Discarded "mask"

[DRJ1960]

NFHS

B1 hits ground ball to F5. F3 removes and discards her "infielders face mask".
F5's throw strikes the mask as it lays on the ground. F3 is able to retrive the ball and prevent B1 from advancing past 1st base.

Do you award any bases?

B1 hits pop up. F3 tosses mask. F3 whiffs on the catch and the ball strikes her discarded mask. B1 unable to advance past 1st.

Do you award any bases?

[RKBUmp]

5-1-1-G dead ball table doesnt seem to differentiate between a thrown ball or a batted ball. #34 simply says for ball hitting equipment of team on defense. Dead ball, all runners advance 2 bases.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

5-1-1-G dead ball table doesnt seem to differentiate between a thrown ball or a batted ball. #34 simply says for ball hitting equipment of team on defense. Dead ball, all runners advance 2 bases.

So, a ball hitting a catcher's mask is a 2-base award?

[RKBUmp]

I have always been instructed catchers helmets and bats are considered part of the field once they are stationary on the field. However, so far I can find nowhere in the FED rules where it specifically states this unlike the NCAA rules where it lists catchers helmets, batters bat and runners helmets that may have inadvertantly come off.

There is mention of defensive facemasks in the FED rules with regard to obstruction. If a runner trips over, or is forced to go around a discarded defensive facemask it should be ruled obstruction.

[Crabby_Bob]

NFHS 1-8-3 Loose equipment of the teams may not be on or near the field. A discarded bat by the batter or the catcher's mask and helmet are not examples of loose equipment. They [sic] are considered part of the playing field.

[RKBUmp]

Originally Posted by Crabby_Bob

NFHS 1-8-3 Loose equipment of the teams may not be on or near the field. A discarded bat by the batter or the catcher's mask and helmet are not examples of loose equipment. They [sic] are considered part of the playing field.

I must have looked through the definitions 10 times last night and read over that every time. I knew it had to be in there somewhere.

[Tex]

The infielder's mask is considered loose equipment as Crabby Bob stated, but can cause obstruction as RKBUmp stated.