Infield Fly Rule

[soapbox]

My interpretation of the IFF Rule is that if the umpire fails to make the obvious call in Little League Majors, using OBR, that the out is still recorded on the batter and the runners are not put in jeopardy. Now after reading another forum, I'm not so sure. But I would be hard pressed to have a routine IFF to F6 drop with R1 and R2 and reward batter with the base because of my neglect if ball dropped. The rule states "Shall" be declared, not "Must". This seems open to interpretation. Any thoughts? I've seen where umpires have said they would fix after the fact in runner was put out, but if that's the case, why wouldn't it just be an out if the umpire missed verbalizing.

[Mike Prince]

If not signaled or verbalized, obviously the umpire did not think the ball was high enough or could be caught "with ordinary effect" as the rule states. In this situation the ball is live and the force remains in effect.

[Rich Ives]

My interpretation of the IFF Rule is that if the umpire fails to make the obvious call in Little League Majors, using OBR, that the out is still recorded on the batter and the runners are not put in jeopardy. Now after reading another forum, I'm not so sure. But I would be hard pressed to have a routine IFF to F6 drop with R1 and R2 and reward batter with the base because of my neglect if ball dropped. The rule states "Shall" be declared, not "Must". This seems open to interpretation. Any thoughts? I've seen where umpires have said they would fix after the fact in runner was put out, but if that's the case, why wouldn't it just be an out if the umpire missed verbalizing.

Shall and must are equal.

BUT

It is still the umpire's judgement as to whether or not the criteria have been met.

IF the defense gets more than one out AND the umpires decide they should have called THEN they "fix" it by getting back to one out on the play and runners appropriately placed ELSE the play stands.

[soapbox]

The umpires in question are young men in high school. They do their best, but certainly not what we would call seasoned and matured. As it is, I believe they did verbalize, but a discussion took place. I was the DC and was fine with either the whisper or non-call, but many questioned. I stated my interpretation. I don't think you can say obvious, because it could be obvious, just forgotten.

[tjthresh]

If not signaled or verbalized, obviously the umpire did not think the ball was high enough or could be caught "with ordinary effect" as the rule states. In this situation the ball is live and the force remains in effect.

What so obvious about it.

Umpires can have brain farts.

[soapbox]

But Rich, under that theory, where does the rule say you can fix after the fact?

[JaxRolo]

Shall = Must

IFF is still in effect whether you call or or not. Players and coaches should still be aware of their situation.

But if you don't call it you will probably get yelled at.

Not sure if LL has different rules.

[Rich Ives]

IFF is still in effect whether you call or or not. Players and coaches should still be aware of their situation.

.

FED = Yes.

OBR (and LL) = No. (See BRD 264 - 2009 Edition)

Edited May 14, 2010 by Rich Ives

[Rich Ives]

But Rich, under that theory, where does the rule say you can fix after the fact?

See the 2009 BRD Item 264.

It include rulings from various groups (including the NCAA and PBUC) that say fix it if an undeserved double play happen because of a failure to call the IFF.