Base Line and Verbal Obstruction?

[GaryBarrentine]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

The base line is irrelevant to an obstruction ruling.

Irish,

You and I know this, but can anyone explain why a BU would go and tell both coaches to keep thier players out of the base line?

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Depends on to whom you are speaking. There are some on this board which think screaming at the other team is "just part of the game." Well, some people think that throwing a pitch at the batter is part of the game, too. I believe those people to be less than reputable.

My opinion is that a team should not address the opponent other than cordial greetings. Once the game is in progress, a member of a team should provide support for their teammates, not act in an unsportsmanlike or disparaging manner toward members of the other team. It is a clear line that eliminates any question between the fences. I will not eject anyone without warning and awareness of what is expected on the field. The warning is often given in a quiet and private manner, very few people know it is being offered unless the recipient decides to make an issue of it. And, no, I don't believe this affects the game or players in any negative way, shape or form.

But as I noted, this is my opinion and method of handling the situation you raised.

Other than USC is there any other rule this could fall under, in your opinion?

Thanks

GaryB

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by GaryBarrentine

Irish,

You and I know this, but can anyone explain why a BU would go and tell both coaches to keep thier players out of the base line?

No, other than an umpire not knowing the rules.

Other than USC is there any other rule this could fall under, in your opinion?

Not in ASA

[ChampaignBlue]

Originally Posted by GaryBarrentine

Irish,

You and I know this, but can anyone explain why a BU would go and tell both coaches to keep thier players out of the base line?

I can because I have. Especially with young players. Fielder standing in base path (or running path) watching play in the outfield, runner should avoid the collision but is also watching play in outfield, not where she is going. Left to continue eventually we may be sending a kid needlessly to the hospital because of a collision. A simple reminder to get out of the basepath if you are not making a play can save a broken leg or worse. Preventative umpiring.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by ChampaignBlue

I can because I have. Especially with young players. Fielder standing in base path (or running path) watching play in the outfield, runner should avoid the collision but is also watching play in outfield, not where she is going. Left to continue eventually we may be sending a kid needlessly to the hospital because of a collision. A simple reminder to get out of the basepath if you are not making a play can save a broken leg or worse. Preventative umpiring.

The OP refers to the base line, not a base path.

Other than the rules stating defenders (other than the catcher) position themselves in fair territory and not in the batter's line of vision (whatever that is), there is nothing giving the umpire any authority to dictate where any defender other than the battery stands.

There are given remedies for obstruction, so even 10.3.C cannot justify coaching a player where to stand.

And the UMPIRE is not sending anyone to the hospital. It is the coach's job to coach the player. If a player goes to the hospital, it has nothing to do with the umpire unless they are making up their own rules.

[ronald]

Tru_Blu_

I like that rule. Shame it has to be written and that some people are clueless concerning sportsmanship.

Mike, can you get that passed at the National level?


Ron

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by ronald

Tru_Blu_

I like that rule. Shame it has to be written and that some people are clueless concerning sportsmanship.

Mike, can you get that passed at the National level?

Ron

No, something like that probably would never get out of committee. One reason is that RS 49 addresses it, though in a very vague and more administrative manner. Another reason is that the NUS would predetermine and sell the point that USC is and should be an umpire's judgment issue to determine, much like an INT call.

There used to be a paragraph in Rule 10 which specifically addressed the conduct of all participants toward umpires and the opposing team and coaches.

When there was an in-house overhaul of the book including Rule 10, this paragraph was removed. I thought (and voiced my opinion) that it should have been placed back in the rule as a guide of sorts to help an umpire determine what may not be appropriate on the field, but apparently no one (in authority) agreed.