Either the UIC didn't want to throw another umpire under the bus, or is completely lost himself on the rules. It's possible that both are true.2. To use your words, this is not the first time we've been screwed this season (I'm already working on my next post!) The next day the UIC was calling our game. We showed him the video to get his opinion. I thought he would agree with me that it was a bad call and the runner was out, but instead, he told us that the call was in fact correct because the catcher was not at her position and the runner was free to run.
3. The opposing coach played softball in college and I believe that she has a firm grasp of the rules. If she does, in fact, understand the rules, then why did she clearly encourage illegal base running and risk getting called out? At that point, I started to question my understanding of the rules. If this is not a forum to discuss softball rules, please let me know.
Playing in college is no guarantee of rules knowledge or personal integrity.