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If it is a deflected ball, then according to the rules, intent is required for interference. (Intentional interference of course does not necessarily mean deliberate interference.)
I have no problem at all with the test question/answer, which does not specify that the contact was intentional. If F4 is picking up a ball that bounced off his chest, the runner must avoid him just as if F4 was fielding a ground ball. I do have a problem considering this a deflected ball, however. I think F4 has more protection than if the ball had caromed off F1.
The change from "another player" to "any player" occurred in 1999, before ASA added the "intent" clauses in 2002 and 2003. I suspect that ASA's wording was not so carefully wrought as to include a ball off F4's chest as a deflected ball.
We all know of instances in which ASA changed a rule but did not ferret out every other place that the change affected in the rule book. I think POE #32 may be another.
[Edited by greymule on May 7th, 2004 at 06:54 AM]
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greymule
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