Taking off the helmet

[voiceoflg]

The media report states "The Chattooga player had taken his helmet off and tossed it away before he reached home plate, and that is a violation of Georgia High School Association rules. So while the first run counted, the batter was ruled out by the umpires after they’d gotten together for a meeting."

Now I know we media folks don't always get things right. As a youth soccer referee, I give the benefit of the doubt to the officials if I can't quote the rule. Is it possible Georgia adjusted the rule so it is an out? Or do they have to go strictly by the NFHS rules? Any Georgia umpires care to chime in?

[JJ]

Originally Posted by voiceoflg

The media report states...

Red flag for me. Was the "media report" quoting the NFHS rule verbatim or just paraphrasing? People read or hear things from the media that are either just plain wrong, incomplete, or misquoted. Did the "media" who reported on this incident consult not only the rule book but the case book as well? How about a call to the NFHS and get the word from a knowledgeable source?
I wasn't there and didn't see the play, but I'm with Bob - the intent of the rule is to discourage poor displays of sportsmanship and/or prevent injury due to carelessness. Celebration is neither.

JJ