Quote:
Originally Posted by Manny A
Been having a long-term debate with other umpires about the NFHS rule regarding physical assistance of a base runner. Two rules in the book address this:
3-5-4, 8-6-5
Because both rules specify that the ball is still in play, some umpires felt that the violation may occur only when the ball is live. They didn't believe a coach or other team member who physically assists a runner when the ball was dead (e.g., BR hits a home run, misses first base as she's rounding the bases, and the first base coach chases her down, grabs her and send her back to touch first) was a violation.
I asked our state interpreter for his take, and he said that an out is ruled when a runner is physically assisted at any time, whether the ball is live or dead. It would be nice if there's language in the rule book or casebook that says this.
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I would interpret these as the ball remains live for further play
if live at the time.
Given the lack of completeness in a lot of rules; especially those added because of an issue; no reason to think the HR example is not an out, just as it would be if the runner continued with a missed base.