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One of the pluses (there may be more?), I have found about this rule and rulings, is that it reinforces why, the yelling of "Foul Ball" so much during a game is not necessary. Eg. Ball fouled behind catcher. A lot of newer officials, habitually call "foul ball". I tell them, "now, if you do that and the catchers turns around to catch the ball, your going to have to also explain why you just took and out away from his defense."
But I doubt very much, that the Federation Committee intended to establish a method for training new officials on this.
Having said this, last week during a HS game, a pitch came in high and inside. The ball hit the bat just above the hands and I wanted to make sure to let everyone know that I was able to see the ball hit the bat, rather than the hands. "Foul Ball".
Wellllllll, I convinced everyone except, the defensive coach and catcher. They couldn't understand that the ball sitting on the foul line was NOT, a fair ball.
Guess who had to explain why I just took an out away from the defense? Batter hit next pitch, fly ball down 3b line, that was caught. LUCKY ME.
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