NFHS Interp. Running Lane

[Tim C]

Dave, if I may, let me give you a little background on this specific rule.

FED did entertain the thought of "quality throw" a few years ago. They selected to not follow that direction.

FED, as we have discussed several times, rules differ for four major reasons.

They want rules that are aimed at safety, participation, speed of play and assisting lower experienced umpires.

The "quality throw" issue touched on TWO of these catagories and therefore was rather easy for them to decide.

FED recognized that a "quality throw" added umpire judgment to recognize the ability of players. They did not like the concept of placing a "quality" decision in the hands of an umpire that may not have the experience to make that judgment.

They also recognized that if they decided that the call was based on a "quality throw" that meant on this specific play that would mean that the throw, by the nature of the origin of the play, would neccessarily be passing close to the runners head. FED, in their own version of wisdom, decided that "could" possibly lead to catcher's having open season on hitting BRs in the back of the head while making a "quality throw!"

I think FED beleives that they did rule under the concept of common sense and fair play.

Tee