knack for keeping the foul count even, regardless of which team was more aggressive. READ MORE
Written by Team Ref 60 - Video by NFHS Official's Education Library
Umpires must be diligent when ruling on a runner being obstructed when touching (or returning) to a base. The fielder may not impede the runner's progress in returning to the base when she does NOT have possession of the ball.
If this illegal act is not called properly, the defense has a distinct unfair advantage over the runner.
Watch this NFHS Official's education video ... and decide if the base umpire ruled on the play properly AND used proper mechanics.
Click the READ MORE link ... for commentary and the correct ruling!
A batter-runner may OVERRUN first base and return directly to it without liability to be put out.
If she attempts to ADVANCE toward second base and decides to RETURN (to first) she is at risk to be tagged out.
However once the PITCHER has control of the live ball WITHIN THE PITCHING CIRCLE the following items may also apply:
The BATTER-RUNNER may ROUND first base (towards 2nd base), STOP momentarily, then immediately WITHOUT STOPPING again …
RETURN to first base.
OR she may ADVANCE to second base.
Provided the BATTER-RUNNER stops ONCE momentarily then either ADVANCESorRETURNS, it shall be legal … but is at liability to be tagged out if the pitcher makes a play on her.
This includes a BATTER-RUNNER advancing from a walk, dropped 3rd strike, or any legal method while the ball is live.
For more information on rule differences between high school, amateur, and independent softball organizations ... CLICK HERE.
If the batter PREVENTS the ball from ENTERING the strike zone by any method OTHER than hitting the ball OR a pitched ball HITS a BATTER while the BALL is IN the strike zone:
The play is considered a DEAD-BALL strike.
The BALL is DEAD.
A STRIKE is given to the batter.
RUNNERS must RETURN to original bases occupied at the time of pitch.
In NFHS play: Intentionally preventing the ball from entering the strike zone and making a travesty of the game can result in either a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct, restriction to the bench, or even ejection based on the umpires judgment.
Fastpitch Softball Umpiring
Umpires must be diligent when ruling on a runner being obstructed when touching (or returning) to a base. The fielder may not impede the runner's progress in returning to the base when she does 
A batter-runner may OVERRUN first base and return directly to it without liability to be put out. 
