NFHS interpretation

[DG]

Originally posted by David Emerling

[/B]

I have no problem with the interpretation. But the rule reference for the interpretation does not remotely address the most controversial aspect of the interpretation.

In other words, it's not as if the umpire, after making such a ruling, would be able to explain how a clearly inaccurate judgment must stand. The rule reference doesn't address the aspect about how the umpire MUST stick with a manifestly wrong call.

It begs the question: When an umpire makes a clearly inaccurate call - can he ever rectify it? Or, are there some calls he can rectify and some calls he cannot? And where does it say THAT?

David Emerling
Memphis, TN [/B][/QUOTE]

The reason 5-1-1h is the correct reference for this ruling is that is says the ball is dead when an umpire "verbally announces "Foul Ball". Once verbally called Foul this can not be changed, even if it is an obvious erroneous call. See page 299 of 2005 BRD. This is a FED ruling.

PBUC lists a number of plays that lend themselves to consultation and correction. 1) Deciding whether a fly ball that left the playing field was fair or foul, 2) Deciding whether a batted ball left the playing field for a home run or ground rule double, 3)Cases where a foul tip is dropped by the catcher, causing it to become a foul. 4) Cases where an umpire clearly errs in judgement because a ball is dropped or juggled after making a tag or force, 5)Spectator interference plays, 6) Balks called by an umpire who clearly did not realize the pitcher's foot was off the rubber.

A FED umpire who verbally announces "FOUL BALL" is stuck with that call.