Annual rant about poor NFHS test question writing

[Dakota]

It is a continuing mystery to me why the NFHS cannot do a better job of writing test questions. Feel free to disagree, but this is as I see it.

This year's examples:

• A team's warm-up area could legally be behind the bleachers out of the umpire's view. T/F.

This one has already been discussed here, but besides not being addressed in the rule book (only implied at best), this one has the odd problem of how does the umpire rule on something that is out of his view? Silly question.

• An appeal must be made on the last play of the game before all infielders leave the field. T/F.

I'm pretty sure they did not intend to ask if we need to save up all appeals and make them on the last play of the game or that the last play must always be appealed. I'm pretty sure they meant to ask "Any appeal on the last play of the game must be made before all infielders leave the field." This from an educational organization?

• Obstruction is called on F2 when she is about to receive the ball while blocking home plate, and comes in contact with the runner sliding into home. T/F.

I'm pretty sure they mean the answer to this to be TRUE, but it is not true in all cases. What about an illegal slide? Sloppy question writing.

• R1 is on first base; B2 is at bat with an 0-2 count and no outs. B2 swings at a third strike that is dropped by the catcher. B2 runs toward first base. As R1 is diving back to first base, B2 is hit in the back with F2's throw to first base and the ball goes out of play. What is the result of the play? (Multiple choice answers).

This is a HTBT play, since they were not definite enough in their question writing so as to remove the element of judgment. If, in the umpire's judgment, there was no play on R1, there was no interference. Sure, the benefit of the doubt should go to the defense, but the correct answer as written is HTBT.

• Prior to the start of the game at the pregame conference, the head coach shall be responsible for verifying which of the following?

  A. That the lineup card is correct.
  B. That all players are legally equipped.
  C. That players and equipment are in compliance with all NFHS rules.
  D. B and C only.
  E. All of the above.

Another poorly written question. I'm sure they mean for A, B, & C to be the correct answer, but they offer "All of the above" as the answer. "All of the above" is logically impossible. Again, this from an educational organization?

• The score of a forfeited game is 7-0 unless the offending team is behind; then the score remains as recorded. T/F.

Well, as written the answer is FALSE, but I'm sure the answer key would say the answer is TRUE. They leave out the condition that for the score to be the score as recorded, it must also be a regulation game. If the offending team is behind 1-0 in the 1st inning, then the score is 7-0.

In addition, we have the following totally irrelevant questions for an umpire:

• A player is designated in the scorebook by name, jersey number and by fielding position. T/F
• The catcher is charged with an error on a third strike, passed ball that permits the batter to reach first base. T/F

Why the bleep do I care?