10 Players On Field During T/O

[SRP]

I hadn't seen this before and can't figure out the rule that may apply.

High school JV game under NFHS. I'm a parent-spectator.

Runners 1st and 3rd, 1 out, count goes to 3-1. DC asks and gets time for a conference. He's 3 steps out of the dugout when a player sprints with a glove from the dugout into centerfield and squats to begin warming up F8 to replace F1. After about a minute, PU goes to mound to end the conference and then DC calls over OC and they begin looking at the lineup and discussing that - F8 is warming up the entire time. Finally, they decide all is good and end the conference. F8 comes in to relieve with the 3-1 count (and gets his 8 warmup pitches from the mound), F1 goes to F5, F5 goes to F7 and F7 goes to F8. Player who sprinted out sprints back to dugout and play resumes.

Several of us are umpires in our youth league that plays under NFHS and we couldn't figure this out. I think it's a substitution of F8 and another ump agrees but we can't find the rule.

Thanks,

Steve

[BHanlon]

I don't have anything on this. I would certainly have a tough time considering this a substitution. Time was out during the conference so whatever goes on I am not going to worry about as long as the game moves along.

[Umpire in Chief]

I don't have anything either.

[SRP]

Thanks - like I said, had not seen it before.

[noumpere]

Several of us are umpires in our youth league that plays under NFHS and we couldn't figure this out. I think it's a substitution of F8 and another ump agrees but we can't find the rule.

3.3.1DD seems to be the closest play. The case refers to "throws flyballs to a substitute outfielder." I'd use the same ruling ("illegal") to disallow what happened.

Also note that 3-3-1j prohibits the "catcher" in your play from being outside the dugout /bullpen.

The situation is specifically prohibited in NCAA.

I would allow F8 to throw to another player in the game, however. :TD:

[mstaylor]

I wouldn't allow a player from the bench to go to centerfield to warm him up. Did he have a mask on to squat? If not, then he can certainly throw to another outfielder. A minute is waaaaaaaay too long for a conference. I mark my book of the visit, brush the plate then go get him. If he is changing then it happens then, then you give the change to the OM. I mark my line-up, erase the visit and get the game started.

Edited April 20, 2010 by mstaylor

[LMSANS]

I would allow a player from the bench to go to centerfield to warm him up. Did he have a mask on to squat? If not, then he can certainly throw to another outfielder. A minute is waaaaaaaay too long for a conference. I mark my book of the visit, brush the plate then go get him. If he is changing then it happens then, then you give the change to the OM. I mark my line-up, erase the visit and get the game started.

Amen.