Quote:
Originally posted by Skip Sturgeon
If a play at base is too close to call...
|
Really? Have you had this happen? I think I'll try that next time. "Well, Coach, I just don't know. That was too close to call."
(Just funnin' you a little.)
Here's the rules as per NFHS
7.01 A runner requires the right to a base when he acquires it before being put out.
7.07 Any runner is out when - (e) failing to reach the next base before a fielder tags said runner or the base...
7.01 states the runner must be there "before" the out to be safe. 7.07 states the runner is out if not there "before" being tagged. Hence a tie would be an out.
(However, I seem to remember that the section for the batter-runner stated it in reverse, making a tie on the batter-runner resulting in a safe call. In looking for that rule right now, I could not find it.)
The important thing to remember is that just because the call was too close for the coaches in the dugout and the fans in the stands to all reach mutual consensus, it was not too close to call. Umpires are taught that there are no ties, a decision must be made on whether the runner or the ball was there first.