Miscellaneous non-NCAA Mechanics

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

I have never found either bolded provision in the USA manual. Please cite if it is there or approved somewhere else.

That's the gist of this discussion; you won't find this in the USA manual because they don't approve of the BU moving into foul territory to begin with.

The CCA Manual for college play does show the BU moving into foul territory under two-man for a ground ball in the infield with no runners, saying in the text under the graphic that the BU "may use foul territory only if necessary." But then it makes no mention that should that happen, the PU takes any responsibility of the BR going to second and third. In fact, the book says the BU is still responsible for taking the BR to second or third. So if the BU does move into foul territory, he/she will have a tough time chasing down that BR to second should she continue on.

Over in "that other sport", there may be something written in umpire manuals that cover this. And perhaps umpires who transition from there to softball may bring this concept to the smaller diamond with no grass.

Bottom line: This is a deviation to a standard mechanic. Deviations are rarely put into print. You'll only hear about them during umpire clinics if the clinician feels the need to cover those contingencies.