Dirty trick, but illegal?

[bluezebra]

Originally Posted by Stripe

If F3 was not moving to position himself for a play but was deliberately trying to obstruct the view of the runner, yes I would take action under rule 9.01 c & d.

(c) Each umpire has authority to rule on any point not specifically covered in these rules.
(d) Each umpire has authority to disqualify any player, coach, manager or substitute for objecting to decisions or for unsportsmanlike conduct or language, and to eject such disqualified person from the playing field. If an umpire disqualifies a player while a play is in progress, the disqualification shall not take effect until no further action is possible in that play.

That's a cop-out. Those rules are NOT written to allow an umpire to penalize a player for doing something WELL within the rules. There is NOTHING unsportsmanlike about F3 moving, as long as it doesn't become obstruction.

If you EVER invoke 9.01 c & d in situations like this, I hope the coach/manager has the brains to protest. And to write a complaining letter to the league, and your assignor. It's not an umpire's job to assist a team that hasn't a clue on how to relay signals.

Bob