Interference from 3rd base coach?

[stakehar]

If a third base coach is waving the runner in from 2nd base, and accidentally touches the runner on the back as he is rounding 3rd, is this interference and is the runner called out? This happened in my softball game tonight, and was wondering if the ump made the right call.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by stakehar
If a third base coach is waving the runner in from 2nd base, and accidentally touches the runner on the back as he is rounding 3rd, is this interference and is the runner called out? This happened in my softball game tonight, and was wondering if the ump made the right call.

It could be, depends on the umpire's judgment. What you believe to be accidental may not have seemed so to the umpire or vice versa depending on which side of the call you stand.

Coach is supposed to be in the box, not where they can touch a runner.

[TexBlue]

To expand on Mike's post, it's not illegal to touch the runner. It's illegal to assist the runner. For example, to push the runner home, or to grab them and stop them, or even to help them get up, if they trip and fall down. It is all in the judgement of the blue on the field.

[SamNVa]

This is why the coaches boxes are SUPPOSED to be 8 feet away from the baseline.

SamC

[SWFLguy]

"assist" is the key---
I've had to call that once in my 40+ years
of umpiring !
the coach grabbed the player to keep
him from trying to run to home !

[ChampaignBlue]

It also doesn't take touching. I had a coach jump into the way of a runner that wasn't paying attention to make him stop. Runner fell down and retreated, too late, I've got an out because the coach physically stopped his runner even if he didn't touch him.

[Skahtboi]

Originally posted by SWFLguy
"assist" is the key---
I've had to call that once in my 40+ years
of umpiring !

Don't do much youth rec league ball, do you?!

I see it all the time at these levels.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by TexBlue
To expand on Mike's post, it's not illegal to touch the runner. It's illegal to assist the runner. For example, to push the runner home, or to grab them and stop them, or even to help them get up, if they trip and fall down. It is all in the judgement of the blue on the field.

True, Rick, but remember that a touch can be an assist as on a runner tagging on a caught fly ball. A simple tap when the ball is caught is considered aiding the runner.

Mike