infield fly "if fair"

[LIUmp]

Though this is definitely a HTBT moment, my quick rule of thumb is not only all that has already been stated, but also this: the catcher, who had to turn and set herself near a fence in FOUL territory to make a catch on a ball and then loses the flight of the ball is not ordinary effort and I wouldn't call IFF. In ASA and PONY (of those that I have officiated for), the rules ask you to call IFF at the ball's apex. In this case, I don't think I can make that decision at that time. Of course, ASA and PONY does allow for you to make the call after the fact. I know you had a question about NCAA and USSSA and the timing of this call - I can't answer those rule sets for you. Maybe someone else can.

Bottom line, HTBT, but no IFF on this one if I'm picturing it correctly. However, I don't think it could be argued either way you choose to call it as long as you can substantiate your call with the letter of the rule.

[RadioBlue]

I can find nothing in the NCAA rules book which indicates an umpire cannot subequently rule an IFF when not called initially. Note 2 in 11.18 indicates that the ruling is to be made when the batted ball reaches its apex. However, I interpret that to be a guide to the umpire to use as a timing tool in determining whether or not a batted ball is indeed an IFF. I could be wrong and would love to hear other intrepretations/opinions.

NF 8-2-9 note specifically allows for a "retroactive" IFF to be called. Just because NCAA does not specifically allow for it, I believe it is understood to be allowed.

For instance, if an umpire fails to declare an IFF on a clear-cut IFF and the infielder drops the ball and then gets a double-play, should those outs be allowed to stand just because the umpire failed to declare an IFF when the ball was at its apex? Of course not. That is a misinterpretation of the rule and clearly correctable. I believe the same holds true for a ball which was foul and subsequently makes a funky kick into fair territory. It wasn't an IFF until it became "fair." An umpire still needs to protect the offense from an undeserved double-play in this instance.

Just my 2 cents.