Umpire Interference

[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.