BR Interference

[CecilOne]

Hopefully, a short discussion, but no relevant topic to tangent.

Batter hits ball on the ground toward 1st. F3 charges, fields, and tags the BR.
In a play like that, is there a difference between stepping back to avoid a tag and stepping back to avoid a collision (visualize hard charging F3)?

[AtlUmpSteve]

I would not penalize the batter-runner for protecting herself.

It may be a fine line, but that's strictly a judgment that YOU are authorized to make. Just be sure to use that phrase "in my judgment" when answering the defensive coach looking for the interference call. Be willing to ask your partner if that is requested; but the judgment belongs to the calling umpire (PU before the start of the running lane, BU after the start of the running lane, is the proper mechanic).

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

I would not penalize the batter-runner for protecting herself.

It may be a fine line, but that's strictly a judgment that YOU are authorized to make. Just be sure to use that phrase "in my judgment" when answering the defensive coach looking for the interference call. Be willing to ask your partner if that is requested; but the judgment belongs to the calling umpire (PU before the start of the running lane, BU after the start of the running lane, is the proper mechanic).

In the actual play, as PU, no perceived step back; but it got me thinking about it. Also, in the actual play, I was straight-lined behind BR and F2 (very quick play) and the BU was in the C slot. Thinking he had a more perpendicular angle, I verified the "no step back" with him.

Now that you mentioned it, I assume the running lane guide still applies if the BU is in the C slot?

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

In the actual play, as PU, no perceived step back; but it got me thinking about it. Also, in the actual play, I was straight-lined behind BR and F2 (very quick play) and the BU was in the C slot. Thinking he had a more perpendicular angle, I verified the "no step back" with him.

Now that you mentioned it, I assume the running lane guide still applies if the PU is in the C slot?

Is double rotation approved for 2 umpire mechanics?

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Is double rotation approved for 2 umpire mechanics?

Only in IFR situations in extra innings.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

Now that you mentioned it, I assume the running lane guide still applies if the BU is in the C slot?

I have a very strong "it depends" on that; and it leads to one area where mechanics vary based on who taught you, with a strong 50/50 issue.

For the most part, I'm a believer that standard mechanics with the fewest exceptions is the best path for all. And for the "did she step back" case, the standard remains best, as the perpendicular you mention is a great angle.

BUT, in the case of a tag to either side that BU simply cannot possibly judge the straight line, I would vary and make the call emphatically as the PU, hopefully well before the BU guesses. Because, that leads to the 50/50 issue.

Half the softball umpire world says BU should make the call based on what he sees, because the mechanics say it is the BU call, and be prepared to go for help if asked (or even insinuated) by either team. The other half of the world says BU should ask immediately, without ever making a call; and that potentially throws the PU under the bus if, for whatever reason, PU doesn't have a good look at the play that really isn't his call.

So, if I, as PU, have a clear and definitive angle, I'm making that call; even when my partner might think I'm poaching .