FED Gorilla Arm question

[Umpire in Chief]

I understand the new rule, but I wonder where the logic behind it is.

As I've been told, simply hanging the arm is fine, but to swing it is a balk.

The justification given at the state meeting was that by moving the arm he is simulating starting of the pitch.

My question is that being in the stretch position he has not yet come set and therefore cannot begin his motion to the plate w/o coming set and therefore can not deceive the runner into thinking he is beginning his delivery.

Does this make sense to you?

[jjb]

Very few FED rules make sense to me... I tried asking my UIC about this exact question, and just got a headache for my troubles...

[mazzamouth]

I understand the new rule, but I wonder where the logic behind it is.

As I've been told, simply hanging the arm is fine, but to swing it is a balk.

The justification given at the state meeting was that by moving the arm he is simulating starting of the pitch.

My question is that being in the stretch position he has not yet come set and therefore cannot begin his motion to the plate w/o coming set and therefore can not deceive the runner into thinking he is beginning his delivery.

Does this make sense to you?

Yes just swinging is not a balk ( well im not sure of the FED rule) college rule he can swing it, it's not deceiving the runner.

[semper_fi_72]

Yes just swinging is not a balk ( well im not sure of the FED rule) college rule he can swing it, it's not deceiving the runner.

If it swings under FED it is a balk.

I have seen this recently, no pitcher's arm is going to stay still while it is hanging.

I observed movement every time but did not consider it a swinging motion.

No one even questioned it.

It is going to have to be a judgment call on what is swinging and what is slight movement.

I do not like it either but when I am on the field of a FED Game it is my job to enforce the rules as best I can, whether I agree or disagree with the rule.

[BrianC14]

So now the question becomes, "How many of you will pick this 'booger' of the swinging gorilla arm ?

Stupid is as stupid does, you know..... :mad:

[mstaylor]

My group is going to call it.

[UmpTTS43]

So now the question becomes, "How many of you will pick this 'booger' of the swinging gorilla arm ?

Stupid is as stupid does, you know.....

One way to look at it. Call it as often as possible. If it is called all the time, the coaches may revolt and bring it up to FED. I absolutely loved calling a balk when F1 went to his mouth on the dirt. I would tell coaches, "This is the one of the dumbest rules in the book, but it is a rule. If you don't like it, respond to the proper rules authorities and voice your concern.

FWIW, what do you tell a coach when he knows the swinging arm is a balk and you refuse to call it? To him it is a rules violation, not picking boogers. Your job is to enforce the rules. This is not one of those cases where the spirit of the rule conflicts with the wording of the actual rule or the technical reading of the rule. This rule is explicit and that action is not allowed.

Stupid is as stupid does, you know ......

[NovaScotiaBlue]

Hey umpTTS43 since I don't know FED rules I don't know if this is the correct rule application so I hope this is what rule set you were working under when you balked anyone for licking their fingers on the dirt. If you are using OBR then I am protesting that call and I will win! I'm suprised no partner you have worked with has brought this tio your attention before this. When a pitcher brings his hand to his mouth or licks his fingers the umpire will call a BALL. (unless the issue was agreed to before the game by both sides) check Rule 8.02 a - 1

[UmpTTS43]

Hey umpTTS43 since I don't know FED rules I don't know if this is the correct rule application so I hope this is what rule set you were working under when you balked anyone for licking their fingers on the dirt. If you are using OBR then I am protesting that call and I will win! I'm suprised no partner you have worked with has brought this tio your attention before this. When a pitcher brings his hand to his mouth or licks his fingers the umpire will call a BALL. (unless the issue was agreed to before the game by both sides) check Rule 8.02 a - 1

This was a FED rule that, thankfully, was changed this year. With runners on and F1 went to his mouth, it was a balk. Now it is legal as long as he is not on the rubber and he wipes his hand.

Thanks for playing though.

[NovaScotiaBlue]

This was a FED rule that, thankfully, was changed this year. With runners on and F1 went to his mouth, it was a balk. Now it is legal as long as he is not on the rubber and he wipes his hand.

Thanks for playing though.

Hey what can I say, in Canada we for the most part play by OBR at all levels except for some modifications for saftey

Well what are my parting gifts for playing:question1: Your American game shows usually have cars and trips what do I get :cheers:

[UmpTTS43]

Hey what can I say, in Canada we for the most part play by OBR at all levels except for some modifications for saftey

Well what are my parting gifts for playing:question1: Your American game shows usually have cars and trips what do I get

:cheers:

[NovaScotiaBlue]

Wow now I fell like I am on a Canadian game show:D

[BT_Blue]

The going to the mouth rule is now more in line with the NCAA rule of "on or astride the pitcher's plate".

As for Brian's questions... the PBUA here in Portland will be calling it. Im not going to go splitting hairs but if the pitcher starts swinging his arm with the ball in it then I am calling it. Of course it has to be a swing like Rod Beck used to do... but still.