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Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA
...That is, IMO, one helluva presumption. What happens when it does change directions significantly? Is the rule then ignored? Who determines if it was significant or not? Is it assumed that if it is significant the defender could not get an out and the runner cannot interfere?
Too many variables by using the term "initial play", IMO.
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That, in my opinion, is the issue with the NFHS rule.
The rule was written with the assumption that WMB outlined in mind. However, the rule was written as an absolute...if the ball is deflected by the pitcher, a subsequent infielder is still in the act of making an initial play. No allowance for judging the "significance" of the deflection.
Personally, I like the ASA rule better. A runner has very little time to react to a deflected ball and should be protected from unintentional interference with either the ball or the fielder.