Quote:
Originally Posted by reccer
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.
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1. By rule, you cannot have an IDB on an IF.
2. Allowing a ball to drop to the ground is NOT an IDB. A player is even allowed to guide it to the ground with no penalty.
3. An IDB is a dead ball and no runner may advance.
4. An IDB cannot occur until the ball has been caught. IOW, the umpire has to judge the ball caught prior to ruling an IDB.
Anyone who considers this UC (unsportsmanlike is one word, after all
) should get away from softball and think about officiating in the UFC.