Interference?

[MrRabbit]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

R1 yells "I got it", F4 muffs the catch; almost assuredly NOTHING. R1 yells "I got it", and F4 flinchs away, or backs off from a ball camped under, much more likely interference.

Bottom line (in my judgement), if F4 is catching the ball regardless the call, and fails, too bad, F4 failed. If F4 reacts thinking a teammate is calling off, more possibly verbal interference.

I suggest that everyone read ASA R/S 33.

This is a classic case of interference, "Verbal Distraction".

The rule is very clear, the offensive player did intend to to impede, hinder, or confuse the defensive player when she yelled I got it.

We as umpires do get to decide what her reasoning was for yell I got it.

DMO.

Or to wait to see if the defensive player has a reaction to the yell or catches the ball.

When she yells, I call it.