Summer rules philosophy

[DG]

Originally Posted by bossman72

All,

Most of us here work summer baseball where teams use OBR rules with their modifications (re-entry, metal bats, slide rule, etc). However in their league rules, the majority of the time, they don't list a penalty for violating these rules. It says what you MAY do, but does not have a consequence for violating that rule.

So, what would you do in the following situations.


1) League uses re-entry. A substitute re-enters the game after being out already. He doubles scoring 2 runs and then is noticed to be illegal. Would you do the straight OBR enforcement and toss him and let everything stand (according to an Evans interp) or would you invoke the FED penalty for illegal substitution?.

2) Another re-entry question. A pitcher is pinch hit for in the 3rd inning. He then re-enters the line-up to hit in the 6th inning. Would you let him pitch the next time that team goes on defense? This is legal in FED, but would you allow it in an OBR game (which OBR rules don't account for re-entry).

3) The league uses metal bats with a -3 differential. The batter uses a -5 and singles and then the bat is discovered. Would you call him out and return runners ala FED rules, or would you just remove the bat since it is "out of spec" ala OBR rules (MLBUM interp)?

4) League has a "slide or avoid" rule. A runner coming home maliciously contacts the catcher, who doesn't have the ball and is not fielding the ball (the catcher would be called for obstruction under normal circumstances). Would you call him out, eject him, and supersede the obstruction, or would you score him on the obstruction and eject him for the MC?

I love it, the league has confusing rules and then the coaches complain because umpires don't know the rules.

1) If they are playing OBR rules toss the guy and play on.
2) If they are playing OBR with re-entry, then yes, let him pitch.
3) If they are playing OBR rules, remove the bat.
4) They are not playing OBR rules here, League has slide or avoid rule so malicious contact is to be penalized, period. Out, toss, next... This is essentially FED, MC supersedes instruction, but slide or avoid rule puts them on FED interpretation.

[bob jenkins]

I'd ask the league to re-write the rules to include the appropriate penalty. Failing that, then use the base rules (OBR, probably).

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by DG

I love it, the league has confusing rules and then the coaches complain because umpires don't know the rules.

1) If they are playing OBR rules toss the guy and play on.
2) If they are playing OBR with re-entry, then yes, let him pitch.
3) If they are playing OBR rules, remove the bat.
4) They are not playing OBR rules here, League has slide or avoid rule so malicious contact is to be penalized, period. Out, toss, next... This is essentially FED, MC supersedes instruction, but slide or avoid rule puts them on FED interpretation.

Re 4)

Slide/avoid could also put them in the realm of NCAA, Legion, or LL. Under these rules, given the obstruction, you award home and then eject.

[bossman72]

Guys,

For #1, the J/R suggests a penalty similar to FED rules which contradict Evan's interp. Which do you think should be followed?

[DG]

Originally Posted by bossman72

Guys,

For #1, the J/R suggests a penalty similar to FED rules which contradict Evan's interp. Which do you think should be followed?

Explain.

J/R says illegal sub is ejected when discovered, "however, play is otherwise unnafected and another player takes the place of the ejeced illegal substitute".

[bossman72]

Originally Posted by DG

Explain.

J/R says illegal sub is ejected when discovered, "however, play is otherwise unnafected and another player takes the place of the ejeced illegal substitute".

JR says to rectify any action made by an illegal sub (similar to batting out of order).

Evans says to eject the illegal sub and everything he did would stand.