Clarification on missed question on NFHS rules test

[ChrisMoUmp]

Hello fellow umpires, first post here from a brand-new ump-in-training:

 

I am still having a tough time with this missed question on the NFHS test for 2014, would just like some insight on the decision please:

 

Here is the question verbatim:

 

"With a runner on third, the batter hits a high pop fly that drifts over foul territory.  The third baseman is accidentally prevented from catching the ball by the head coach in the coach's box.  (7-4-1f)"

 

The possible answers are:

 

A) Batter is out

B) Runner at third is out

C) Foul Ball

D) The coach is restricted to the bench and the coaching box must remain unoccupied

 

This test is online open book, so I always double checked my answers, so the NFHS 2014 rule that this refers to (7-4-1f) states:

 

7-4-1 A batter is also out as in above penalty or when:  (The "above penalty" refers to 7-3-6 "The batter is out and runners return.  If, in the umpire's judgment, interference prevented a possible double play, two players may be ruled out")

 

(f) "any member of the offensive team or coach other than the runner(s) interferes with a fielder who is attempting to field a foul fly ball."

 

So I answered with A.  When I got the results of my test back, it said the correct answer was B.  The question makes no mention of how many outs there were at TOP, and I just don't see penalizing the runner at 3rd for a play that he wasn't involved in at all.

 

I ended up passing the test, but this one kinda bugged me a bit.  Sorry for the long and hopefully not so confusing post (not bad for my first post, eh?).  Any input is appreciated!  

 

 

CM

 

[maven]

9 hours ago, JHSump said:

This question is up again in the 2016 exam I am taking. And I am going to say the batter is out! It will be interesting if I get the question wrong.

Also interesting will be whether the test writers get the question wrong...again.

[noumpere]

IIRC (and I might not be) A few (well, maybe more than a few by now) years ago, in FED R3 was out in such a play.  It's probably just a recycled old question that no one has bothered to check.

 

You would think, though, that if, say 90% of test takers get it wrong, someone would look to see why.

[JHSump]

On 3/7/2016 at 7:41 AM, maven said:

Also interesting will be whether the test writers get the question wrong...again.

Yes, of course!

So, I answered that the batter is out.

And, I got it right! So, the test writers got it right!