What is an outfielder/infielder?

[saharvey2]

Our ASA youth league requires 10U teams have four outfielders. One team in the division positions a player directly behind second base on the grass. This player takes all throws from the catcher -- second and short never move. Is this player a 7th infield defending the area around second, or are they an outfielder.

I'm interested in hearing your learned opinions.

[Dutch Alex]

Originally Posted by saharvey2

Our ASA youth league requires 10U teams have four outfielders. One team in the division positions a player directly behind second base on the grass. This player takes all throws from the catcher -- second and short never move. Is this player a 7th infield defending the area around second, or are they an outfielder.

I'm interested in hearing your learned opinions.

So what your saying is that you have 6 infielders and 4 outfielders? That makes 10 players, ain't that 1 to many? However ISF is clear in this: All positions have a number and the top 3 numbers F7, F8 and F9 are the outfielders. They can however been placed in the infield.
I guess that's similar to ASA.

Then, to define whether that 10th player is an outfielder positioned in the infield or that the outfielder is playing in the outfield, depends on your (ASA) definition of infield and outfield. See also the IFF-rule, a pop-up easily to be caught by an infielder results in the IFF. I've seen in a men-league how that stretches up the infield on to the grass...

Third, knowing our softball-world, your problem is going to be solved in the next rule-change...

Finally, can you show me a rule that states that F8 can't take (all the) throws on 2nd base, where normally that will be F4 or F6? So, is there a problem?

[tcannizzo]

Your youth league needs to add their own definition to their rules.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by tcannizzo

Your youth league needs to add their own definition to their rules.

Actually, ASA has already done that for them:

INFIELDER: A fielder who defends the area of the field around first, second, third or shortstop areas.

OUTFIELDER: A fielder who defends the area of the field that the left, left-center, right-center, and right fielders normally play.

As Irish mentioned earlier, if, in the judgment of the umpire, that fielder is defending the area around 2nd base, then they are an infielder.

[Tru_in_Blu]

Here's one of our rec league's bylaws, which is for ages 12-14:

Infield positions shall consist of a maximum four players plus the pitcher and catcher. Outfield positions will start each play "on the grass".

At this level, a sharply hit ball might have a chance to reach the outfield grass. Depending on the cut of the infield, the distance could vary from field to field. Very few balls are hit to "the outfield" and coaches tend to bring outfielders in as far as they can until a batter burns them.

[Dakota]

It's 10U, guys. Even with 9 on defense, it is not unusual for F8 to take throws at 2B. 10U outfielders play very shallow many times. So, in that light, and barring any clarification from the league on what they meant, "..the area of the field that the left, left-center, right-center, and right fielders normally play" might very well be "directly behind second base on the grass".

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

Outfield positions will start each play "on the grass".

Regardless of level, comments of ignorance like this is what perpetuates myths.

I understand what they are attempting to do, but they need to realize that something as simple as this not worded in the proper manner will get a daddy-ball coach ejected somewhere down the road at a higher level and will never understand why.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by saharvey2

Our ASA youth league requires 10U teams have four outfielders. One team in the division positions a player directly behind second base on the grass. This player takes all throws from the catcher -- second and short never move. Is this player a 7th infield defending the area around second, or are they an outfielder.

I'm interested in hearing your learned opinions.

To start, there are only four "position" players in the infield. However, for the purpose of any rules, the highlighted portion of your post is the answer to your question. If the player defends an area in the infield, that player is an infielder.