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While striving hard to understand opposing points of view,I am still not satisfied with the viewpoint that this can not be interference.I just spent some considerable time researching this in my umpire "library,"looking through my ASA,NFHS,and NCAA rulebooks,casebooks,umpire manuals,etc.I still can not find a written rule to substantiate that a three foot lane violation on a BOB can not be interference.The rule states in all three codes,that it is interference if the BR is out of the 3 foot lane and interferes with the fielder attempting to receive the thrown ball.No where does it state that there must be a play to retire the runner?It only states interferring with the fielders attempt to receive the thrown ball.If F2 is throwing down to F3 in an effort to keep the BR from advancing beyond her given base on a walk,that gentlemen is a play.I have a very open mind,but have not read anything to the contrary for this not to be called.If BR is not smart enough to stay in the lane on a BOB,and happens to get inside of the running lane and interferes with the fielder receiving the throw at first,we have interference.While I have rarely seen this situation occur,it surely can and the umpire should be prepared to make the call.
Jeff
NCAA Certified
NFHS Certified
ASA Certfied
Steve M. Yes Gerry is our interpreter and this was discussed with the District and State Interpreters and should be called if situation warrants it. Jeff
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