On deck batters

[chapmaja]

How do you feel about this as umpires?

I know the rules say the on deck batter shall stay in the on deck circle in front of their dugout. We have several fields that due to the size of the field/location of fences the ODC is relatively close to the plate. The coaches have asked that the ODB uses the ODC on that is behind the batter (ie batters back is facing the ODB), even if it isn't the ODC on his/her teams side.

What we have personally done is discussed this at the pregame conference. Most times both teams are in agreement to allow this because it is a safety issue. I personally feel I would rather have the the ODB somewhat protected from getting hit by a foul ball, rather than be exposed to a foul shot off the batters bat (we did have a batter get hit in the 43-0 DH games, and that was with plenty of room between the ODC and the plate).


I would also rather have the ODB taking practice swings on the opposite side than taking them outside the dugout where someone could walk by not paying attention and get clocked with a bat.

Doing JV ball, we don't always get the best fields to use, which means we may not have the most space available.

It is my opinion that the rules in NFHS are generally made for top level varsity contests without much regard for teams using facilities that don't have as much space available. I understand the rules and why this rule is there, but I think athlete and to some extent spectator safety comes first.


In the 43-0 games, the pitcher was throwing so fast, that the team was swinging way late and hit several balls right at the ODC. Luckily this was the ODC on the opponents side, not the home side. Had this been a road game for them, they would have been hitting it right at the ODB.