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Originally posted by Warren Willson
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Really? Then why is it, do you suppose, that a number of posters have wanted to declare, in this very thread, that "ties go to the runner"?
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Because they're looking for a guideline, a basis, a rationale for deciding the coin flip calls, and they think they've found it in a literal interpretation of the rules. The only ones who have defended the "tie goes to the runner" concept in this thread have cited the rules, not an appeal to fairness, as their support. Moreover, they're no more "romantics" than the ones who say "when in doubt, call them out!" "Tie goes to the runner" and "when in doubt, call them out" are flip sides of the
same coin.
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You may see my distinction as a case of hair-splitting, but I see it as a fundamental difference in umpire attitude.
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You're right, I do see the semantic distinction you're making as hair-splitting. I think Carl's meaning couldn't be clearer, and it supports the concept several of us have described, that superior play is a valid criterion for deciding a close call. Describing that as "rewarding the better play" is an accurate description of the concept.
[Edited by Dave Hensley on Sep 27th, 2003 at 09:03 AM]