NFHS question #13

[shipwreck]

#13 True or false
The runner being played on is out when the on-deck batter commits interference. The answer in 2010 was true. That year rule 8-6-15 stated, The on-deck batter commits interference. Penalty, the runner being played on is out.
This year rule there is no mention of an on deck batter committing interference. 8-6-16 states any coach or member of the offensive team, other than a runner, interferes with a defensive player's opportunity to make a play. Penalty, The ball is dead and the runner closest to home is declared out. From 2010 rule book until now, there is not listed any major editorial changes or rule changes. This years rule book 8-6-15 states, Offensive team equipment causes a blocked ball (and interference). We are not dealing with equipment here. Not sure what is the correct answer. Any help with rule references would be appreciated. Dave

[Manny A]

Nothing specific. The rule was changed last year (2012), and the NFHS Rule Changes document for that year only listed it as a major editorial change as follows:

2-5-3; 3-5-6; 7-5 New; 7-4-12; 8-6-15; 8-6-16 New

Several rules were updated and reorganized to clarify offensive interference.

Rationale: The rules indicated were all related, yet inconsistently described/penalized.

The on-deck batter situation still warrants the same ruling, which is covered in 7-5-4.

[DaveASA/FED]

Look at 7-5-4 they added 7-5 last year I think to put all the on-deck batter rules together (or at least most of them together).

ART. 4 . . . The on-deck batter shall not commit interference with the defensive team.

PENALTIES: (Art. 4)

1. When the interference is with a thrown or pitched ball, the ball is dead and the runner closest to home is declared out. If no play is obvious, no player is out, but runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of interference.

2. When the interference is with a fair batted or foul fly ball, the batter is out. When, in the judgment of the umpire, the interference prevented a possible double play, the runner closest to home shall also be declared out. Other runners return to the last base touched at the time of the interference.

[shipwreck]

Thanks for the help. I missed that section. That completely makes sense now. Dave