Blocked Ball - Defense Question
 

Speaking NFHS.

It is my understanding that if a live ball comes in contact with a piece of equipment (bucket,helmet,etc.) in the field of play that belongs to the defensive team, the ball is dead, and the runners are allowed one base. If the equipment belongs to the offense, the runner closes to home is out. And, all other runners return to the last base touched. Either scenario, the ball is dead. Is that correct?

If that is correct, is this true for ASA as well?

In FED and offensive equipment blocks a ball, if a runner is being played on, that runner is out, all other runners return to base at the time of blocked ball. If no play is obvious, there is no out, all runners return to last base occupied at time of blocked ball. 8-6-15

If defensive equipment causes a blocked ball, all runners awarded 2 bases from time ball left fielders hand. 8-4-3f

ASA appears to follow same rule. ASA 8-5-G

Motion seconded for ASA.

So the ball is dead in both instances? Correct? And, thanks for the rule references.

Yes, dead.
If defensive equip, it's like any ball going "out of play".