There is just something that doesn't seem right about this.
Couldn't this be considered Illegal Use of Equipment?
(Where ever Illegal Use of Equipment is defined...)
How about this definition:
BLOCKED BALL: A batted, pitched or thrown ball that is touched, stopped or handled by a person not engaged in the game,
or which touches loose equipment or any object that is not part of the official equipment or official playing area.
But then contradicted here:
EQUIPMENT ON THE PLAYING FIELD.
Loose equipment, miscellaneous items or a detached part of a player’s uniform, other than that being legally used in the game at the time, should not be within live ball territory.
Official equipment which may be in live ball territory with no penalty includes the batter’s bat, the catcher’s mask, umpire paraphernalia, a helmet which has inadvertently fallen off an offensive or defensive player during play or any equipment belonging to a person assigned to the game.
Loose equipment, miscellaneous items or detached uniform parts which are in live ball territory and are not being legally used in the game at the time could cause a blocked ball or interference.
And:
SPORTING BEHAVIOR
The values of softball competition are based on good sporting behavior and
fair play. The following are examples, although not limited to, of unsporting
behavior:
A. Uniforms not worn properly, such as jerseys not tucked in, sleeves rolled
under, and caps worn backwards.
B. Exposed undergarments of different colors worn by different teammates
on the same team.
C. Coaching tactics that endanger the safety of players.
D. After equipment check, illegal equipment being put back into play.
E. Use of equipment for other than its intended design.
WHY THEN is a defender penalized, but not an offensive player?
When a fielder intentionally contacts or catches a fair batted, a thrown, or a pitched ball with any part of the uniform or equipment that is detached from its proper place.
EFFECT: Delayed Dead Ball and the batter and runners are entitled to:
1. three bases from the time of the pitch if a batted ball,
2. two bases from the time of the throw if a thrown ball,
3. one base from the time of the pitch if a pitched ball
Just askin'.
