NFHS - Umpire Responsible for Clearing bat

[EsqUmp]

I know of no association that REQUIRES the umpire to remove the bat. One philosophy is that if the plate umpire can safely, cautiously and carefully remove the bat, than he should do so. He can either hand it to an on-deck batter if that person is right there to slide it away. They are not, however, to do this unless they can do so safely, cautiously and carefully.

If R3 is coming home for a play at the plate, I won't likely be getting involved. If R2 is going to score on a hit to the outfield, there is generally enough time to remove the bat.

There may be a lot of "clones" out there afraid to do something that is not directed of them, but it is more negligent to leave the bat there when it can be removed safely, cautiously and carefully.

[RKBUmp]

Every association I work with has told us to leave the bat alone. The bat becomes part of the field after it leaves the batters hands. If the catcher wants it moved, let them move it.

Several reasons have been brought up, the main one being the liability issue. If you move the bat and then someone trips over and is injured, more than likely the blame is going to go on the umpire for having moved the bat. I was also told of a case where an umpire kicked a bat out of the way and then was blamed for damage to the bat and a claim filed against him.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

Every association I work with has told us to leave the bat alone. The bat becomes part of the field after it leaves the batters hands. If the catcher wants it moved, let them move it.

Several reasons have been brought up, the main one being the liability issue. If you move the bat and then someone trips over and is injured, more than likely the blame is going to go on the umpire for having moved the bat. I was also told of a case where an umpire kicked a bat out of the way and then was blamed for damage to the bat and a claim filed against him.

Agreed. Leave the bat alone.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

Every association I work with has told us to leave the bat alone. The bat becomes part of the field after it leaves the batters hands. If the catcher wants it moved, let them move it.

Several reasons have been brought up, the main one being the liability issue. If you move the bat and then someone trips over and is injured, more than likely the blame is going to go on the umpire for having moved the bat. I was also told of a case where an umpire kicked a bat out of the way and then was blamed for damage to the bat and a claim filed against him.

Thanks for saving me the typing.

[derwil]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

Every association I work with has told us to leave the bat alone. The bat becomes part of the field after it leaves the batters hands. If the catcher wants it moved, let them move it.

Several reasons have been brought up, the main one being the liability issue. If you move the bat and then someone trips over and is injured, more than likely the blame is going to go on the umpire for having moved the bat. I was also told of a case where an umpire kicked a bat out of the way and then was blamed for damage to the bat and a claim filed against him.

+1. I'm not touching a bat.

[JEL]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

Every association I work with has told us to leave the bat alone. The bat becomes part of the field after it leaves the batters hands. If the catcher wants it moved, let them move it.

Several reasons have been brought up, the main one being the liability issue. If you move the bat and then someone trips over and is injured, more than likely the blame is going to go on the umpire for having moved the bat. I was also told of a case where an umpire kicked a bat out of the way and then was blamed for damage to the bat and a claim filed against him.

That bat may also be in the exact spot the coach directed it to be discarded!

It ain't my bat, I didn't put it there, I ain't gonna touch it!

[Andy]

Originally Posted by JEL

...It ain't my bat, I didn't put it there, I ain't gonna touch it!

Thank you for stating this so eloquently!

[pob14]

At our statewide meeting last summer for the Illinois HSA, we were specifically instructed NOT to touch the bat, or any equipment. Or the players, but that's a different thread.

[CecilOne]

I think I see a consensus developing.

[SWFLguy]

I won't even pick up the catcher's mask. You do something once and then not another time and you open up possible problems.

[SRW]

Originally Posted by EsqUmp

... but it is more negligent to leave the bat there when it can be removed safely, cautiously and carefully.

Now I see why the ESQ! You're an armchair attorney!