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With the rule as written (i.e. I'm not discussing whether the rule should be changed...)
To be a foul tip, the batted ball must meet all of these criteria (ASA and NFHS):
1. Goes directly from the bat to the catcher's hands or glove;
2. Not higher than the batter's head;
3. Is caught by the catcher.
That's it, but it must meet ALLof those.
Too many arm-chair umpires (i.e. coaches) will look only at the "higher than the batter's head" part and try to argue that any caught batted ball that stays below the batter's head is a foul tip.
Not true. If the catcher's glove goes to the ball (side movement or up/down movement), then it is a caught fly ball and an out.
I agree with the sentiment that #2 is not a useful addition to the rule, and it is the cause of most discussions with coaches regarding OUT calls, but other than allowing me to spend some conversational time with coaches and some time on these boards writing about it, it doesn't cause me any problems in applying the rule.
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Tom
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