Running Lane - NFHS

[whiskers_ump]

What constitutes a runner being out of the running lane?

One foot completely out, both feet completely out?

Please quote the rule #?

Thanks,

[Rachel]

One foot out would be running outside the lane. 8-2-5. That would be consistant with all the other ways lines are used (in-out of the batters box etc.) I am also looking at the NCAA definition (12-3h). In ASA the ball has to hit her outside the lane.

[Ranger23]

No, the ball does not have to hit the runner in order for it to be interference, If in the umpires judgement the runner being out of the running lane caused a bad throw,ie.over her head and the fielders head or wide, while throwing around her, she is out. However the fielder must make an attempt. As for one foot in and one foot out, every other step the runner is in the lane since only one foot is on the ground at a time.

[whiskers_ump]

Originally posted by Rachel
One foot out would be running outside the lane. 8-2-5. That would be consistant with all the other ways lines are used (in-out of the batters box etc.) I am also looking at the NCAA definition (12-3h). In ASA the ball has to hit her outside the lane.

Rachel,

I agree that that is the way it should be stated. However, NFHS neglected
(funny how that happends in FED) to define outside the running lane. Rule 8-2-5
just says BR is out if she runs outside the 3-foot lane and, in the judgment
of the umpire, interferes with the fielder taking the throw at 1B, etc....

Ranger 23,

I also agree with what you said. However, it is not mentioned in NFHS
rules just what is considered in or out of running lane.

[Rachel]

The NCAA does a better job explaining the rules than Fed.

I will rewrite the last sentance.

In ASA, if the ball hits the batter-runner, it must hit her outside the 3' lane.

[KBoy]

For a good list of ASA/NFHS/NCAA rules differences, send $7.00 to John Bennett, 6263 Via Ribazo, Anaheim,CA 92807. John does some very good research on the differences and verifies most of his information with the ASA, NFHS, and NCAA rules interpreters.

[Dakota]

NFHS POE (2005)

The batter-runner must have both feet inside the running lane in order to avoid being called for interference. The lines are considered to be inside the running lane.

[Dakota]

Originally posted by Ranger23
No, the ball does not have to hit the runner in order for it to be interference, ...

Please refer to ASA Case Play 8.2-16 to understand the point Rachel was making. The discussion is about the position of the runner. In ASA, it is not only the position of the runner that is considered, but (if there is contact with the ball) where the ball is when it hits the runner.

In ASA, the runner can be straddling the line and if the ball hits the part of the runner that is within the running lane, it is not a violation.

[whiskers_ump]

Originally posted by Dakota
NFHS POE (2005)

Thank You Dakota....

Duh, I forgot the POE section. I got into a disagreement with a coach
the other day about this. I called it when the catcher picked up a
bunt and threw towards 1B. Runner had right foot barely inside the
running lane with the left side in fair ground. Ball hit runner in left
shoulder. Throw was catchable had it not been for the interference.
I have them tonight, so have the ammunition I wanted without referring
to another associations ruling.

[Little Jimmy]

So if runner is in the lane with one foot almost completely out but not totally ( piece of foot is still on the line ) she would be considered in the lane? Using the same reasoning as if one foot crosses the batters box line but still touches, batter is still in? Speaking Fed.

[Rachel]

Yes.

Now if she throws her hand up to block the ball we still get the out.

[whiskers_ump]

Originally posted by Dakota
NFHS POE (2005)

Tom,

We must have different NFHS 2005 Rule Books. Here is what my POE reads:

2. Awarded Bases - Three-Foot Lane
When there is a base-on-ball award, the batter-runner is required to
use the 3-foot running lane. A walk is treated the same as a batter ball.
When the BR runs outside the 3-foot running lane and, in the judgment of
the umpire, interferes with the fielder taking or receiving a throw
to 1B, interference shall be called.

[WestMichBlue]

"We must have different NFHS 2005 Rule Books. Here is what my POE reads:"

Expanded POE in Softball Guide 2005 printed by Referee Magazine for NFHS. "The B-R must have both feet inside the running lane in order to avoid being called for interference. The lines are considered to be inside the running lane.

Technically, if the little toe is over the line, the B-R does not have both feet inside the lane and would be subject to an interference call.

WMB

[whiskers_ump]

Thank You. I just thought I was going crazy and maybe
Texas got a different rule book, cause my partner last
night had the same in his.

[Dakota]

Sorry I didn't clarify, Glen. As WMB said, it is in the Softball Guide 2005, Official Publication of the NFHS.

It is on p 12, a POE entitled "Ruling on Three-Foot Lane Interference".