If the catcher uses their mask to scoop up a ball but a runner is not attempting to advance, what happens?

In the situation where the catcher uses their mask to scoop up a ball and a runner is not attempting to advance, the correct outcome involves the runner being awarded home due to detached player equipment. In softball, when a player uses equipment in a manner that interferes with the play—the catcher's mask being considered as such—rules come into effect to ensure fair play.

Here, the catcher using the mask creates a scenario where the ball is no longer in play as it has been interfered with by player equipment. If no runner is actively trying to advance to home, the rules dictate that the closest runner should be awarded home plate. This upholds the integrity of the game, ensuring that the defensive team's actions do not unfairly benefit them or hinder the offensive team's opportunity to score.

This situation does not reflect a valid play, as the equipment has interfered with the game inappropriately, nor does it result in an out, since the runner wasn't actively trying to advance. Thus, the ruling to award home plate underlines the importance of proper equipment use and player responsibility in maintaining gameplay standards.