LLWS - Washington / Connecticut

[bluehair]

Originally Posted by Manny A

And I outright reject this notion that "degree of contact" should be a determining factor. Geez, are we now supposed to make a judgment on "how hard is hard" to decide?

How hard the contact is might be considered in determining intent. In the Albert Belle play, some could judge the degree of contact is evidence of his intent to interfer with the fielder's ability to throw for a DP. You can't throw away any evidence. As an umpire you determine how much weight to assign any/all pieces of evidence.

Originally Posted by Manny A

As for the main subject, it's sorta disheartening that there is no consensus on this. I guess we will all A2D until something is definitively written that addresses the situation.

Perhaps the pro ball sitches that this supervisor alluded to will prod an official interp.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by bluehair

How hard the contact is might be considered in determining intent.

I don't disagree with that. That's why I caveated my argument by saying, "Taking intent out of the equation..."