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Confines of the field
Ok guys, hello been a long time and maybe I have missed something and if I have I apologize and hope someone can correct me. I have looked at other posts recently that are titled "NFHS" and cannot find any connecting point so I must respond to one of the first threads on this particular subject.
WestMichBlue wrote :
Received email today from Randy Allen, a member of the NFHS Softball Rules Committee WRT several issues
Item 4 was written/copied :
4. What are confines of the field? His reply: We define the confines of the field as inside the fence. I have advised officials that if they see a pitcher warming up outside the confines of the field, it is good practice to suggest to a coach between innings that a mask/head protector for the non-adult person doing the catching is advisable.
With all do respect, I believe someone has miss spoken. According to page 38 of the NFHS rule book; Rule 3 -6-6. If anyone other than the 1.) batter, 2.) runner(s), 3.) on-deck batter, 4.) coaches in the coaches box, 5.) or one of the nine players on defense (10 in S.P.) are out of the designated dugout/bench or bullpen area during the game the penalty is: The umpire shall issue a team warning to the coach of team involved and the next offender on that team shall be restricted to the dugout/bench for the remainder of the game. I also believe that if they are in the bullpen, it must be confined, not simply outside the field where people ( small children especially) can be hit by a bad pitch or simply the catcher or pitcher missing a throw when they walk by or are sitting in the stands.
I believe you have no choice but to issue a team warning on the first offense and confine on the second. This has always been the position of the NFHS.
In the item written or supplied by Randy Allen it appears that he is allowing the players to remain outside of the "confines of the field". Now obviously how each individual umpires handles "team warnings" difer but I don't believe I would allow them to remain in outside the "confines of the field" and simply tell someone to put on a protector.
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