ASA 8-2-F

[CecilOne]

My post in "Batter Out ?":
Here we are back to the deflected ball issue again. The BR is not out for contact with the ball as such once "the ball hits his glove". Whether the BR or any other runner interferes with a fielder trying to field a deflected ball is a question we've discussed repeatedly with no firm resolution. Most of us seem to accept the "step and reach" theory, although it's not in any softball rule book I've seen or heard about.

For anyone new, the "step and reach" theory is that if the deflected ball is still within the reach of the fielder, even if one step is needed, the runner may not interfere with the ball or fielder. But if the deflected ball is further away and contacts the runner, it is not interference.