From JEA:

When a play is being made on the assisted runner, the umpire should call "Time" and enforce the penalty. The runner is out and all runners return to the bases occupied at the time of the interference (assistance).
If no play is being made on the assisted runner, the umpire shall signal that the runner is out and allow the ball to remain alive. This enforcement principle permits the defensive team to make plays on other runners if possible. It is also consistent with other enforcement principles in the Official Baseball Rules in which you have a "delayed dead ball": 7.06(b) - Obstruction with no play being made on the obstructed runner; and 7.08(h) - Runner declared out for passing a preceding runner.

Here's an example:

Runner on 2nd...the batter hits a ground ball to the shortstop. The B-R advances to 1st and overruns the base as the ball deflects off the 1st baseman. The B-R feints to 2nd and then trips to the ground. His coach helps him up as the other runner attempts to score. The 1st baseman retrieves the ball and fires home in time for the putout. Should the ball be killed at the time of the assist by the coach or should the out stand? RULING: Since the play was not being made on the assisted runner, the ball remains alive and in play. This is a double play. (Though not covered specifically in the Official Rules, this ruling is based on common sense and fair play. If the ball were instantly killed at the time of a coach's assist, the coach could always control the status of the ball by grabbing a nearby player.)

Sorry for the redundancy. Garth beat me to it.

The words, "Though not covered specifically in the Official Rules", tells me what I really need to know. Your and Garth's explanations make the rule much more clear to me now. Thanks to both.

You're welcome.

What does this tell you other than there are interps in place to cover what isn't covered in the rule book? I hope that you meant that you will call it by this interp and not just rely on the book.

I'm wondering if anybody would have a different ruling on this play depending on the system of rules.

In other words, would your ruling be any different under OBR, FED, or NCAA? Or, would your ruling apply to all three?

By the way, a great video. Very instructive.

David Emerling
Memphis, TN

Thanks, NFump, I truly appreciate your efforts in typing all of that from the JEA.

I agree with those who would administer the events in the order they happened. In looking at the video I would have called OBS (but not killed the ball), then called INT (and called the runner out). Though I'm not an NCAA Rules Editor, as a very experienced NCAA umpire that's what I would have ruled in an NCAA game.

GREAT video coverage!

JJ

No prob! I "appreciate" your "appreciation". :rolleyes:

By the way, what do you have fitty? What would you call here? It was nice of you to appreciate my typing efforts and all but an answer would've been more appropriate.(And probably much more "appreciated") ;)

Third time I have answered this.

Really? Are you posting and deleting your posts a la Tyler? Or are you referring to another but similar thread? By my count post 51 is your first and this one (#55) is only your second. Unless you're posting under multiple monikers? You wouldn't be the first and I doubt you'll be the last.

It's alright you don't have to post an answer to the question. I understand completely.