Interference/Deflected off the pitcher

[BretMan]

You say that you like the ASA rule better- but which rule are you thinking of?

Your lprevious two posts (before your this last one) ask about a ball touched by the pitcher that then contacts the runner.

On that play, the ASA and NFHS rulings are exactly the same! In fact, their respective rules read word-for-word identical in this case. See ASA rule 8-8-F and compare it to NFHS rule 8-8-6.

The other play you asked about- ball is deflected by the pitcher, then the runner contacts the fielder (not the ball) is where the two diverge on a ruling.

ASA considers the touch by the pitcher a deflected ball and the fielder cannot be guilty of interference with the fielder unless her act is intentional. So, if the fielder suddenly changes direction and cuts in front of the runner, then the runner unavoidably bumps into her, it is not interference.

The NFHS ruling is different. Consider the same batted ball. Despite being touched by the pitcher, the fielder can still be considered as making the "initial play" on the ball and the fielder still receives absolute protection against interference. In other words, the runner still must allow the fielder to make the play and any contact- intentional or not- can still be ruled as interference.

Does that make more sense?