Situation: Starting pitcher has pitched to 2 batters with a wristband of school colors on her pitching arm. Before the first pitch to the 3rd batter, the batter complains about the wristband being a distraction. Here's the question: If the defense complains of a distraction, does it become manditory for the umpire to have the wristband removed, or is it left to the judgment of the umpire if it is indead a distraction or not?

Thanks guys
Kent

read that "If the offense complains..."

sorry for the typo
Kent

Kent,
This is strictly a MOO call.
To avoid the situation you had, I always have the
pitcher remove "pitching hand" items in NHFS games.
To date, I have never gotten an argument from a
player or coach. It just prevents events like the
one you were faced with from occurring. Most opposing
coaches only bring these minor rule deviations up
when they are having problems hitting the pitcher.

However, by rule, it is your call. Since in your case
it had to be called to your attention, it was probably
not that distracting since as PU you are basically see-
ing the same view as the <b>potential</b> hitter. :)

glen

Kent,
While Glen is right in that the wristband is probably not distracting, it's also good game management to make the pitcher remove it - especially if early in the game or with a new batter. While I will not automatically require a pitcher to remove something at the beginning of the game and without any mention by the other team, I will mention to her coach that it will need to be removed if an batter tells me that it is distracting. I see this as being along similar lines as asking my partner on the bases about a checked swing.

I had a batter complain last year that the pitcher's hair bow was distracting. Well, it was shiny gold and blue and the sun was on the pitcher. I knew the pitcher really well,
so I walked out to the mound and asked her if she could remove her hair bow without her hair falling in her face. She said 'yes', so I asked her to take it off and give it to
her coach----no problem.
I never let the pitcher wear anything on her pitching arm except for a shirt sleeve if it's cold, and it's never been a problem.

Since no one has mentioned this yet, I thought I'd point out that this is a rule change in ASA for 2002.

In 2001, it was "manditory" for the umpire to have the wristband removed if the offense complained. The 2001 rule read:

<font color=blue>The pitcher shall not wear tape on the fingers, a sweatband, bracelet, or similar type item on the wrist or forearm of the pitching arm.</font> ASA 6-6 (Fast pitch).

The effect was illegal pitch.

For 2002, it is umpire judgment as to whether the item is distracting. The 2002 rule reads:

<font color=blue>A pitcher shall not wear any item on the pitching hand, wrist, forearm, elbow or thighs, which may, in the umpire's judgment, be distracting to the batter.</font>

In the comments section on the rule change, ASA explains that the reason for the change is to allow flesh-colored band-aids or ace bandages in the case of injuries. It was not to allow team colored sweat bands or other such items.

Still, it is umpire's judgment. Personally, I would probably ask the pitcher to remove a team-colored or white item unless I was convinced it was NOT distracting (i.e. I'd give the benefit of the doubt to the offense).

<i>Off the subject PS to Kent: this board has an "edit" feature that allows you to correct typos in your posts. I should know - I use it often enough!</i>

[Edited by Dakota on Feb 4th, 2002 at 11:43 AM]

Hey Dakota
I found the edit button. And I just thought yall typed better than me.
Thanks
Kent
Now if I could figure out how yall get those original quotes in there so pretty like.

Kent,
What part of Lousiania yall from. You sure have
a lot good teams to call over that way. There are
several Lake Charles umps Morgan M., Gene L.,
Rickey C., Torey B., Marie W.,and couple of others,
that I have been forunate enough to call with.
I am from a small town north of Beaumont, Woodville,
Tx.

glen

Glenn, I call in the New Iberia - Lafayette area. I do go to the Lake Charles area as a spectator often. So I've probably seen some of your buddies in action.

Yes South Texas and South Louisiana seems to have a strong fast pitch heritage.

Kent

Hey Kent... Ya just click on the "quote" button under the message you want to quote (its right next to the "edit/delete" button) instead of hitting "reply."

The only problem with the "edit" feature is it tattles on you at the bottom!

Get outta here. Its that easy. Now I'm an expert.

Kent (Thanks Dakota)

Now add the cool Smiles
 

Kent,
Now go to the top of the page when you hit post or reply
or quote and hit the <font color = red>smiles</font> and
print out that page and you will have most of what is
offered. There will always be a lot of opinions and most
are good, gotta admit.

<font color = green><u>g l e n</u></font>