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Are You a Pro at Ball or Strike Calls? Take the Umpire Quiz

Think you know Little League umpire rules? Prove it with this baseball umpiring quiz!

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Andy HinderlieUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper cut style illustration of umpire mask baseball and whistle on teal background for Little League umpiring quiz

This umpire quiz helps you practice ball or strike calls, apply Little League rules on gear, and make in-game judgments with confidence. Use it to spot gaps before game day, then try more umpire scenarios and check tips in the North Regina Little League guide.

A pitch passes over any part of home plate at the batter's knees and the batter does not swing. What is the correct call in Little League?
Strike
Dead ball
Ball
Foul ball
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With two strikes, the batter bunts the pitch foul. What is the call?
Live ball, batter may run
Foul ball, count remains two strikes
Batter is out, strike three
Dead ball, runner on third scores
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The plate umpire calls a check swing a ball. The catcher asks for an appeal. What should the plate umpire do?
Ignore the request; no appeals are allowed on balls
Ask the appropriate base umpire for help on the swing
Reverse the call to a strike without consulting
Eject the catcher for arguing balls and strikes
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A pitch bounces in the dirt and then the batter swings and hits it into fair territory. What is the call?
Ground-rule double
Foul ball automatically
Dead ball; a bounced pitch cannot be hit fair
Live ball; anything the batter hits in fair territory is in play
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In Little League Major Division baseball, are metal cleats permitted?
Yes, metal cleats are allowed at all levels
Only in tournament play
No, metal cleats are not allowed in Majors
Yes, but only for pitchers and catchers
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A checked swing is appealed by the plate umpire to which base umpire for a right-handed batter in a two-umpire system?
No appeal is allowed on checked swings
Either base umpire, umpire's choice
3B umpire
1B umpire
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A sharply batted ball hits the front edge of home plate and then settles on the plate without being touched. What is the call?
Fair ball
Foul ball
Dead ball, foul by rule
Dead ball, redo the pitch
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The batter swings and barely nicks the ball; it goes sharply and directly into the catcher's glove and is securely caught. What is this?
Caught foul, batter is out
Dead ball, no pitch
Foul ball, dead ball, strike
Foul tip, live ball, strike
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A catcher's glove contacts the bat during the batter's swing and the ball is not put in play. What is the ruling?
Catcher's interference; award batter first base
Dead ball strike on the batter
No call; play on
Batter out for illegal contact
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On an overthrow from the infield that goes directly into dead-ball territory, how many bases are awarded and from when?
Home plate to all runners automatically
Two bases from time of throw
Two bases from time of pitch
One base from time of pitch
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A batter is hit by a pitch that was entirely in the strike zone. What is the call?
Ball, batter remains at bat
Live ball, play continues
Hit-by-pitch, award first base
Strike, ball is dead, batter stays at bat (unless strike three)
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In divisions where the uncaught third strike rule is in effect, when may the batter attempt to run to first base?
Only when bases are loaded
When first base is unoccupied with fewer than two outs, or with two outs regardless of occupation
Only when there are two outs and first base is unoccupied
Never; the batter is always out on strike three
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A batter does not attempt to avoid being touched by a pitch that is outside the strike zone. What is the correct ruling in Little League?
Call interference on the batter
Call a strike for not avoiding the pitch
Always award first base for HBP
Do not award first; call ball or strike as pitched
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On a swing-and-miss, the bat on the follow-through lightly contacts the catcher's mitt and the pitch is not caught. What is the ruling?
Batter is out for interference
No violation; live ball
Catcher's interference; award batter first
Backswing interference; dead ball, runners return, strike counts
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The batter's loose bat accidentally hits the fair ball a second time while he is still in the batter's box. What is the call?
Batter out for interference
Dead ball, batter awarded first
Foul ball
Live ball, play continues
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A fair batted ball strikes a runner while the runner is standing on second base and the ball has not passed an infielder (other than the pitcher). What is the call?
Foul ball
Dead ball; award batter first and all runners advance one base
Runner is out for interference; ball is dead
Live ball; touching the base protects the runner
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The plate umpire is struck by a fair batted ball before it passes an infielder (other than the pitcher) and before it touches any fielder. What is the call?
Dead ball; batter awarded first, other runners advance if forced
Live ball; play continues
Foul ball
Dead ball; all runners advance one base
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A batter-runner drops his whole bat in fair territory and the rolling fair ball accidentally hits the bat again while no one is near it. What is the call?
Foul ball
Dead ball; batter awarded first
Live ball; no intent, play on
Batter out for interference
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A strong wind blows a fair fly ball back toward the infield. An infielder can catch it with ordinary effort. Runners on first and second, one out. What applies?
Automatic double
Foul tip
Infield Fly if fair; batter is out
No infield fly due to wind
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On a squeeze play, the batter interferes with the catcher attempting to field the ball at home. What is the correct ruling?
Batter is out for interference; runners return unless forced
Catcher's interference
Dead ball; run scores and batter continues
No call; offense has right to path on squeeze
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Study Outcomes

