[IRISHMAFIA]

F.Y.I.

This play was my call as the BU. My ruling on the field was that the runner, through no fault of his own had passed the base, therefore assumed to have touched the base and considered safe unless properly appealed.

I eliminated any obstruction or collision options since the ball did indeed arrive prior to the runner.

I ruled that shy of some indication by the fielder that he knew the runner missed the base prior to the runner finally making contact with the bag, I did not have a proper appeal.

During the ensuing argument, the coach asked if I could go for help. I reiterated my ruling and asked him if he would like to file a protest. The entire time, I've got a big grin on my face and am nodding my head in an affirmative manner.

The UIC of the tournament was my boss, the state UIC. I explained the play and the ruling I applied and then called the coaches over to explain his decision. The entire time, the UIC is smiling and nodding knowing damn well the players and coaches just are not going to understand the rule no matter what we tell them.

After the game, I showed the manager rule 8.3.b and asked him to read the entire rule. He finally relented and said, "wow, you guys were right!" My silent reponse was, no kidding sherlock. Okay, maybe that wasn't the exact thought going through my mind d:-)

The good news is that my UIC wanted to just be sure and submitted the play to the regional UIC. I received an e-mail today acknowledging the ruling as correct.

So, do you think I should keep a copy in my bag for the next time I see that manager?

WooHoo! When are these players going to learn that some of us actually read the rule book d:-)