What is an outfielder/infielder?
 

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...:D

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?

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

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.

Actually, ASA has already done that for them:

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.

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.

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".

Which would still be within the definition. :)

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.

Thank you for the prompt input.

It seems to me that this is a gray area that would require the league add a definition to the league rules supplement. Supplementing the official rules with league rules is a poor choice in my mind.

Stuart Harvey

What could you offer in the way of "proper wording"?

I didn't write this league's bylaw, but I'd hardly refer to it as "ignorant". Yes, they're attempting to instruct the players in positional play. I've seen youth soccer and the term "herd ball" is an appropriate description of how the really young kids play. So many times in softball games at this level I see a popup fall among 3 players because no one took charge. It's all part of learning how to play the game.

We know that short fielders can play anywhere [in fair territory]. The SS can play on the RF side of 2B, or the second baseman can play a "shift" into short RF. Except for the battery, you could play all remaining players on either side of 2B.

How about no wording? If they cover the outfield, they are outfielders; infield, infielders.

Do you understand the word? It is a lack of knowledge or awareness. I would prefer that this be the case instead of someone intentionally providing something that contradicts the rules.

Teaching players the game and providing bad references are two different things. I have encountered coaches at a 16U national which lived on misinformation he received at the local level

welcome to the club,a s well as to the forum.

How is a local rule misinformation? We have a league where if you hit the ball over the fence in certain spots in flight it's a double. Is this misinformation?

That'd be a ground rule, unless that section of fence is shorter than the minimum prescribed distance. Then, it'd be an actual rule.

I can't quite agree with Irish on the line issue. Rules are established before a game to set the level of expectation based on the anticipated level of competition and fair play. If the level of play is that low, then I see nothing wrong with setting up additional "parameters" within which the game is to be played. Granted, a player playing in such a league won't learn much about the proper way to play the sport, but if her goal isn't advancement, what's wrong with it?

Like bumpers in bowling. It doesn't help the players improve, but it can improve the enjoyment of the game. And if everyone agrees to their use, I see no harm in it.

Then again, I used to bowl in the 200s (without bumpers and with the foul lights activated) when I was 11, so... Might not be a good example. :D