Proposed ASA Rule Changes #1

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

You would allow a crash without the ball, but you wouldn't allow the crash with the ball

The defender should not be there without the ball.

Just to make sure we are on the same page. A defender is standing anywhere (nowhere near the runner's path) and the runner alters their route to crash into that player for whatever reason. Or maybe a player is a little too close to the basepath and the runner decides s/he is going to teach that player a lesson or is just being an ***, and plows that player over.

A runner altering their route to plow a defender is USC.

Look at this one, F6 is standing in a position, runner crashes her.

I am to expect a runner to slide at the 30' mark between the bases?

A catcher is 15' up the line without the ball? Runner slide?

Even to the point of USC, you have no problem with that? BTW, there is no discretion being taken away from anyone.

No, I dont have a problem with it to the point of USC. Why should I?

I believe the proposed change most certainly removes discretion. I know it when I see it, I dont need or want a medium penalty for nonUSC crash.

If anything, it gives the umpire the discretion to rule a runner out for such an act which may be borderline USC.

I can act right now on borderline USC anytime I want. I tell the coach and/or player to chill it. I dont need a rule to enforce a penalty on borderline USC. It is or it isnt.. if its close I can tell them to chill.

As it is right now, a runner could literally coldcock a defender during the play for any reason and the only authority the umpire has is to eject them after the play.

The "only"

The umpire cannot call an out and must allow the run if that player scores on the play.

As they should, the defender doesnt have the freakin ball.

I feel a "its for the children..." coming on...