[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

The "God" Rule is indeed 9.01(c). It gives the umpire authority to rule on things that occur that are not covered specifically within the rules. In using this rule, there had better be no specific manner of dealing with the occurrence within the confines of the rulebook, or one cannot invoke this rule.

3.16 is not a "God" rule, as it lays down specific criteria for determining the call. Just because it requires umpire judgment as to where to place a runner, it does not give him any latitude as to the manner that he rules. It is specifically stated in the rules how he must rule. He must designate a number of bases to award. He can't, for instance, say, "go back two spaces, hop over the base on one foot, and scream ooga-booga!" He cannot just make up a ruling when using a specific rule.

It's a "he gets to decide" rule because there are NO specific awards. He has all the latitude he wants - 1 base - 3 bases, no bases - whatever.