NFHS - Umpire Responsible for Clearing bat

[EsqUmp]

Originally Posted by okla21fan

One can start with the 30 foot difference in the base distance dimensions. Than go from there..... but I would ask, just where 'in writing' on the MLB umpire manual does it address this? (either way)

From Jim Evans' Manual

CLEARING THE BAT

1. With runners in scoring position, it may be advisable to remove a bat that may inhibit a runners slide or deflect a thrown ball to the plate. This is STRICTLY A COURTESY and not required mechanics. Your primary concern is to get in position for a play at the plate. If time permits, you may pick up the bat, and slide it forcefully from the field of play. Simply bend over, grab one end of the bat, and slide it forcefully from the field, do not kick or toss the bat in the air because people have been injured this way. Remember the acronym NAP that stands for NECESSARY, AVAILABLE, and POSSIBLE. Ask yourself is it necessary, available, or possible to move the bat.

[okla21fan]

Originally Posted by EsqUmp

From Jim Evans' Manual

CLEARING THE BAT

1. With runners in scoring position, it may be advisable to remove a bat that may inhibit a runners slide or deflect a thrown ball to the plate. This is STRICTLY A COURTESY and not required mechanics. Your primary concern is to get in position for a play at the plate. If time permits, you may pick up the bat, and slide it forcefully from the field of play. Simply bend over, grab one end of the bat, and slide it forcefully from the field, do not kick or toss the bat in the air because people have been injured this way. Remember the acronym NAP that stands for NECESSARY, AVAILABLE, and POSSIBLE. Ask yourself is it necessary, available, or possible to move the bat.

great, so in a different game with different dimensions and timing. The confines of a softball field are also much tighter. Simply put, both are very different games.

If I am sued (batter gets injured sliding into a bat) and need to justify why I didn't move a batter,

Your hero above put it in CAPS. This is the very same theory as why is it not a good idea for some rec and 'beer' leagues who attempt to implement a 'sliding policy'. Because each play is different and each ballpark is different, stating that a procedure should be required (or even recommended) to be followed when it comes to detached equipment is a good idea how now?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by okla21fan

Because each play is different and each ballpark is different, stating that a procedure should be required (or even recommended) to be followed when it comes to detached equipment is a good idea how now?

Not to mention the fact that the umpire doesn't own or operate the field, game or equipment.

It the bat being in a certain place is a problem, maybe that should be addressed to the individual who placed it there. There is no rule requiring the batter to leave the bat in the area. For that matter, they can take it with them. If the teams have a problem with discarded equipment, they control that situation, not the umpire.

I guess if a catcher breaks a leg stepping into a hole dug by the batter, it is the umpire's fault because s/he did not fill it in before the catcher stepped up

The entire argument is a joke, but then again.......

[x-tremeump]

Jim Evans and the Little League Baseball/Softball Umpire School teach the same thing, Clearing the bat is a courtesy, if you feel that it is necessary, the bat is available, and it is possible for you to safetly bend over while watching the field grab the bat and slide it on the ground away from the area. Both schools have drills that teach Umpires how to do this simple task. Little things can make the difference of being good & being great. Do not be afraid of trying something new, it might work.

[EsqUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Not to mention the fact that the umpire doesn't own or operate the field, game or equipment.

The entire argument is a joke, but then again.......

So because we don't own any equipment, we shouldn't check it? Don't we do that as a courtesy for liability purposes.

The argument is far from a joke. If you don't like the mechanic, so be it. But your fear of anything that contradicts your cloned mechanics is troublesome. You've never used the mechanic so you can't speak from experience.

Someone with "two world cups" probably has enough contacts with ASA to get a written ruling. I look forward to seeing it.

[EsqUmp]

Originally Posted by okla21fan

great, so in a different game with different dimensions and timing. The confines of a softball field are also much tighter. Simply put, both are very different games.

Your hero above put it in CAPS. This is the very same theory as why is it not a good idea for some rec and 'beer' leagues who attempt to implement a 'sliding policy'. Because each play is different and each ballpark is different, stating that a procedure should be required (or even recommended) to be followed when it comes to detached equipment is a good idea how now?

You specifically asked me if I had a citation from Jim Evans. Now that I provide it you childishly change the argument. If you want to say that it's okay for baseball but not softball because of field dimensions that is okay. But don't act like an immature baby after I give you what you were asking for. Maybe you only asked thinking I wouldn't have an answer. Obviously you were dead wrong. Now why don't you get me something in writing from ASA saying not to move it. I would still disagree with their philosophy and reason but respect the mechanic. I used similar language when saying when to move it as Evan's does in the portion you highlighted.

For now I will await a written ASA ruling. The people in this forum seem quite tight with the ASA elite so it shouldn't be long before you can get something in writing.