Trapped Catch of Throw

[bwbuddy]

Batter hits grounder and F5 throws low to F3. Umpire was in C. Catch of throw forces F3 to catch close to ground and momentum causes her catch "followthrough" to touch the ground. Is umpire allowed to use his best judgement to determine if catch was caught and ball accidently touched the ground after the catch? Or, in this case, should it automatically be called a trap if the ball touches the ground at all after the catch?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by bwbuddy

Batter hits grounder and F5 throws low to F3. Umpire was in C. Catch of throw forces F3 to catch close to ground and momentum causes her catch "followthrough" to touch the ground.

I have absolutely no idea what your are talking about. What the hell is a "catch followthrough"?

Is umpire allowed to use his best judgement to determine if catch was caught and ball accidently touched the ground after the catch? Or, in this case, should it automatically be called a trap if the ball touches the ground at all after the catch?

Speaking ASA. The rule is that the player receiving the ball must prove control of the ball and/or that the release of the ball is voluntary. If the ball is held against anything else, from a body part other than the hands to a wall, fence or ground, it is nothing until the player can demonstrate control.

[SC Ump]

Originally Posted by bwbuddy

...and momentum causes her catch "followthrough" to touch the ground.

I'm not sure I can visualize what you are saying, but F3 is required to show she has control of the catch of the thown ball prior to the batter reaching the base. (On a tag play, the defensive player would need to show she had control of the ball during the tag.)