declaring "no tag" is a huge poker tell, and far more message than a simple safe call, so I am in agreement with you. but as you'll recall in a previous thread, ump tom asked what a simple safe call communicates to everyone, coaches, players and possibly fans. in this situation, does safe = runner touched home plate? imagine a viewer watching that on TV w/ instant replay.
Appeal a turn toward second.
it appears that as one moves up the umpiring food chain, higher level softball expects more "lines" from umpires than simple safe/out calls, or simply "doing nothing". ASA & NFHS games will most likely never be broadcast on ESPN (ESPN36 in the future perhaps, who knows?) , but the trend seems to be calls tailored to be more palatable for a wider audience.
Quote:
Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA
RULE 7
Appeals and Protests
7.1 Appeals
7.1.1 An appeal is a play or rule violation on which the umpire does not make a ruling until requested by a coach or player. The following may be appealed:
7.1.1.2.5 A runner is assumed to have touched the base and if a
proper appeal is not made, the runner is safe.
(a) If a runner misses home plate and the catcher misses or makes
no attempt to tag the runner, the umpire shall make a safe
signal and declare “No tag.” If a proper appeal is made, by
tagging the plate or runner before the runner returns to the
plate, the runner shall be declared out.
Here is the problem I have with the NCAA ruling. I understand this is what they want and that is the way it should be handled when working their game.
If, by rule, the runner is assumed to have touched the base and the umpire is not to make a ruling until requested, what do they call an umpire verbalizing "No tag"? Casual conversation? IMO, this is dictated coaching.
I fully expect a few people to attempt to justify it. Don't waste your time or keystrokes, it's not worth the trouble. It is just my opinion, which I believe we are still permitted at least for now.
However, I feel this as ludicrous as pointing foul on a ball near the line.
Do they think that "no tag" is going to just be overlooked and the player and coaches are going to just say, "oh well, I missed the tag"? GMAFB!!
You know damn well this is an indicator which the catcher has been told by the coach to continue playing and block any access to the plate immediately upon hearing the umpire say anything other than safe or out.
Like I said, just my opinion.
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