Umpire Interference

[sargee7]

Originally Posted by c4in

14U BR, R1 on third, passed ball, R1 goes for home, pitcher moves to cover, catcher recovers ball and spins and throws, R1 about 5 ft from plate, ball bounces off PU's head (she didn't pivot out from plate, just took a step back from slot), PU looking down and holding head, R1 scores, DC argues UI, PU states that her judgment was that R1 had scored before UI.

BR rules state (para phrased) UI if umpire impedes catcher while trying to play steel. I feel like this rule is addressing the throw to second, but does not specifically state this. Penalty is dead ball, runners back to last legally touched base.

Blown call?

I'll take a stab. UI occurs on a pitched ball when the catcher attempts to make a play and gets caught up in a tangle with PU. IF the out is made UI is ignored.

In this case, passed ball, no UI. Pitcher needs to throw to the catcher and catcher needs to catch it, umpire needs to keep eye on ball. Score the run.

[Dakota]

There are only 2 specific situations where umpire interference can occur, and your situation is not one of them. ASA 8-6-F NOTE: It is not umpire interference if, on a passed ball or wild pitch, the umpire gets hit by a thrown ball from the catcher. The ball is live.

[Andy]

This play brings to light one of my favorite descriptions of us:

Umpires are like dirt....just part of the field!

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by Andy

This play brings to light one of my favorite descriptions of us:

Umpires are like dirt....just part of the field!

Since he beat me to it - what Andy said. No UI here.

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by Andy

This play brings to light one of my favorite descriptions of us:

Umpires are like dirt....just part of the field!

crap, stole my line.

[c4in]

Thanks everyone. I now understand the rule and can apply it. Ok, give an old guy a break. I put in 60 hours a week at work and still "squeeze" in 6 to 8 games. I figure I can sleep when I'm dead. My grammar usage does suffer though

[IamMatt]

Do you all think the reasoning behind this not being interference is that the umpire being able to position himself to see the play takes precedence over having to move in a way that makes sure he won't get in the way of the play?

[Andy]

Originally Posted by IamMatt

Do you all think the reasoning behind this not being interference is that the umpire being able to position himself to see the play takes precedence over having to move in a way that makes sure he won't get in the way of the play?

Yes and no.

Umpire mechanics are designed to put us in position to see what we need to see and stay out of the way of the players most of the time. We have all been there when, due to funky stuff happening, we find ourselves in the middle of a play.

My take is that the UI rule is there more to prevent players from just throwing the ball at the umpire or running into the umpire to get a dead ball and gain an advantage by sending a runner back to a base or avoiding an out.

The exception on using UI in the case of F2 throwing to attempt to retire a stealing runner is there because of the position the umpire has to be in at the start of that play (the pitch) and the close proximity to F2 needed to call the pitch. Due to the speed at which the pitch comes in and F2 throws, there may be very little time for the umpire to react and get out of the way. Even with that, I can't think of the last time I saw UI called in that situation.

Just my opinion....maybe Mike or WMB can add more on the history and philosophy of the UI rule.