Quote:
Originally Posted by Dutch Alex
I have trouble with the actions as described in the post's by derwil and MNBlue.
In Holland we play by the ISF/ESF-rules. Any change at the field must be made after completing an inning. This is i.m.h.o. a fair way: As soon as the complete inning is over, correct the field (in this case pitching distance) so no team has any advantage or disadvantage caused by the incorrect field...
Why is it that some other fed.'s correct it as soon as noticed or between half innings. That is asking for trouble.
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If fairness and equalizing the competition were the ONLY consideration, then fixing it after a complete inning would be the best answer. But there are the liability considerations, too.
It could be effectively argued that all distances are, at least to some degree, determined to be the optimal distances for safety, as well as to generate maximum competitiveness, and equalize the balance between defense and offense. If you don't know the distance is wrong, you could be, at worst, considered negligent for not knowing when it is your responsibility to check the field and verify it is regulation. But, if you DO know, and choose to do nothing about it, that could be considered gross negligence. It is my understanding that most states' laws prescribe greater damages and possibly punitive damages for gross negligence. I would think there are similar laws in Holland, and other ESF nations.
You could argue that the game rules required you to do nothing at that point; and that would bring the rules body (ISF/ESF) in now as a co-defendent to attempt to convince the jury that perceived fairness was a more important consideration than the safety of the players. I personally doubt that would be a winning argument. I also doubt that you, the umpire, would be absolved because the rules said so; once a jury decides gross negligence, they tend to punish everyone they can.
All the US rules bodies I am affiliated with (ASA, NCAA, and NFHS) incorporate correction "immediately" after detection of wrong pitching distances or base distances into their rules. I believe the concern over safety and resulting liability is the overriding factor.