The question is this:
Batter in the box, not now, not ever showing bunt... Batter after batter, never! showing bunt. Players are ASA, U-10 Girl's. Defensive team lines up proper infielding positions and lunge, two-three steps at a minimum in, and towards the batter at every single pitcher released ball. Is this not obstruction as the defensive "bunt technique" is being used as batter diversion and interferes with the batter's designated sight-line? Is this obstruction??? Please help... Have game with team today at 6:00 p.m.

Coach, this is not obstruction per the ASA, or any other, rule book. And, from what you describe it sounds perfectly legal.

[Edited by Skahtboi on Apr 28th, 2004 at 10:13 AM]

The rule that applies to what I understand your complaint to be is ASA Rule 6-5B, You'll see lots of goofy defensive and offensive tactics used at 10U that would be a complete disaster at higher levels.

No umpire is going to invoke 6-5B for infield corners charging to be in a bunt defense, whether or not the batter is showing bunt.

This rule is intended to cover a defensive player getting in the batter's line of sight <u>of the pitch</u>, not in her peripheral vision. And, even if the rule was invoked for deliberate unsportsmanlike distraction of the batter, the penalty is illegal pitch, not obstruction.

Any team trying this on every pitch with skilled batters will pay a big price.

Teach your batters to concentrate on the ball.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SSCoach

...interferes with the batter's designated sight-line? Is this obstruction???


Well, at first I did not think it was obstruction and it is NOT. However, according to ASA

Rule 6.4.B A fielder shall not take a position in the batter's line of visionor, with deliberate unsportsmanlike intent, acts in a manner to distract the batter. A pitch does not have to be released. The offending player(s) shall be ejected from the game.

Personally, I would issue a warning to the coaches one time prior to ejecting any player as described in this situation.

Dakota,
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Yes, this is the very rule I was searching for, and also the clarification of the rule I needed to ascertain. Without question we have spent a great deal of "Batting Tee Time" using "blinders" with fielding and noise distractions... Just hope it pays off tonight. Thank you again dakota for your thoughtful reading of my game situation!

I disagree, as you can see from my post above. The players are assuming a defensive posture for either a bunt or a weak hitter. It is not unsportsmanlike, even if the other coach is only doing it to rattle the batters. It is no more obstruction or USC than bat-waggling is interference.

You're welcome! ;)

robmoz,
"Thank you" to you as well! for taking the time to read and analyze the game situation.

Q: Dakota/Robmoz
"Illegal Pitch" would result in called "Ball? Balk? No Pitch???" Also, "Warning Issuance?" What is an "End-Result/Penalty Imposed" for violating the issued warning?

Illegal pitch penalty is a ball on the batter and all runners on base advance one base. The batter only gets 1B if it is ball four.

The warning usually means if there is a repeat, someone will be ejected. However, if the umpire actually ruled USC, there is no requirement for a warning. Immediate ejection is also possible.

BTW, welcome to the board, SSCoach! http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk/smilie/bigwave.gif

I disagree, as you can see from my post above. The players are assuming a defensive posture for either a bunt or a weak hitter. It is not unsportsmanlike, even if the other coach is only doing it to rattle the batters. It is no more obstruction or USC than bat-waggling is interference. [/B][/QUOTE]

Defensive posture? Based on the original scenario, it was clearly an act to distract the batter, how is that considered a normal defensive posture especially if it is done on every batter as described. It sure smells of an unsporting act.

Also, where does it say that an illegal pitch call is warranted?

It smells of 10U tactics - coaches trying to take advantage of their opponents inexperience.

This sounds like charging infield corners, which is what you would expect an infield to do when they are expecting bunt. I agree is it probably being done to get in the head of the batter, but it is not illegal. It could be illegal if taken to extremes, such as for example, charging to within 10 feet of the batter while screaming. But just charging? No.

That is the penalty for a violation of 6-5B. Look just below Rule 6-8 and you'll see a paragraph entitled EFFECT - Sections 1-8

The penalty for an illegal pitch is a ball on the batter and all runners advance one base (if there are any on base). The penalty for not inforcing the warning would be to eject the player(s) that were breaking the rule. This is one persons interpertation that that rule would apply. In my opinion that is a stretch and I don't think if they were not between the pitcher and the batter that I personally would call that. But that is just me, just like on the illegal pitch call it is judgement call and some may agree with it some won't!

Clarification of game Situation...
ALL INFIELD POSITIONS CHARGING FORWARD, not just corners which would be "Normal Bunt Defense." 1B, 2B, SS and 3B run towards batter while LF, CF, SF and RF assume "deep, top of the dirt" infield positions of those vacated by the running teammates:-))) This is the play... and without exaggeration I might add. No screaming at the batter - yet... but the season is early.

I still think that you would have to treat this play from an umpiring point of view in much the same way as Tom has already explained, and that is simply as defensive tactics and not as USC.

SSCoach, I understand ya.....they are not taking a bunt defense posture and the PU would need to make a judgement there.

Dakota, I now see the Effect 1-7 information that could apply if the ball is delivered and the PU foregoes the USC judgement. IMO, I will consider a USC warning only if the situation as describe exists (granted it may be extreme but well within the rules as I understand them). I am a strong advocate for good sportsmanship especially at the youth levels!

Sometimes we (coaches, parents, umpires) have a tendancy to try to make things "fair." However, we are not doing young players any favors if we shelter them so that they do not develop.

The ASA 10U rules are intended to help catchers (especially) develop, not to make the game "fair".

Same here. If this was an 18U team, no one would think anything of this defensive positioning, except that perhaps they were in desparation mode to keep a runner from scoring (pulling the infield in, that sort of thing), knowing they are giving up the outfield fly ball, but also knowing if the batter gets a long fly they are done anyway.

The proper resonse to this kind of shenanigans is for the batter to hit one over everyone's head. That'll stop it quick. If the offense does not have batters capable of an outfield fly ball (very possible at 10U), then this is just effective defensive play.

Short of something more obviously unsportsmanlike, this is a time for the offense to toughen up.

Dakota -

I sincerely enjoy your thoughtful response. You express some great points. THANKS! I will incorporate your sage advice into my style.

Wait until the corners start screaming "BUNT!" as they run in. This is acceptable and is done often in the middle levels.

The "line of vision" is that of the batter's seeing the ball.

Now, if the fielders charge and are just screaming, you have an unsportsmanlike act if it is anything other than a possible direction for their teammates as noted above.