3 Foot Lane

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by WestMichiganBlue

At that NUS, the ASA position was very clear - IF the runner is outside the 3-foot lane and the fielder could not handle the throw - CALL IT! We ran that drill many times; we never hit the runner, but everytime Steve insisted that we call interference.

But did Steve do that because it was a drill or was every instance of the drill decisively INT?

Basically the positon is that if the runner is NOT where she belongs so she gets no help; benefit of doubt goes to the fielder.

Absolutely, but there must also BE interference. I believe the point that was attempted is if it is just a bad throw, you don't automatically reward the defense because a runner wasn't between the pipes.

In spite of the many recent changes in some org. that seem, IMO, an attempt to dummy down the rules to reduce the amount of judgment necessary by making certain acts "automatic" calls, I think the umpire needs to use their judgment and make the correct call.

If you stayed for the entire session (NUS), you probably heard common sense referenced a couple of times. This is the type of call where an umpire must see, evaluate and rule on all portions of the event which just occurred without prejudice or predetermination.

Of course if umpires will not make this call, catcher's know what they have to do. Rather than risk an error, they will ding the runner and force the umpire to make the call.

Again, another instance why we get the big bucks Most of these players, male, female, adult or youth, couldn't mask an intentional throw at the runner if they wanted to. And making that call if such a play occurs can only add to the integrity of the game, that is, unless they are playing kick ball.

The teams rely upon the umpire to make the correct call, but I can tell you, many scoff at that idea. Those who visit other sites will recognize my reference to many a player/coach/parent who swear the umpires in their area will NOT make the difficult call. Of course, I take this criticism with a grain of salt, but in some instances, it is not a lie. Granted, we must survive, but when it comes down to it, how can an umpire be dinged for making the right call?

How many times to we hear, "you can't call that now" or "you don't make that call in this type of game" or "how can you end a game on a call like that", etc.? Have you even noticed that no one argues that the call is wrong, but just untimely for THEIR team.

Umpires need to do their job. Yes, there needs to be common sense applied to the game, as well, but not to the point that certain violations are completely ignored.

[WestMichiganBlue]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

But did Steve do that because it was a drill or was every instance of the drill decisively INT?

Because it was a drill. Like all drills, it didn't perfectly reflect game conditions. What Steve was trying to do was "drill" in to umpire's minds that they could call interference even if the runner wasn't hit by the ball.

... if it is just a bat throw, you don't automatically reward the defense because a runner wasn't between the pipes.

Agreed, but - a "bad throw" in this situation is an umpire judgment. IMO, an umpire that does not want to call interference (absent contact) is prejudiced towards a bad throw judgment. So if F2 throws the ball over the runner's head and it sails over the top of F4 at 1B, that's a bad throw! But take the runner out of the way and most of us will agree that any decent catcher can make a glove high throw from 40' or 50'.

This is the type of call where an umpire must see, evaluate and rule on all portions of the event which just occurred without prejudice or predetermination.

I agree, and I fully agree with the rest of your philosophical discussion about common sense and making the difficult call, regardless of game circumstances.

But it is my opinion that too many umpires need to see contact (or physical reaction) before they are willing to call obstruction or interference.

I.e., a fielder, runner, and batted ball all moving towards the same spot. The runner doesn't stop; the fielder pulls up and both runner and ball go on through. "She was in my way, Blue!" "Sorry young lady, I can't read your mind; you have to show me that you were attempting to field the ball."

That fielder now knows that next time she will not pull up to avoid contact; instead she will continue into the collision, and force the umpire to make the call.

How many times have we heard coaches telling their players to "run into them and get the call?" "If they are in your way, hit them with the ball and get the call."

Yes, that is why we "get the big bucks," Mike. But how many umpires are willing to risk getting run off the field when they make that controversial "no contact" obstruction or interference call? The fans and coaches are not going to see, or understand the technical nuances of a non-contact call; if you want to survive you probably don't make that call.

