D3K

[soapbox]

R2 and R3 with 2 outs. Girls 14U ASA game (not the best of players). Swinging strike at ball in dirt fielded on hop. Make the strike 3 call and point to the ball. Batter turns and begins to walk towards dugout as coach yells to run. She takes off for 1B as the defense is coming off the field. She obtains 1B and runners on bases stay put. Her actions led the defense to believe the inning was over, however, F2 never put the easy tag on her. I let play stand. Coach chirpped for a few minutes. Said everybody saw the tag, but me. Not true, got it right without a doubt. Finally shut him down after being patient. One of his coaches trying to be a politician (genuinely in his mind being a nice guy) explained that I can diffuse that same situation next time by just saying I can't call what I didn't see. I told him I won't discuss with him and the conversation was over. I didn't want to eject because he was sincere. However, it was the catchers father, who found the parking lot when he announced with 2 strikes that his daughter better knock the batter over if it's a d3k so I don't miss the call. Does the call sound right? She never made the dugout.

[noumpere]

I have no idea about "Girls 14U ASA" but in OBR and NCAA, the batter is out if he leaves the dirt surrounding the plate. In FED, he must reach the dugout (or dead ball territory, or have fielder (infielders?) leave fair territory).

[soapbox]

In ASA, it says one must enter the team area. Would you regard that as the dugout?

[LMSANS]

In ASA, it says one must enter the team area. Would you regard that as the dugout?

Team area would be the dugout and any surrounding dead ball territory.

[1dumbquestion]

R2 and R3 with 2 outs. Girls 14U ASA game (not the best of players). Swinging strike at ball in dirt fielded on hop. Make the strike 3 call and point to the ball. Batter turns and begins to walk towards dugout as coach yells to run. She takes off for 1B as the defense is coming off the field. She obtains 1B and runners on bases stay put. Her actions led the defense to believe the inning was over, however, F2 never put the easy tag on her. I let play stand. Coach chirpped for a few minutes. Said everybody saw the tag, but me. Not true, got it right without a doubt. Finally shut him down after being patient. One of his coaches trying to be a politician (genuinely in his mind being a nice guy) explained that I can diffuse that same situation next time by just saying I can't call what I didn't see. I told him I won't discuss with him and the conversation was over. I didn't want to eject because he was sincere. However, it was the catchers father, who found the parking lot when he announced with 2 strikes that his daughter better knock the batter over if it's a d3k so I don't miss the call. Does the call sound right? She never made the dugout.

was the F2's father a coach (I hope) or just a parent from the stands. otherwise sounds like you handled it fine.

[yawetag]

I have no idea about "Girls 14U ASA" but in OBR and NCAA, the batter is out if he leaves the dirt surrounding the plate. In FED, he must reach the dugout (or dead ball territory, or have fielder (infielders?) leave fair territory).

I don't think I'm going to call a runner out because the fielders left the field of play. I'm waiting for the batter to do something to get himself out.

[soapbox]

He was a coach. It really was such a simple read. I was surprised at the over-reaction. Oh well, who would've figured my first coach eject of the year (and I think ever) was in the fall when things are laid back and just about getting your reps.

[HokieUmp]

Make the strike 3 call and point to the ball. ....

Does the call sound right? She never made the dugout.

Considering the definition of team area, as Larry said, would be the dugout and surrounding DBT, the call is spot on.

What I didn't like about the above was the pointing to the ball. Why do that? Maybe I'm over-thinking it, but one day, there's going to be a coach giving you hell for helping the defense by pointing out where the ball is. (Granted, in softball, it's that big yellow thing, but still.)

Since it's a swinging strike, give a hammer, and say "No catch!" Don't point.

One of his coaches trying to be a politician (genuinely in his mind being a nice guy) explained that I can diffuse that same situation next time by just saying I can't call what I didn't see. I told him I won't discuss with him and the conversation was over. I didn't want to eject because he was sincere.

I would beg to differ. I'll give you benefit of the doubt, since you presumably work this league a lot, and know the participants. Me, when I read that, I heard this "sincere" coach calling you blind or a liar, but doing it, apparently, in a charming fashion.

I think my response would have been less nice than yours. "I was watching it all the way, coach, and there was no tag. Play ball."

However, it was the catchers father, who found the parking lot when he announced with 2 strikes that his daughter better knock the batter over if it's a d3k so I don't miss the call.

Ding! Ejection button pushed!

[noumpere]

I don't think I'm going to call a runner out because the fielders left the field of play. I'm waiting for the batter to do something to get himself out.

Read case 8.1.1B and think again.

[Rich Ives]

Read case 8.1.1B and think again.

It pertains to a runner who has not reached first base by the time the infielders have left the diamond.

8.1.1.A in the 2009 FED Case Book

[JaxRolo]

It pertains to a runner who has not reached first base by the time the infielders have left the diamond.

8.1.1.A in the 2009 FED Case Book

Plus how often is it going to happen. I never have seen it.

[soapbox]

So I should be verbal, but not point indicating the ball hit dirt? I just want to make sure my mechanics are correct.

[noumpere]

It pertains to a runner who has not reached first base by the time the infielders have left the diamond.

8.1.1.A in the 2009 FED Case Book

8.1.1B in the 2010 (current) case book is the exact play being discussed

Plus how often is it going to happen. I never have seen it.

I agree it's rare, but I have seen the defense leave the field before the batter runner was out (the runner did not then attempt for first). My response was in reply to someone who said he wouldn't call it. Just pointing out that the rule on this is clear.

[soapbox]

Just to be clear, whereas the defense was coming off the field, I don't know if more than 1 actually made it in. However, suffice to say, they did vacate their positions.

[HokieUmp]

So I should be verbal, but not point indicating the ball hit dirt? I just want to make sure my mechanics are correct.

Well, here's what I do (this is baseball, but I'd like to think it's valid in softball as well): I give a hammer with no verbal (since this was a swinging strike), and then immediately signal safe with the verbal "No catch!" At that point, everyone should know the situation. They don't, I know, but that's their problem.

[Forest Ump]

Well, here's what I do (this is baseball, but I'd like to think it's valid in softball as well): I give a hammer with no verbal (since this was a swinging strike), and then immediately signal safe with the verbal "No catch!" At that point, everyone should know the situation. They don't, I know, but that's their problem.

+1 . I also do this mechanic.

Softball mechanic may be different (they usually are). Check with your association.