Erasing lines in batters box? (NCAA)
 

Situation: 1st Inning, third batter comes to the plate. While the pitcher is getting ready, the batter "digs in" by swiping out all the loose dirt from the RH batter's box with her foot, completely obscuring the outside line in the batter's box. The batter does not move the chalk with her foot, only lots of dirt. The line is no longer visible for the majority of the batter's box.

Is this an automatic strike per 11.2.4? If so, what is the mechanic for calling this?

Obliterating the lines are the best favor a player or coach can do for an umpire.

NO. Get back in the slot and start calling strikes.

^^^ x 3. Leave it alone.

If she attacks the line itself, use that rule. If she's moving loose dirt, and that happens to cover the line (somewhat), play on. At that point, using the rule makes you the dreaded OOO.

That's what I thought. We played on like nothing happened. Thanks, all.

That's all you needed to do...make that call and give that coach one more reason to come out and complain about something.....:D

Well, Andy, our postgame discussion over the various batter's box complaints is what reminded me of this on the drive home. The player involved was the same one we talked about before the game, and who also made that shoestring catch in CF. I'll see her team again this season, and wanted to make sure that turning a blind eye to this was the preferred way to go.

Oh...you mean the catch I wasn't allowed to give you information on since I didn't chase? :rolleyes:

That's the one!