Malicious contact

[Dakota]

speaking ASA...

Originally posted by emaxos
I know HTBT but by what you describe, no call other than "safe".

Say what? I can understand the discussion / room for differing judgment on the ejection, but SAFE? This was clearly crash interference. Absolutely no doubt about that. No need for HTBT unless the description is somehow incomplete.

Contining to speak ASA, ASA does not use the term "malicious." It uses the term "flagrant." I would consider a full-speed, upright, with ample opportunity to avoid crash with the apparent intent to dislodge the ball to be flagrant. And eject the runner. Am I always faithful to this judgment on the field. No. But I should be.

On a nearly identical play (last year, 16U), I called the runner out but did not eject. It would have been the winning run, state tournament semifinal. I was congratulated later by the tournament UIC (who was watching) and later my a member of the NUS (who had the play described) for making the tough call on the OUT, but was dinged for neglecting to eject. (Even though I have been accused of "loving" to eject players - WMB?)

As part of my continuing education, I consider remaining upright and crashing Pete Rose style with intent to dislodge the ball is "flagrant". (And "malicious.")