[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

NFHS Rules:

R3 on third base and one out. B3 hits a pop up to F4 which is caught for the second out of the inning. As soon as F4 catches B3's pop up, the defensive team and the BU start to walk off the diamond because the defensive team and the BU thought that B3's fly out was the third out of the inning. The BU, without discussing the situation with the PU, announces that R3 had to return to third base because he had told members of the defensive team that there were two (2) outs before B3 poped up to F4. BU made his decision based upon the fact that he gave the wrong information to the defense because he did not have an indicator with him on the bases to keep track of the count and outs. B4 struck out for the third out of the inning.

We all know that the BU should not have an indicator with him on the bases and that only the PU should be the only umpire telling anybody what the count is and how many outs there are. When I am the BU, I do not carry an indicator with me and when I am asked for the count or the number of outs by any player, defensive or offensive, I refer them to the PU.

How should the offensive coach handle such a situation? Can he protest or did the BU screw the pooch on this play?

MTD, Sr.