Know the Rules- Part 12

Last Week's Question:

Once in a while we have a situation in a game where a coach calls for an intentional walk to a batter.  It doesn't happen very often, but it's important that the pitcher, catcher and batter all know what their roles are.

What should the pitcher be doing?
What should the catcher be doing?
What should the batter be doing?

Answer:

An intentional walk is really a very simple procedure.  In normal Softball Canada (and ASA) rules, the batter must physically stand in the batter's box until they are delivered 4 balls.  In ISF rules, however, the catcher is allowed to notify the plate umpire that they want to intentionally walk the batter and the process of pitching to the batter is eliminated.

The pitcher needs to pitch the ball legally.  This means they cannot just drop the ball at their feet.  If an intentional drop is performed, then it is an illegal pitch.  The batter still gets a ball on the pitch, however all base runners advance one base...probably not ideal in situations where you're intentionally walking a batter.  It is still considered a ball to the batter if for example the ball slips from the pitcher's hand upon delivery or it rolls in towards the plate.

The catcher can set-up for the intentional walk anywhere they like as long as they are in the catcher's box behind the plate.  We usually see the catcher stand up and extend one arm to the side to indicate the intentional walk.  The key thing to mention here is that they are not allowed to move out of the catcher's box until the pitch has left the pitcher's hand.

The batter needs to stand in the batter's box and be ready to hit.  It's important that they don't give up on the at-bat, because I'm sure it's happened more than once where the pitcher has accidentally missed the target on intentional walk and pitched a strike (or close to it) instead.  The batter can in fact swing at any pitch they want, as long as they don't step on home plate.


This Week's Question:

In which situations does the dropped third strike rule come into play?