I got the answer I needed in the first post but started down a hypothetical rabbit hole after. I do appreciate all of the help.
Question on interference on runner after scoring
- Thread starter sprtfan
- Start date
Welcome to Discuss Fastpitch
Your FREE Account is waiting to the Best Softball Community on the Web.
- May 29, 2015
- 3,789
- 113
Us umpires are a hare-y bunch ... 
We LOVE our rabbit holes.
We LOVE our rabbit holes.
Us umpires are a hare-y bunch ...
We LOVE our rabbit holes.
Speaking as a bald umpire (too many insane parents), I resent that remark
. Maybe that is why I go down the rabbit hole? Looking for new hares!NFHS 2.2.3BLOCKED BALL- A blocked ball is a live ball, pitched, batted, or thrown, which is touched, stopped or handled by a person not engaged in the game; or touches any object which is not part of the official equipment or official playing area, or touches loose equipment.
Emphasis added for clarity. A retired/scored runner is engaged in the game, so not applicable. Think media personnel outside a designated media area or a crazed fan.
Emphasis added for clarity. A retired/scored runner is engaged in the game, so not applicable. Think media personnel outside a designated media area or a crazed fan.
An offensive player getting hit by a thrown ball is never, by itself, interference. If it were, there would a whole lot of beaning going on. USSSA rules interpretations sums up the concept pretty well...
"Interference is the act by an offensive player or team member that inhibits a defensive player making a play. It may be in the form of physical contact, verbal distraction, visual distraction, or any type of distraction that would deny the fielder a reasonable opportunity to execute a play."
The rule isn't a source of cheap outs for the defense. When talking about a thrown ball, there needs to be a play that can be made. A ball flying past the catcher up the 1st base line isn't a play.
"Interference is the act by an offensive player or team member that inhibits a defensive player making a play. It may be in the form of physical contact, verbal distraction, visual distraction, or any type of distraction that would deny the fielder a reasonable opportunity to execute a play."
The rule isn't a source of cheap outs for the defense. When talking about a thrown ball, there needs to be a play that can be made. A ball flying past the catcher up the 1st base line isn't a play.
I had a play, a runner on first, the ball got away from the catcher and rolled to the opening of the third base dugout, (did not go in dugout) the runner on first ran to second, a girl at the dugout opening (the batter's team) picked up the ball and threw it back to the pitcher, would you consider that blocked ball?.....WOuld the runner that took 2nd base be awarded 3rd base?......I left her at 2nd.
By rule I have interference and an out. Depending on age group, I have a brain cramp and I would put the runner back and talk to the girl about staying in the dugout where she belongs.
Team members (players listed on the lineup card, including eligible substitutes) and team personnel (Managers, coaches, registered trainers and official scorekeepers) are people engaged in the game.
Team members (players listed on the lineup card, including eligible substitutes) and team personnel (Managers, coaches, registered trainers and official scorekeepers) are people engaged in the game.
Lol...the "brain cramp" rule should be added to 12U and below. I once saw the on-deck batter for another team chase down a wild throw and hand it to the catcher. From a practical standpoint, not only did she not interfere, she actually helped the defense!
radness
Possibilities & Opportunities!
- Dec 13, 2019
- 7,270
- 113
Haha awesome sportmanship.
