Thrown Ball

[wforehand]

This is a question that popped up during discussions about the NFHS Softball test. I would really appreciate anyone giving me their opinion. I really can't find anything definitive in the rulebook.

"If a thrown live ball accidentally touches a base coach in foul territory, the ball is live and in play."

I say the ball is dead and the coach is guilty of interference, though probably unintentional. The rule 3.5.5 NFHS Softball Rulebook states that the ball is live and in play if it touches a base coach "in the box".

Am I way off base on this issue? Maybe I'm reading too much into this. ANybody got any opinions or clarification?

[blue bomber]

This is a question that popped up during discussions about the NFHS Softball test. I would really appreciate anyone giving me their opinion. I really can't find anything definitive in the rulebook.

"If a thrown live ball accidentally touches a base coach in foul territory, the ball is live and in play."

I say the ball is dead and the coach is guilty of interference, though probably unintentional. The rule 3.5.5 NFHS Softball Rulebook states that the ball is live and in play if it touches a base coach "in the box".

Am I way off base on this issue? Maybe I'm reading too much into this. ANybody got any opinions or clarification?

Am I misreading something? It seems that your interpretation is opposite of the rule. I'd say that if it hits a coach in the box (which is in foul territory) then the ball is still alive. Just like the rule says. Im not exactly an erudite umpire, but I don't see your interpretation.

[mepperson]

The base coach is considered "part of the field" similar to a runner for the purpose of this rule. There must be intent on the part of the base coach to have interference with a thrown ball. The key parts here are 1) it's a thrown (not batted) ball; 2) the base coach is where he/she is supposed to be (in foul territory); 3) the situation as you've described does not indicate that the base coach intentionally interfered with the thrown ball.

Situation - a base coach is focusing on the runner, attempting to get her to slide into third base, and is crouched and looking at the runner. The throw is missed by the F5 and bounces off the coach's shin. Are you going to penalize the offense for the defense not being able to field a thrown ball?

[littleleagueump]

This is a question that popped up during discussions about the NFHS Softball test. I would really appreciate anyone giving me their opinion. I really can't find anything definitive in the rulebook.

"If a thrown live ball accidentally touches a base coach in foul territory, the ball is live and in play."

I say the ball is dead and the coach is guilty of interference, though probably unintentional. The rule 3.5.5 NFHS Softball Rulebook states that the ball is live and in play if it touches a base coach "in the box".

Am I way off base on this issue? Maybe I'm reading too much into this. ANybody got any opinions or clarification?

Live ball. The coach is not guity of interference.