Umpire Interference

[David B]

Originally Posted by Rufus

First of all, a big thank you to all who participate in this forum. It has proved to be educational as well as entertaining.

Second, had a situation in a game last night. We're defense, there is a runner on 3rd, two out, and our pitcher throws a wild pitch. As the catcher comes up to find/field the ball the PU moves to get out of his way. In the process PU inadvertently kicks the ball away from the catcher.

My assistant coach starts to point this fact out, somewhat loudly, but I remember from some dark recess of my memory that umpire contact with a ball is only interference if it occurs in fair territory and let my assistant coach know that. We play under USSSA and I looked in the rule book and that was the actual rule.

My question isn't so much about the play (stuff happens on the field to both players and officials), but why there isn't allowance for things like an umpire kicking a ball further away? I understand that the rule origin probably came from a pitched ball striking the umpire and ricocheting away, but in this case it was the umpire who initiated contact with the ball, not the other way around.

Thanks in advance.

Basically the umpire is always considered part of the field of play. Bottom line is that the defense erred to start the play by throwing a wild pitch, and there is no need for a rule to "get the defense off the hook" if the umpire accidentally contacts the ball etc.,

Same as if there is a foul pop and in "trying to get out of the way" the PU gets in the way of the F2. That's just part of the game the way it was designed.

Now if PU interferes with a throw or as you stated is contacted by a batted ball, then there is a need for a rule to "make the situation better" since the defense was doing what they should and the contact did affect their ability to make an out etc.,

Might be interesting to look and see if this rule has changed any through the years.

Thanks
David

[UMP25]

Originally Posted by David B

Basically the umpire is always considered part of the field of play.

This is not an accurate statement.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by UMP25

This is not an accurate statement.

True. But often the umpire is part of the field of play, or, as a clinician put it to me recently: "umpires are dirt!"