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Coach, keep in mind that those posting replies disagreed to some degree--interference (AND obstruction) are judgment calls. Especially at the LL level, you should not expect a lot of consistency from umpire to umpire because of (usually) their age and experience. And if you are fortunate enough to get an experienced ump, he knows your kids aren't and is likely to cut some slack on plays such as you describe. If you move up--or your kids do--to HS levels, you will see more consistency. But even there, as evidenced by the very existence of this board, we will disagree as to how rules should be interpreted in varying situations. And just as importantly, we're human and will make mistakes, as will you and your players, even if any of us should make it to the majors. So welcome to the joys of a game with so many variables, I think I see something new everytime I work a game.
Scott (aka 4bases1bat)
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Don't get me wrong. I am not looking for a defense to rip the umpires when a call is made. I have played plenty of ball at many levels, enough to know that judgment calls are just that. What I was wanting to get was a clear understanding of how the rule itself is to be interpreted. I feel confident that I did. I was just discouraged in what I was hearing from the young officials and the fact that their interpretation of the rule was so drastically varying. I see this situation happen a few times every year. It would just be comforting to know that the league umpires were on the same page on how to address it.
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Originally Posted by socalblue1
At this age (9-10) only a simple test is required:
1. Did the defense have a viable play?
2. Was there a reasonable attempt to make that play? (F1 covering the plate & F2 with ball AND time to make a throw -OR- F2 returning to the plate with ball IN TIME to make a tag).
3. Did the batter get in the way?
Three yes answers = interference
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Using that reasoning process I would say that the first incident is not clear because F2 did not actually make the throw. On the second incident there was clearly a chance to make the play. F1 was properly positioned at the plate and the ball was being delivered ahead of the runner. The fact that F1 was partially behind B1 and the ball was thrown a few feet up the 3rd base line negated that chance. I feel that the second incident should have been called. The first one we should just chalk up to experience and tell the kids to make the play as best they can and let the umpires sort if out if something happens.