Backswing Inteference

[Legacy Zebra]

Long time football official, first time (basically) baseball umpire. I had this play last night in a youth (OBR) game: B1 hits a sharp line drive that is caught by F3. B1's follow through hits F2 in the back of the head. We ruled B1 out.

The only thing I could find in the book for backswing interference references a batter swinging and missing before hitting the catcher, but says that the ball is dead and a strike is called.

1. Did we get this right?

2. If F3 had not retired B1, does that change the ruling?

3. Since the ball was put in play and the contact did not affect F2 making a play on the ball, is this anything at all?

[bob jenkins]

It only applies if the action interferes with the catcher's ability to make play / catch.

[CT1]

The action by the the batter is only punishable if he actually interferes with F2’s opportunity to make a play, which isn’t the case here.

It’s similar to pass interference when the pass goes to the other side of the field.

[thumpferee]

Or, a block in the back (clipping) that has no affect on the play.

[Robert Goodman]

Originally Posted by CT1

The action by the the batter is only punishable if he actually interferes with F2’s opportunity to make a play, which isn’t the case here.

It’s similar to pass interference when the pass goes to the other side of the field.

Not in Federation football! There the question is whether a player was interfered with in his ability to move toward the ball, regardless of how far away.