[Manny A]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Yes. Loose equipment is an item not currently involved in the game, but left on the field; contact with the ball should always result in a blocked ball, any judgment of possible obstruction or interference should be strictly enforced.

Discarded equipment is something involved in the game that is normally expected to become part of the field (catcher's mask, batter's bat), or might accidently become loose (cap falls off while running, batting glove falls out of pocket) and contact can be ignored if not deemed interference or obstruction.

Detached equipment is something intentionally used improperly to impact on a play, and should always result in the minimum three base award.

Interestingly (or more likely considered overkill), NCAA insists that umpires make all participants (runners and defensive players) put all batting gloves FULLY in pockets, even fingertips cannot hang out, to make sure they don't impact on a play or result in a blocked ball ruling.

Hmmm, interesting. That's not clearly stated in either the rule book or case book. Is there some other authoritative NFHS document that covers this, or perhaps an official interpretation on its website?