[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

Does Effect #2 below, if read literally, mean that the manager has the option without a batted ball or even a pitch?

"Rule 4 Section 1C [3]: If discovered using the wrong number of females or males in the outfield or infield and brought to the umpire’s attention by the offended team:

a) After a pitch legal or illegal or play made,
EFFECT: All action stands.
b) Before the next pitch legal or illegal or play made,
c) Before the defense has left the field,
d) Before the umpires have left the field of play,
EFFECT: b, c and d

1) If the batter hits the ball and reaches first base safely, and all other
runners have advanced at least one base. All action of the batted ball
stands.
2) If all runners, including the batter runner, do not advance at least one base.
The manager has the option of taking the result of the play, or awards the batter first base and advances all runners, if forced.

Comment: This adds a penalty for the defensive team not playing the right number of males and or females in the outfield and infield."

Also, in #2, should it read "an award of first base to the batter and all runners advancing if forced"; as a manger can't actually "award".

Last first. The manager has the option to accept the play or the awards.

I don't like this rule from the start as it is an indication the umpire is not doing their job. Also, how can all play stand AFTER one pitch, but not before the "next" pitch? To me, there is a wide range of possible misinterpretations here. Hopefully, it will be cleaned up before the books goes to print. If not, let's hope we get a clarification before the season starts.

And I can guarantee there will be arguments over what area is the infield or outfield and the words "grass" and "dirt" will be used often.