Quote:
Originally posted by mcrowder
Considering the purpose of the IFR (to prevent defense from intentionally failing to catch the ball and then turning an easy double play), I've always been a proponent of dropping IFR at 10U. How many 10U teams out there have enough talent to intentionally drop a fly ball in the infield and then still get 2 outs. If a coach tried to coach this - he'd likely get NO outs way more often than he'd get 2.
To answer your question, the talent level of the players DOES matter when judging ordinary effort, as the definition of ORDINARY is different for 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, 18U. At 10U, it almost has to be right to a player's initial position (or very close), and of decent height (and little wind). At 18U, pretty much anything of decent height ANYWHERE on or near the infield is likely an IFF.
Call it at the apex. If it's not high enough for you to judge that quickly, it's probably not IFF.
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I agree that you must consider the reason behind the rule. However, intent is meaningless. Instead, I woudld suggest that it is to prevent the defense from benefiting from an error and/or misjudgement. This rule is solely to protect the offense from getting doubled up.
With that said, when you judge whether an infield fly should be called, ask yourself if dropped (or simply not caught), can the defense turn a double play thus warranting protection from the umpire. If you answer yes, then call it.
I completely agree that what is and is not an infield fly differs between age groups. Last year, 10U NSA rules excluded infield fly. They changed it for this year but I still agree that infield fly isn't really needed at that age.