2004 NFHS Softball Rules, 5-1-1o, a batted, thrown or pitched ball touches in an occupied designated media area (a ball that passes through a dead-ball area in flight is not considered dead). Could someone please explain the word "touches" as it applies in this sentence. Is this used as in touches the ground AND/OR the supposed media person OR just the person? Don't normally have to worry about this but tournament is getting ready to start and chances ar it will come up. Thanks

"touches" means contact with anything in the designated area; (person, place or thing); ground, person, camera, fence, blade of grass, camerman's toupe, flash bulb (remember them), etc. Anything other than passing over or through in flight (untouched), but only if it is occupied. Presumably, occupied by a non-media person would cause an argument.