WMB

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by WestMichiganBlue

Agreed, but - a "bad throw" in this situation is an umpire judgment. IMO, an umpire that does not want to call interference (absent contact) is prejudiced towards a bad throw judgment. So if F2 throws the ball over the runner's head and it sails over the top of F4 at 1B, that's a bad throw! But take the runner out of the way and most of us will agree that any decent catcher can make a glove high throw from 40' or 50'.

Easily or they probably shouldn't be a catcher. However, a good catcher will simply slide and take a clean throwing lane instead of forcing a throw around or through a BR.

But it is my opinion that too many umpires need to see contact (or physical reaction) before they are willing to call obstruction or interference.

In some cases a physical reaction would be required (OBS), but not always.

I.e., a fielder, runner, and batted ball all moving towards the same spot. The runner doesn't stop; the fielder pulls up and both runner and ball go on through. "She was in my way, Blue!" "Sorry young lady, I can't read your mind; you have to show me that you were attempting to field the ball."

Weak argument by the fielder AND umpire since that is not a requirement. BTW, pulling up IS a physical reaction, is it not? Umpire who uses the "cannot read your mind" line as an excuse for ignoring a call isn't a good umpire. Not that those circumstances may not exist as some point (i.e., catcher holding a ball claiming a runner is in her way, instead of actually making some attempt to make a play)

That fielder now knows that next time she will not pull up to avoid contact; instead she will continue into the collision, and force the umpire to make the call.

Another reason for the umpire to do their job.

How many times have we heard coaches telling their players to "run into them and get the call?" "If they are in your way, hit them with the ball and get the call."

I've heard that the same amount of times I have told the coach/player that if I see that occur and believe it WAS intentional, I will be the first in line to give the policeman, insurance investigator, prosecuting attorney and judge exactly what I heard and saw and my PROFESSIONAL opinion/judgment of what occured on the field. And if you think I haven't done that, you would be mistaken. I do not hesitate to take control of a situation where someone could be injured because of an idiot on the other team who thinks they are Ty ****ing Cobb and this is the world series.

Yes, that is why we "get the big bucks," Mike. But how many umpires are willing to risk getting run off the field when they make that controversial "no contact" obstruction or interference call? The fans and coaches are not going to see, or understand the technical nuances of a non-contact call; if you want to survive you probably do make that call.

WMB

Yes, there is a survival factor, but as I stated before, the teams are relying on the umpire to make the correct call and there are two teams on the field.

Not only do I have no problem making that call, but expect it to be made by other umpires. If you do not want to make the tough call, give back the money and take up gardening.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

and there are two teams on the field.

3

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

3

Okay, 3 assuming you have a partner

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Okay, 3 assuming you have a partner

Hey, a single umpire can still be a team.

If we can have an "army of one," we can have an umpiring team of one!

[ronald]

Originally Posted by WestMichiganBlue

Yes, that is why we "get the big bucks," Mike. But how many umpires are willing to risk getting run off the field when they make that controversial "no contact" obstruction or interference call? The fans and coaches are not going to see, or understand the technical nuances of a non-contact call; if you want to survive you probably do make that call.

WMB

i am willing and have done it.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by WestMichiganBlue

But how many umpires are willing to risk getting run off the field when they make that controversial "no contact" obstruction or interference call? The fans and coaches are not going to see, or understand the technical nuances of a non-contact call; if you want to survive you probably don't make that call.

WMB

Maybe it's why I don't get better votes from coaches, but I don't remember thinking about any of that in the middle of a play.

[MA Softball Ump]

Originally Posted by WestMichiganBlue

How many times have we heard coaches telling their players to "run into them and get the call?" "If they are in your way, hit them with the ball and get the call."
WMB

Yes. And see 2010 RS #49(C) "unsporting behavior... C. Coaching tactics that endanger the safety of players."

When you hear that type of comment, it merits a stern and clear warning, if not something else!