Interference with ejection ?
 

10U USSSA game and I am the field umpire. R1 and BR hits a ground ball to F6 who throws to F4 to begin the attempt at a double play. R1 is out by about 20 feet give or take. F4 comes across 2nd in the direction of 3rd and begins to throw to F3 but double clutches then throws wide into the dugout. R1 went into second standing up, but he ducked his head and veered inwards. I signaled the out at second then called BR out for interference by R1.

The manager who is the first base coach comes out and wants an explanation. His statement to me is that the runner does not have to slide. My response was that I agree, however he cannot veer into the path of the throw as this is interference. He replies by saying that I am wrong and that the runner can do whatever he wishes and that he wants to appeal to the plate umpire. I deny his appeal and tell him that the out stands and we are going to play ball. He kind of stands there for a second then replies with the comment that if I am going to umpire this level of ball he wishes that I would learn the rules. He then brings up a previous play where he thought a balk had occurred. At this point he turns to walk back to the coaches box and drops a "bullsh*t" under his breath but loud enough that I could hear him. This is where I ejected him. He argued a bit more but eventually simmered down and left the park.

Hahahahaha. Good job. You needed to take out the trash.

This level? What, advanced tee ball?

I kind of thought the same thing. Love the coaches that think they've risen to the great heights of "this level of ball" at 10U. I have done some quite good 10U tourneys, but I don't think even the best of those coaches would call those games "this level of ball" with some sort of arrogance. Ridiculous, really.

As to the EJ - absolutely warranted and well handled. Perhaps one sentence too late ... DEFINITELY not too early.

My suggestion is that once you say, 'now let's play ball, coach', you turn and get back to your position. If the coach chooses at that point to follow you, that's when you EJ.

You explained your ruling, and stated you would not be changing the call. Time to play, and move on. Anything else he said after that is too much. It's on you if you 'invite' more dialog then needed.

"...then replies with the comment that if I am going to umpire this level of ball he wishes that I would learn the rules."

ROTFLMAO!!!!

I agree. When he brought up a previous call (aka the "past") I would have dispatched him forthwith.

I'm trying to visulize the interference by R1.............:confused:

Really? Why? Seems pretty straightforward to me. We've all seen this play.

I strangely agree with Aerosmith - with both my OC and DC hats on. Where is the interferemce if the runner was within reach of the bag? How is this different than a legal "take-out" slide within reach iof the bag? If you're calling interference it's because you're creating a requirement not required by the rules. USSSA isn't FED. Lose the FED hats.

I have quit listening at this point. He can either go back to coaching, or out the gate -- his choice.

No one is saying they are forced to slide. However, a retired runner remaining upright and running toward the thrower such that it forces the fielder to double-clutch his throw is interference in any code.

You made the call and ejected. I Agree. Whether or not is was interference, HTBT. F4 should go ahead and throw the ball. The runner will get out of the way or learn his lesson. OK, OK this is 10U so maybe not. In that vein, the call should be closer to NFHS than to OBR and interference is a good call. Interference is a Judgement call so Rich and Aerosmith should get over it

If that's the case, then F4/F6 should always double clutch. Remember it's just judgment, and will get you home faster.

I unignored you because someone I trust here told me you'd stopped putting words in peoples mouths and then arguing with those words they didn't say. He may have been wrong.

I did not say that every time a fielder double clutches, it's interference. I said that if a runner remains upright, veers toward the fielder and CAUSES him to double clutch, it's interference. If you, the umpire, rule that his action of running toward the fielder after being put out interfered with the ability of him to throw the ball - call it.

PS - what the heck do you mean by "it's just judgement and will get you home faster" ... if that's your mentality, then you want outs ... and interference here is an out - arguing AGAINST the interference as you are gets you less outs, getting you home slower. (Not that this is my criteria... just that your comment contradicts your argument).

definite interference for this age group. Of course if it were older kids they know to just go ahead and throw the ball; however, with 10U, yes this has to be called interference if you thought his veering caused him to stop.

If you think maybe it caused him to stop, then don't call it.
iMO you have to be 110 percent to make the call.

Thanks
David

STOP. Coach says I should learn the rules and I take out the trash, no need for further discussion. Mentioning money I make for umpiring will do it too.

He was wrong.

You didn't say VEERED in the post I quoted. The OP mentioned the runner was about 20 ft. away. Just curious where you got running toward a fielder, and the fielder double clutches it's interference in all codes from. Interference is a judgment call. I just don't see the play being interference in a 10U game. Big boys don't double clutch, they throw. Runner better be prepared to at least duck if the ball is going toward his head. Just ask Dizzy Dean.

Steve & Steve
 

You guys would make a great morning show!

I would watch;)

I didn't say they were forced to slide either.

Guess why middle infielders throw sidearm on DP pivots. The "get out of the way" rule is only in FED. The thrown ball coming at their head makes them get out of the way in OBR. Such is life.

NCAA as well. Slide directly to the base or veer off away from the fielder.

No, that was his 'subtle' attempt to zing you. Sort of along the lines of saying to someone "you're just doing this for a paycheck" or "it's about the kids, not you."

I'm not sure why Tyler and Rich don't see it - well, Rich is always a coach first, so there's that - but when the OP said both that F4 came across 2B, and R1 veered inside, it's really not that hard to figure it out. R1, after being retired, hindered F4's attempt to make the play. Int.

Yes, "big boys throw, not double clutch." And in real, proper (ie, 'paid player') versions of OBR, that's just what they'd do. But that doesn't make the play any less interference, throw-at-head or not.

(BTW: Nice idea, suggesting a 9 YO throw the ball at another 9 YO's head - can't see THAT going wrong in any possible way! Not you mbcrowder, but those what did suggest it.)

Sorry for being out of the conversation for a bit. I was recovering from a surgical procedure that I had and the narcotics I was on were a trip :D

Did you guys not know that 10U AAA is one of the highest divisions in the greatest organization ever (USSSA) :confused: This is just not a group of kids getting together playing baseball but a strategically planned affair. Haha

In regards to the interference I thought it was rather obvious. The kid veered a good 5 feet into the throw of the runner. When I played I was taught to slide directly to the bag. If everyone did this life would be so much better :cool:

On a side note I have become rather upset at what travel baseball is becoming. It seems that the umpires do not want to enforce anything and just want their $45 a game. The parents are crazy and think that their child is the best and never does any wrong. The coaches feel as if they know everything and that all the umpires suck. The players think that they are elite and can do as they please. Whatever happened to just playing baseball? :(

Somebody got the idea of charging a 10 year old $1,200/season to play it.

I think that explains each of your observations.

Imagine how much better that 10-yr-old might be if he took $1200 worth of lessons instead.........

Some parents believe this is the best way to a baseball scholarship. You forgot to mention all the amenities it costs to go to these tournaments. Food, lodging, gas, etc. etc.

By the time they are through playing, the cost they incur would put them on the road to a college education. D-1 schools are only allowed 11.7 scholarships per team to begin with. Not much wiggle room for a roster of about 30 players.

I called this more than a few times while I was umping LL.

Part of it is CS&FP, the other is safety.

Ace
Barcalounger, CT