Contradiction between Fed 8.4.2b and 8.4.2g

[bob jenkins]

Originally posted by Gre144
It seems like, according to FED 8.4.2b, that on a force slide play 2 outs will automatically be called. However, if we use FED 8.4.2g to enforce the penalty for illegal contact(such as an illegal slide) than one out or two outs can be called.
What I am having trouble understanding is that for a force-play situation 8.4.2b says that 2 outs must be called and 8.4.2.g says that 2 outs can be called only if a double play is prevented.

Which rule do we use in a force-play situation- FED 8.4.2b(2 outs) or FED 8.4.2g(umpires judgment)?

Thanks,

Greg

[Edited by Gre144 on Mar 27th, 2001 at 03:11 PM]

Wow. This question is in three threads -- it must be important.

First, the references you want are 8-4-2b and 8-4-2g -- the dashes signify the rules book and the periods the case book.

Now for the answer

Use 8-4-2g when the interference is with a fielder *fielding* a batted ball. Call the double play only if it's likely.

Use 8-4-2b when the interference is on a *play* attempting to retire a runner. If it's a force play, and an illegal slide (the definition of which expands during a force play), then the DP is automatic.

See -- no real contradiction at all.