Weplay - "14U ASA COMPETITIVE SOFTBALL - Assume all infield fly conditions apply, if a fielder intentionally lets the ball drop, is there any penalty?" by Julie Softball in Softball
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This was a debate between me and another coach. He claims that that a dropped infield fly, intentional or not, is a dead ball. I know that this is not true or the rule wouldn't say that runners advance at their own risk, of course tagging on a catch. I would like to take the question a step further and find out if a player can intentionally drop the ball without a penalty.
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Dan & Jolene Vice
Dan & Jolene Vice
Answered 25 days ago
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It is a dead ball out. The play in-field fly ball, was designed for one reason, the saftey of the players. I am an ASA umpire, and I have had team that did drop the ball intentially, it was the last time.
I consider it unsportsman like conduct and warned the coach, placed all runners back in the original position, with the batter out. I know have added that into the plate talk and warn the coach's there will be an ejection for that type of conduct.