Quote:
Originally posted by DaveASA/FED
Ok topic on another board made me want to know what you all thought. What is a crash that would result in you envoking ASA 8-7Q? There are some that think any contact should be considered a crash. During the state clinic I attended this year I specifically asked about this and was told that unless it was intentional contact this rule should not be inforced. And I agree with this it even describes the rule in the index as "Deliberate contact with a fielder with the ball." What say you all?
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I'll disagree. POE #13 and rule 8.7.Q make no mention of the contact being intentional. However, if you think about it, other than the defender jumping into the path of an advancing runner, it is always going to be intentional. I've said this before and I'll continue to say it, if the runner shows no sign of attempting to avoid the contact, s/he must be running into the player on purpose.
Too many people fail to recognize the purpose of the rule. It doesn't exist just to attempt to prevent unsportsmanlike conduct, but it is for safety's sake. Almost EVERY softball player will need to get up the next day and go to work or school and all should expect to get on with their life in a normal fashion without being injured by a player who just isn't smart enough or has been properly coached to avoid contact.
Since some coaches and players place winning ahead of everything, there must be a rule in place to deter them from believing there is an advantage to running someone over and will coach the players to a level where they will help the team by avoiding contacting a player when it is not necessary, and it is NEVER necessary.