Clarification

[David B]

Originally Posted by Tim C

Look at it this way:

With the intentional drop the fielder can keep the ball in close proximity and make a play. Combine this with the runner(s) holding to see if the ball is caught makes the reward almost a given for at least a force of the lead runner.

By allowing (a non-IFF) ball in flight to simply drop there is a risk/reward as the ball could spin and slip away frfom the fielders reach.

The critical thing that rules makers did in their wisdom, in all rule codes, was to eliminate a judgment call by an umpire on a poorly played ball in flight that falls untouched.

I see no contradiction between the two situations.

One Rule ~ One Interpretation ~ One Mechanic

Tim and others.

Thanks for the help - makes perfect sense now.

Sometimes it just helps to hear a real situation to go with the rule to clarify. I didn't want to discuss it at the meeting until I was clear on it.

In a way its good because, the smart players can still use the rule to their advantage - a la Ozzie Smith and others have done.

The plays that I had both turned the DP with no complaint from the coaches, but everyone knew they let it fall on purpose or should i say with purpose.

Thanks
David