Infield fly rule

[ac]

In 11 year old baseball I called a game (behind the plate) where the home team was behind two runs in the last inning. Bases were loaded and 1 out. The batter hit a pop fly to 2nd base. I called infield fly but admit that I did not call it but once. My base umpire apparently did not hear me and did not reiterate my call.

The offensive team essentially (admist confusion) ran into the double play (my infield fly-1 out- and the player on 3rd ran into a tag several seconds into the play).

The coaches on the home team argued that my call was not clear and unequivocal and that the base umpire did not reinforce my call. They stated that they did not have clear information with which to coach their team and argued that at this level some umpires do not ever call infield fly since a pop up is not a sure out.

I ruled that game was over and there might be a protest.

Did I handle it correctly? I am open to fair criticism and just want to get this right. If there is a protest I want to attend and am ready to fix an correctable error.

Bottom line is do I just have to call it or does it have to be clear and unequivocable? I admit I could have been more forceful and obvious in the call.

[Edited by ac on Apr 21st, 2002 at 05:52 AM]