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The original question here, Mike, is why do we have two different rules, one for batter-runner, and the other for a runner - that have two different answers for the same play?
You, however, have decided that they are ruled the same, even though they are written different. Rule 8.2.G: plainly states that a batter-runner is out when the B-R interferes with a fielder attempting to field a batted ball. Batted ball - not fair, not foul, not on the ground, not in the air - a batted ball.
In addition, you have a Foul Ball definition that states that a foul ball can be determined after interference is called if the ball is over foul territory. It doesn't say on the ground or in the air, simply "while over foul territory."
The ball is not foul because of interference, it is foul because you killed the ball while it was over foul ground. It is an administrative decision that has to be made (fair or foul) because if the interference is not called on the batter, then you need the fair/foul determination to either place the batter on 1B, or call a strike.
I sent this question to a member of the NFHS SB Rules Committee and received the following interpretation: definitely, if the ball is near the foul line and had a chance of becoming fair then you can call interference on the batter-runner. Just as definitely, you cannot call interference on a runner because of the additional words "fair & fly," as in batted fair ball, or foul fly ball. He agreed that the two rules are inconsistant and will add it to the agenda for 2006 committee meeting.
I brought the question over here because these are ASA rules (copied verbatim to the NFHS rule book) and I wanted ASA opinions on why the two rules are different.
I don't care which way we call it; I can go along with NOT calling interference on a ground ball in foul territory on either a B=R or runner. I can go the other way. I would just like the rules to be consistant.
WMB
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