Time out

The granting of “time out” is at the umpire’s discretion in both baseball and softball. Coaches and players can request time out, but time out can only be given by an umpire. An umpire decides when and to whom to grant time out, based on whether or not the umpire feels that time out is needed. A time out request only takes affect if the umpire grants it. If a coach or player requests time out and it is not granted, play continues uninterrupted.

Dual first base bags
According to high school softball rules:

1. The defense must use the white portion and the batter-runner the colored portion when a play is being made on the batter-runner.
Penalties

A. The batter-runner is out when there is a play being made at 1st base and the batter-runner touches the white only portion provided the defense appeals prior to the batter-runner returning to touch the white or colored base.

B. The batter-runner is out for interference when there is a force play and the batter-runner touches only the white portion and collides with the fielder about to catch a thrown ball while on the white.

C. Obstruction is called on the defense when there is a force play on the batter-runner, who touches only the colored portion and collides with the fielder about to catch a thrown ball, while also on the colored portion.

2. The defense and the batter-runner may use either the white or colored portion:

A. On any force out attempt from the foul side of 1st base.

B. On an errant throw pulling the defense off the base into foul ground.

C. When the defensive play uses the colored portion of the double base, they batter-runner can run in fair territory when the throw is coming from the foul side of 1st base, and if hit by the thrown ball, it is not interference.  If intentional interference is ruled, runner is out.

3. The batter-runner or runner may touch the white or colored base:

A. When advancing on balls hit to the outfield with no play being attempted or when returning to 1st base.

B. When tagging up on a fly ball

C. (F.P) When returning on an attempted pick-off play.