A Matter of Coaching or Conscience?

[robbie]

Its interesting that many of you state that you would kill the play in the interest of safety, but seem to be more likey to kill at lowere levels (where chance of injury is less) than at higher levels (where chance of injury is greater)

Just an observation.

[bkbjones]

YSF 38.6 has simple ruling: off with the infidel's left hand. That'll teach 'em!

Originally Posted by robbie

Its interesting that many of you state that you would kill the play in the interest of safety, but seem to be more likey to kill at lowere levels (where chance of injury is less) than at higher levels (where chance of injury is greater)

Just an observation.

A good observation at that. I would kill it no matter which level (despite my earlier remarks), but anyone who is stupid enough to do it at a higher level shouldn't be playing at that level. That was the point I was trying to make.

[BuggBob]

Kind of sounds like coaching, what's next telling the batters to back off the plate becaus this pither throws inside a lot? But it also sounds like situational awareness, the fielder may only be looking for the position of the out fielders. I really think we would be overstepping to kill the play based upon the fielders not paying attention. Now if the fielder was engaged in some kind of activity, such as tying their shoes, that would be different. No I say you just got to let it play out. that's what I would do -- that's what I have done.

[NCASAUmp]

I wouldn't kill the play. At what point do you decide NOT to kill the play? Do you do it for infielders only? Outfielders? Runners? Coaches? Okay, screw the coaches...

If the fielder is walking back to their position and the pitcher is starting their delivery, I see nothing wrong with telling the fielder, "heads up," and pointing towards the plate. I do it all the time in SP, and the fielders thank me for it.

Is it coaching? Maybe. If the OC has a problem with it, they can get a life, because I left my CPR mask in the car.

[Bill S]

My convictions, and I truly believe all rule books would support killing this play. (Even if you find one that does not, in this matter, I do not care.)
It is a matter of safety. I have seen what damage a batted ball can do to a player that is ready let alone one who has no idea what may be coming.
I would take it one step further and be willing to tell you if a coach came out to give me grief or complain over it, I would not "play" with him any longer. I would do the same for his players.
This is a game for Pete's sake and absolutely no argument given to me can make it potentially a situation of life and death if I have any input into it.

[BuggBob]

I totally disagree with the idea of killing the play because the infielder is not paying attention. That is clearly not our job. What about slow players, or players playing a position for which they do not have the required skills? Are we next going to evaluate players for a minimum performance standard for positions? How many times has an umpire been chastised on this forum for making up a rule? This is one of those times, there is nothing in any of the rules I have read in any sport that grants or requires the official to kill live play because of inattention of one of the players.

The poll should have had one more choice – Game on.

Bugg

[Dakota]

The question posed says nothing about being slow, out of position, or unskilled. It is very specific. The infielder has their back to the plate and the pitch is beginning. The infielder has no chance at self-protection, regardless of skill level, on a line shot directly at him.