  1. Analyze pitch locations -

    Use the umpire quiz ball or strike scenarios to distinguish balls from strikes based on pitch trajectory and zone positioning.

  2. Apply Little League umpire rules -

    Recall and enforce key Little League umpire rules, including equipment standards and safety regulations for players and officials.

  3. Evaluate complex game situations -

    Assess a variety of on-field scenarios through baseball umpiring quiz questions to enhance decision-making under pressure.

  4. Interpret umpire test questions -

    Identify the underlying rules and principles behind common and advanced umpire test questions to prepare for real-game challenges.

  5. Improve call accuracy -

    Develop strategies to increase accuracy in ball and strike calls, boosting confidence during live games.

  6. Review advanced umpire trivia -

    Refresh knowledge of nuanced regulations and little-known facts through challenging advanced umpire trivia items.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Strike Zone Boundaries -

    The Little League strike zone spans from the midpoint between the batter's shoulders and the top of the uniform pants down to the hollow beneath the kneecap, and horizontally the width of home plate (17 inches). A handy mnemonic is "Armpits-to-Knees, Plate's the Keys." Coaches across leagues confirm this standard for consistent ball or strike judgment (Little League Official Regulations; MLB Rulebook).

  2. Entire Ball Rule -

    According to MLB Rule 2.00, a pitch is a strike only when the entire ball crosses over any part of home plate within the vertical limits of the strike zone. If just a sliver of the ball is over the plate's edge, it's a strike - if not, it's a ball. Visual trainers often use a strike zone simulator to drill this concept, reinforcing the "whole ball, whole call" principle.

  3. Proper Plate Mechanics -

    Position yourself about 45 degrees behind the catcher's shoulder, aligning your eyes with the center of the plate to avoid front-on or rear-view distortions. Maintain a balanced crouch with your head still, and pivot smoothly on calls to cover the entire plate area. Drill this using the "Pivot-and-Zoom" routine recommended by umpire instructor programs at NCAA Umpire Camps.

  4. Umpire Equipment Standards -

    Little League rule 1.06 mandates approved facemasks, chest protectors, and shin guards; gloves must be professional-style but no colors that clash with team uniforms. Before each game, perform a quick "gear check" by confirming mask straps are snug and shin guards cover the ankles. Remember the checklist acronym "MCPG" (Mask, Chest, Protection, Glove) to avoid penalties for non-compliance.

  5. Clear Calling & Signals -

    Consistency is key: use sharp, decisive hand signals and a firm two-syllable "STRIKE" or "BALL" to communicate swiftly with players and coaches. Visual clarity reduces disputes, while maintaining a friendly demeanor earns respect and authority. Practice the "Smile-and-Signal" drill from USA Baseball Umpire Certification for polished, professional delivery.

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