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.