[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by scyguy

after reading the tossed glove thread, I began trying to think of other FED rules which seem to conflict with common sense. Please let me say that I have the utmost respect for those that establish and interpret the FED rules, but the tossed glove situation seems to be contrary to common sense. Can anyone think of another rule which could apply?

Nothing is Perfect, but IMO for amateur baseball, no amateur league that uses OBR has a case book to explain rulings ala FED. Leagues that are OBR based borrow the rules from MLB and then try and fit those rules into THEIR game.

Here's an example; There are no sliding restrictions in OBR based games other then the runner be able to reach the base with his/her hand. The runner comes into the base, plows over the fielder and except for ejection, for the most part the play stands and everyone is in an uproar.

In FED, legal vs. illegal slides are defined. Also, No malicious contact whether the fielder has the ball or not. In other words, the rule is explicit and IMO fits the amateur game. Some might not like FED's Force play slide rule (FPSR) but NCAA played by young men also has a FPSR.

Are there rules which are contrary to common sense - YES but they exist in OBR as well. In fact, to truly understand OBR rules, one needs supplemental materials ala J/R, JEA, the BRD etc. because the OBR rule book is poorly indexed. In order to understand a situation more often then not, one needs to search in several places to find the answer. In FED, the Case Book explanations give the umpire a reference.

Nothing is Perfect, but IMO there needs to be separate rules for the amateur game and FED makes an effort to do this.

As for what rules make no sense - ie; The uniform rules. Personally I couldn't care less what the players wear, if a coach is in uniform etc. I am there to umpire a game not be Tommy Hilfigar.

Pete Booth