In this specific instance (weather) isn't it also likely the umps are getting together to discuss what they are seeing on their phones?
I am not trusting coaches, especially at the lower levels, when it comes to weather and lightening.
I'm not advocating, I'm just asking if the plate is called differently. Again watching the college softball tournament, it seems like the plate is REALLY small, making me think the umpires need to have the entire ball in the strike zone to call it a strike. They really don't even call up or down much, It's really thighs to belt. As an observer, it just seems to me the baseball strike zone is alot bigger than the softball strike zone? Anyone else notice this?
A few variables. You're watching a very high level of softball which should be the proper zone. The up/down part of the zone would appear tighter than baseball due to many of the players being shorter than the men. The angle from the camera in CF distorts that actual plate coverage (As it does in baseball). I wonder sometimes if the human part at these levels has some affect and they error on the side of a tighter zone?
All of these make sense, to me it just seems like if it's not center cut belt/ waist high in softball, it's a ball. I'd also think being taller may be a disadvantage in softball.
Yes in this instance the crew is taking control and discussing what is seen, with larger crews under the guise of the crew chief.
Uh, plate would still be 17" if entire ball had to be within width of plate. A ball just within on the inside and one just within on the outside would still leave 9.4" in between the 2 softballs...
If any part of the ball is not over the plate, it’s a ball in the OP proposed/questioned scenario.
The runner cannot do anything that will hinder, impede, obstruct, interfere, or confuse a fielder who is attempting to make a play.
So followup question. If the runner just stays standing on second the entire time is he required to get out of the way to allow the fielder to make the play?
Our Case Book gives us the answer to your question. (I bolded the part pertinent to your inquiry)
This is a baseball forum, not sure if softball rules differ, but in baseball this is a “catch and carry”. Out on the batter, all runners advance one base (unless it’s the third out)Hey Ump,
What's the call?
Outfielder crashes through fence to make amazing catch in state championship - ESPN Video
Olivia Taylor of Bear River High School in Utah runs through the fence in the outfield to haul in a fly ball that would've been a homer in the state championship.www.espn.com
Lol. Ok, let's see if this helps you visualize this. Assume a 0.1" gap between the ball & both sides - that means the ball would be totally within the plate, not even adjacent to the edge. That would still leave 17 - (0.1 * 2) = 16.8".
I think we can all agree strikes are the way to go and pitchers are not throwing enough of them.
The regulation requires each team to track all of their pitchers. If a discrepancy should arise, the umpires shall call time and get both coaches together to resolve the matter. If no agreement can be made, then the home book is used as the official record.
Dont forget the "get both coaches together to resolve the matter" is to promote a conversation between them and the umpires are not to get involved and any pitch count disputes.
This would be nothing unless there was some proceeding action by the on-deck batter which deliberately interfered with the catcher picking up the ball or trying to make a later play.
The key being the action by the On Deck Hitter actually interferes with a play that is being made.
, think that the ODH merely picking the ball up constitutes interference. It does not. 
If the appeal was legal, (no accidental appeals) the run does not count.
Thank you. Exactly what I thought. I'll bet I never see that scenario again.
Interesting, touch of third is HPU responsibility, unless this was a playoff game with 4 umpires
14U travel tournament. Two umpires.