Discarded "mask"

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by DRJ1960

Does the fact that NFHS uses different terms ("loose equipment" vs "discarded equipment") impact your call?

Yes. Loose equipment is an item not currently involved in the game, but left on the field; contact with the ball should always result in a blocked ball, any judgment of possible obstruction or interference should be strictly enforced.

Discarded equipment is something involved in the game that is normally expected to become part of the field (catcher's mask, batter's bat), or might accidently become loose (cap falls off while running, batting glove falls out of pocket) and contact can be ignored if not deemed interference or obstruction.

Detached equipment is something intentionally used improperly to impact on a play, and should always result in the minimum three base award.

Interestingly (or more likely considered overkill), NCAA insists that umpires make all participants (runners and defensive players) put all batting gloves FULLY in pockets, even fingertips cannot hang out, to make sure they don't impact on a play or result in a blocked ball ruling.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Yes. Loose equipment is an item not currently involved in the game, but left on the field; contact with the ball should always result in a blocked ball, any judgment of possible obstruction or interference should be strictly enforced.

Discarded equipment is something involved in the game that is normally expected to become part of the field (catcher's mask, batter's bat), or might accidently become loose (cap falls off while running, batting glove falls out of pocket) and contact can be ignored if not deemed interference or obstruction.

Detached equipment is something intentionally used improperly to impact on a play, and should always result in the minimum three base award.

Interestingly (or more likely considered overkill), NCAA insists that umpires make all participants (runners and defensive players) put all batting gloves FULLY in pockets, even fingertips cannot hang out, to make sure they don't impact on a play or result in a blocked ball ruling.

Hmmm, interesting. That's not clearly stated in either the rule book or case book. Is there some other authoritative NFHS document that covers this, or perhaps an official interpretation on its website?

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Manny A

Hmmm, interesting. That's not clearly stated in either the rule book or case book. Is there some other authoritative NFHS document that covers this, or perhaps an official interpretation on its website?

Compilation of various citations, including (and probably missing a few):

2-2-3
5-1-2b
Dead ball table #33, #34
Delayed dead ball table #4
8-4-3e and Penalty
8-4-3f Penalty and Exception 3
8-6-15 Penalty

[Tru_in_Blu]

Detached equipment is something intentionally used improperly to impact on a play, and should always result in the minimum three base award.

Doesn't the above apply to batted balls only? Maybe I've confused ASA w/ NFHS. I thought if a play was made with detached equipment, the call was a delayed dead ball and awards of 1 base for a pitched ball, 2 bases for a thrown ball, and three bases for a batted ball.

[Tru_in_Blu]

I also have a question on a catcher's detached mask/helmet.

Batter pops up. Catcher removes mask/helmet and tosses it into foul territory. She loses sight of the ball which:
a) on the fly, lands in the catcher's helmet in foul ground;
b) contacts the catcher's helmet in foul ground and bounces directly into fair territory where it comes to rest.

Is either or both simply a foul ball?

Thanx.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

I also have a question on a catcher's detached mask/helmet.

Batter pops up. Catcher removes mask/helmet and tosses it into foul territory. She loses sight of the ball which:
a) on the fly, lands in the catcher's helmet in foul ground;
b) contacts the catcher's helmet in foul ground and bounces directly into fair territory where it comes to rest.

Is either or both simply a foul ball?

Thanx.

What happens when a batted ball contacts a person, attached or detached equipment or clothing of a player or umpire or any object foreign to the natural ground over or in foul territory?

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

Detached equipment is something intentionally used improperly to impact on a play, and should always result in the minimum three base award.

Doesn't the above apply to batted balls only? Maybe I've confused ASA w/ NFHS. I thought if a play was made with detached equipment, the call was a delayed dead ball and awards of 1 base for a pitched ball, 2 bases for a thrown ball, and three bases for a batted ball.

You are correct. The three-base award only applies to batted balls that are judged to remain on the field. If the batted ball was headed over the fence fairly, then the award is four bases.