I posted this on another board also, but wanted to
post here also since have never seen some of the names
on the other post. Value their opinions also.

This is not a game situation that I have ever heard of
or had happend, just curious.

AFA Rule 10 Sec 5 d.
ASA Rule 10 Sec 7 1.
NCAA Rule 6. Sec 10. d.
NFHS Rule 5 Sec l Art. 4
LL 5.11

<b>Rules governing putting dead ball back into play.</b>

<font color = red>Play resumes when the pitcher takes her
place on the pitcher's plate with the ball in her possession
and the umpire calls/signals "play/Play ball."</font>

Since all organizations basically cite the same
procedure for getting a ball back into play once
it becomes dead, suppose the following stitch occurs.

Foul ball that went into dead ball territory has been
returned to pitcher via fan to 3rd baseperson and to
pitcher.
Umpire that has been signalling or verbally calling
"play" on each dead ball situation, for some reason or
another does not. Batter hits next pitch to her out
of park. After celebration and all the
offensive players have returned to dugout and the
PU has given pitcher a new ball and indicated "play"'
defensive coach calls time and advises Pu she
is protesting under one of the above cited rules.
PU's what do we do??

glen

Go ahead, make my day!
 

I'd hope I was working for a league that gave the PU a cut of the protest fee when protests are rejected, then I'd be very helpful in filling out the form.

Speaking ASA.

This is not a protestable situation in accordance with the 1st paragraph printed in Rule 10.

There is no 10.7.1, but I believe you were refering to 10.7.I which is nothing more than a description of the signal (prescribed mechanic) an umpire is to use to indicate "play ball". In Rule 1, Play Ball is described simply as a termed used, not a prerequisite for putting a ball into play.

It basically comes down to the ball is in play when you say it is in play and I do not mean that in a verbal way. Tell the coach to sit down, s/he is wasting good playing time.

Mike, {Thanks for correction - I typed what I did not see}

You hit upon what I was looking for.

In NCAA, NFHS, AFA, and LL it is a rule and
each states bascially the same.

"After a dead ball, play resumes when the pitcher takes her place
on the pitcher's plate with the ball in her possession and the
umpire <b>calls/signals "Play/Play ball."</b> Umpire shall not put
the ball in play untill all runners have retouched their bases.
[NCAA, AFA, LL]

"After a dead-ball situation, the ball becomes alive when it is held
by the pitcher within the 16-foot circle and the umpire calls and/or
signals "play ball" and gives beckoning hand signal" [NFHS].

In ASA it is listed under Rule 10 (umpires) Sec. 7 I (signals). [Umpire
guidelines and listed items not protestable.] A simple definiation of giving
the "play ball" both verbally and with hand motion.

So given, In ASA it would not be protestable, but how about
the other organizations where the rules state the ball should
be put into play by umpire either verbally or signal?

I know I am pushing, just got bored since I am off with no leafs to
rake or grass to mow and deer season does not open till next weekend. And no games til Saturday.

glen

I am agreeing with Dakota and Mike on this one. Basically, you did all the mechanics to put it back in play except say "play ball." There are many times when I simply signal to the pitcher to pitch, rather than making a verbal call. The ball, therefore, is in play. Coach can have a seat.

Scott