- Jun 30, 2024
- 10
- 3
We were at a 10u softball tourney. 35-foot plate to rubber distance. An entering pitcher and coach groomed the area in front of the pitcher's plate by actively DIGGING a hole the width of the rubber x 4" deep x 24" long. 4' deep is known as a ball placed in the hole completely disappeared from view. Before the "grooming the pitching lane was flat and firm. I assume the pitcher had issues with the incorrect dragging of her trail foot as she stepped off the rubber.
The umpire asked for a rake and filled the hole. The "digging" coaches immediately came out and re-opened the hole. They said the pitcher needed it to remain that deep. The opposing pitcher was left to deal with the hole or the very soft dirt re-collected in the hole!
When any players grooms the field how aggressive is appropriate and what actions would clash with the spirit of the game? Specific rulings or the umpire's discretion? What recourse, if any, does the lead Umpire have?
I ask this to understand the theory and as a field maintenance person. I understand the "normal wear and tear" of the playing field, but? Diamond clay is not free.
The umpire asked for a rake and filled the hole. The "digging" coaches immediately came out and re-opened the hole. They said the pitcher needed it to remain that deep. The opposing pitcher was left to deal with the hole or the very soft dirt re-collected in the hole!
When any players grooms the field how aggressive is appropriate and what actions would clash with the spirit of the game? Specific rulings or the umpire's discretion? What recourse, if any, does the lead Umpire have?
I ask this to understand the theory and as a field maintenance person. I understand the "normal wear and tear" of the playing field, but? Diamond clay is not free.