No "Intent" in interference

[WestMichBlue]

I don't like the change, but at least with interference on a throw I can see a simple rule of thumb to follow.

If runner gets hit by ball, no interference, bad throw.

If runner moves into path of ball and is hit, regardless if intentional or accidental, the call is interference.

Yes, that is in line with the standard definition of interference. Interference is interference - regardless of the reason why.

At the batter's box it may be a little more difficult. We are really going to require the batter to be a statue (stiff, un-moving) when the catcher attempts to make a play at a base. In the past we have felt that the batter's box was a sanctuary, but no longer.

Thought her feet may still be in the box, if the batter moves (bat, hand, body) into the path of the catcher we will have to call interference.

This could be a tougher change to handle than the obstruction change a few years ago. And then NFHS will follow in 2008 and we will go through these discussions again.

Have fun.

WMB