Federation - initial play, deflected off F1

[jmkupka]

So when the deflection off F1 causes runner, fielder and ball to be on a 3-way collision course:

If ball hits runner, and a split-second later the runner and fielder meet, we play on.

If it happens in the opposite order, dead ball, INT.

[youngump]

Originally Posted by jmkupka

If ball hits runner, and a split-second later the runner and fielder meet, we play on.

I'm not sure. Why is it not interference? The ball was within a step and a reach of the fielder at the time of the interference. I'm not sure how hitting the player makes any difference to that.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by youngump

I'm not sure. Why is it not interference? The ball was within a step and a reach of the fielder at the time of the interference. I'm not sure how hitting the player makes any difference to that.

Step & reach applies after a muff, not starting position.

[youngump]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

Step & reach applies after a muff, not starting position.

Yes that's true. But I'm not sure it's relevant to my point. The fielder is protected from interference while making the initial play on the ball. I don't think the fact that it the ball hit a runner changes that. If she has a play on the ball the runner must give way.

[jmkupka]

Originally Posted by jmkupka

So when the deflection off F1 causes runner, fielder and ball to be on a 3-way collision course:

If ball hits runner, and a split-second later the runner and fielder meet, we play on.

If it happens in the opposite order, dead ball, INT.

On further consideration of my own comment, I feel that, though the ball hitting runner doesn't in itself kill the play, the contact of runner and fielder could, especially if it is a split-second later.

The rationale is the runner is expected to evade a fielder changing direction at all costs (not so much a ball changing direction).

So if all three elements are on a collision course, runner (though she can't avoid contacting the ball) should still be concerned with avoiding the fielder.

IF the ball is still close by.

If it ricochets off the runner, well away from fielder, we can play on...