What TWP? F1 runs to the line to the HP side if 1B and then runs parallel to the line for the last few feet. He does this so he doesn't cross paths with the runner. The throw from F3 comes from the back of the infield. It's a normal, everyday play.

And what....does the runner interfere with the throw?

I've got an issue with the NCAA video, at about 7 minutes into it. They're praising the hustle of the PU to get to the 45 foot mark, but if you watch closely he cuts off the catcher on HIS way down the line. I've been taught, and teach that you let the catcher go, and come in behind him. For RHBs, I'll go to the left of the catcher and follow the batter up the line. For lefties, I'll follow the catcher out. Either way I'd never cut off the catcher like was shown in the clip.

as taught at both umpire schools, clear the catcher to the left. i had multiple issues with the video. if there's some interest from guys on here i'll go through it. if not, i'll just keep my issues to myself.

It's always a good rule of thumb to come out from the left side of the plate. The video is not very good at the mechanic, but the intent was to show the hustle. Remember, this was in the "early" days of NCAA video.

JJ

Remember, we're talking about a runner out of the lane.

Maybe he bumps the pitcher, causing a drop or miss.

Maybe he blocks the quality throw.

The rule does say "interferes with the fielder taking the throw" after all.

You'd call it if the throw came from the plate area would you not?

Exactly. I would call the rule by its intent, even its expanded intent.

Maybe I would call running lane violation if F6 fielded a bunt and threw a perfect strike to F3 and R1 was so far inside the line as to interfere with F3 making the catch. But I would never call it if F6 fielded a ground ball and made a bad throw that pulled F3 into R1's path. Never.

Ok Bobby, other than the umpire not clearing the catcher to the left, what else you got?

I know the incident of a potential pulled foot at 1st worked out, but I can't see how the HC should be involved in that conversation with PU. What if the PU has something different? Certainly he can't honestly talk with BU with HC standing there.

Great. if you're even umpiring one of my games I'll just tell the runner to run inside the 1B line and bump the pitcher just as he's ready to catch the ball, knowing it'll be a non-call from you.

You mean you'll instruct your player to commit intentional interference and not expect a call? I'd expect nothing else from a Rat.

As I've always said, when it comes to wearing two hats, there's a world of difference between a coach who umpires and an umpire who coaches. You keep proving me right.

There's more than one rule in the book, coach.

That would not be a running lane violation, just simple interference on a fielder attempting to catch a batted ball. A BR is even allowed to run out of the running lane if he is doing so to avoid a fielder who is making a play on the ball.

I agree that he should have let the catcher clear. This mechanic was true even before they made the video so I am not sure what being an early video had to do with it.

Maybe I missed the balk there but, I tend to believe the phantom balk, was what got the official in hot water to begin with. HTBT probably. The video did point out how not to handle a situtation though.

Good job on pointing out that BU's should keep there mouths tight unless, 100% sure of a foul off the batter.