Interference

[WestMichBlue]

Once again, the "retired runner" issue.

NFHS 8.6.17: "After being declared out, a runner intentionally interferes with a defensive player's opportunity to make a play on another runner."

A runner is not expected to disappear; she should be allowed to continue her running as long as she does not deliberately interfere.

HOWEVER, be careful about using the NFHS casebook to support your position. It give two example of interference, one contact, the second an altered throw. It does not state that the action was intentional or not. But it does say, in the umpire's judgment, that if interference prevented an out or hindered a play the runner closes to home will also be called out.

The rule says that interference has to be intentional; the case book is not clear on that.

WMB