Quote:
Originally posted by MAC
the clapping is ok, if you tell the runner he can't clap
are you going to tell f-4 and f-6 they can't slap their gloves behind a runner on second ?
[Edited by MAC on Sep 16th, 2002 at 06:12 PM]
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The defense might be doing it to signal a play. It's legal.
The offense is doing it only to "distract." That's illegal.
Calling / enforcing it depends on the level.
I'll also point out that you don't need to make a big deal of it to get it to stop. You don't need to yell, "TIME!" take off your mask, walk half-way out to the runner and state, "You -- runner -- stop that clapping right now or this will be the last time you play in this game."
Better -- ask the batter for the first name of the runner. Keep the mask on and yell, "Tim" (or whatever) to get his attention -- it only need be loud enough for him to hear. THen, when he looks, shake your head "no" and give a little clapping motion -- you can even just use yur wrists.
He'll know what you mean, and many won't know that you've done anything.