Next odd NFHS exam question
 

B1 hit a soft ground ball down third base line fielded by F5. B1 is hit with the throw. What is the call?
A. Interference, umpire judged the batter-runner interfered with F3 fielding the throw by running outside the 3-foot lane.
B. Runner is safe for running completely inside the 3-foot lane even though F3 could not field the throw.
C. Dead ball and batter-runner is out because last foot that contacted the ground was inside the 3-foot lane.
D. None of the above.

Is the running lane primarily in play for throws from F2 around the plate area?

Both A & B are possibilities. "A" primarily due to "umpire judged"; "B" primarily due to "running completely inside".

Thoughts?

I better not publish my thoughts.

A. info not in question
B. ditto
C. deliberate deceit
D. well ?


The source of the throw is not in the running lane rule,
so F5 or F2 does not matter.

Cecil, since when does trepidation influence the publication of your thoughts. I thought that's what this forum was about. (A lot less these days, though.)

I know you have a thing about information that doesn't appear in the question. But that's the purpose of the question - you've been given information, up to a point, then it's up to you to "make the call".

In "A" the BR could have been running out of the lane in FOUL territory, so there's not enough information, really to select it.

"C" you've called correctly. And that probably eliminates "D".

I've twisted my arm enough to convince myself that "B" is the closest to a correct call. BR did nothing to INT and unfortunately (for defense), F3 couldn't catch the ball.

I agree with your "thinking", except knowing the accepted answer.

The rule reference for the "correct" answer is 8.2.6.

Your mileage may vary.

Do you mind if I rant right here about this phenomenon, which is not limited to sports? I see too many examples from all fields of instruction where choice questions are worded not to inform but instead to vex.

Ahhh yes, the art of Test Taking.

My answer is "D: None of the above."

Since the Running Lane was not mentioned at all in the question, any reference to it in an answer would disqualify that answer.

And yes, 8.2.6 is the rule to cite for Running Lane, however, it does not apply to this test question. Reason being, Running Lane violations only occur on throws going to 1B from HP. The test question says throw was coming from 3B Line; this takes Running Lane out of the discussion.

I don't see any geography or direction in the rule.

The rule doesn't specifically state the direction.
I am told it is an "Official Interpretation".

It would also apply to this other play... bases loaded, ground ball to F3 who threw home to get the force. Throw hit BR who was outside the Running Lane.

In this case, BR is not out unless intentionally interferes with the throw. Similar to R1 being struck by a throw from F6 to F3 who is attempting a double play. The runner is not expected to go "poof".

The rule doesn't specifically state the direction.
I am told it is an "Official Interpretation".
Whoever told you that did not understand the rule.

It would also apply to this other play... bases loaded, ground ball to F3 who threw home to get the force. Throw hit BR who was outside the Running Lane.
This is not an interference with a fielder at 1st playing the BR, so running lane does not matter.

In this case, BR is not out unless intentionally interferes with the throw. Similar to R1 being struck by a throw from F6 to F3 who is attempting a double play. The runner is not expected to go "poof".
The OP case ??

Maybe you can help me understand something else about the Running Lane.

Why is there a Running Lane only between HP and 1B?
Why wouldn't there be one between other bases?

For some history:
https://forum.officiating.com/softba...base-path.html

Oh, the memories of those great members :D :D

I appreciate the thread, but what I am still trying to find is a reference to the running lane and the origin of the throw.

I still have it in my head that a running lane violation only occurs on throws that originate from right in front of HP and/or along the 1B line, (i.e. bunt, D3K, etc.)

If BR gets hit from an errant throw by F6, and BR happens to be out of the running lane, I don't think we have a violation. :confused:

You won't find "a reference to the running lane and the origin of the throw" because there isn't one. It only exists in the image of most frequent application.

No matter where the throw is from, the BR just getting hit means nothing unless the BR interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base.