Quote:
Originally posted by whiskers_ump
When there is a base-on-balls award, the BR is required to use the three-foot running lane. A walk is treated the same as a batted ball. When the BR runs outside the three-foot runner lane and, in the
judgment of the umpire, interferes with the fielder taking or receivinga throw to 1B, interference shall be called.
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Rulings like this are keeping NFHS just below the level of respectability, IMO. The umpire has ample tools to deal with a walked batter who is deliberately interfering (for example to allow a runner on third to advance or to allow herself to continue to 2nd), but creating this "dodge ball" play by the defense as somehow legitimate defense against an awarded base is just plain idiotic.
Quote:
Originally posted by whiskers_ump
Team Huddles is another issue.
Teams should not assemble in front or outside of dugouts when their portion of the inning has been completed. Further, teams should not huddle during the course of the game unless a conference has been charged. This
practice assists with minimizing risks to participatns and keeps the pace of the game moving. This should be discussed during the pregame conference, including 6-2-5, five pitches or 1 minute thingy.
Would you now be required to charge the team a conference, if the catcher calls time and she and the infield meet to discuss their options?
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I have no problem with their intent, here, although if NFHS is actually concerned with keeping games from growing hair, they should be paying attention to baseball, not softball, and make rules limiting the scratching, tugging, and spitting and landscaping of the mound and batter's box. This rule, though, seems punative against team spirit and just plain scrooge-like, IMO. Regardless of team conferences between innings, the 1 minute clock continues to run, and all it takes is a word from the umpire to keep it moving. Sounds like the sour-faced coaches won over the exuberant coaches.
As you have observed, Glen, it also seems to be ill thought out in terms of the definition of a charged conference.