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

 

[wingman3110]

No way in hell am I calling R3 out

[alex7]

That's wack.  The only way I can envision R3 being out is if the 3rd base coach interfered intentionally to take away a possible DP if R3 was running home for no good reason.

 

There was a rule changed a while back that would keep a 3rd base coach from interfering with a foul catch and keeping his slugger up to bat (R3 was called out back then) but I am 99% sure that rule was changed to make the batter out instead.

[ChrisMoUmp]

Thank you for your replies so far, this one had me stumped and scratching my head.  Here is a link to the answer key in the flesh for your enjoyment:

 

[alex7]

well that'll assure no legit 100% scores.

[JaxRolo]

You had the right answer

[Kevin_K]

I remember this being a point of discussion last year in an association meeting and if my limited recollection serves me correctly, the rule connected to this interesting interpretation is 8.4.2.g.

 

Please don't take this as a ringing endorsement of the interpretation, but that's how I remember it.

[Richvee]

I think it stems from the dead ball table, #9.

"interference by others connected with the team"

then look across at #9 awards and penalties. It says "runner is out" 

[ricka56]

CB 7.4.1.H has a similar play (without any runners). B is out in the CB play and I can't see it being any different with runners. 

[mstaylor]

I think, without looking it up, that they have mixed questions. Last year there was a similar question but the runner caused the interference. In this case the R3 is out but the batter returns to bat. This one I can't see calling the runner out.

[noumpere]

Probably an old question for which they didn't update the answer key.

[mstaylor]

I just went through all the cross references and I don't see any justification to call the runner out. I can see returning the runner and calling the batter out.

[maven]

The reference provided in the answer key is 7-4-1f. Article 1 is entitled "Batter is out," so that's already an indication that the test answer is incorrect. Here's the rule:

ART. 1 . . . A batter is also out as in above penalty or when:

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;

 

 

The OBR reference (same ruling, batter out) is 6.05(o).

[BigSimonia]

CB 7.4.1H has the situation only on the 1st base side - Says BATTER is out

[Guest marknj1]

I agree no way is runner at 3rd out.  However, if we make this a little different:  R1 takes lead off first base, Batter hits foul pop just off first base, runner collides with fielder who is trying to get to foul ground.  Do we have interference on runner (he's out) and, if we thought fielder could have caught the foul pop he's out too?  Or do we have runner out for interference, batter takes a strike for foul ball (and if 3rd strike simply just a foul ball?

[noumpere]

I agree no way is runner at 3rd out.  However, if we make this a little different:  R1 takes lead off first base, Batter hits foul pop just off first base, runner collides with fielder who is trying to get to foul ground.  Do we have interference on runner (he's out) and, if we thought fielder could have caught the foul pop he's out too?  Or do we have runner out for interference, batter takes a strike for foul ball (and if 3rd strike simply just a foul ball?

If you think a double play was likely (I think that's the HS wording), then get the two outs.  Otherwise, R1 is out and BR returns with a strike added (unless there already were two strikes of course).

[jjskitours]

Is it possible that your state made this blunder or does the answer key come from NFHS.. I mean I've seen poorly worded questions and trick words like may v must, but this is just blatantly wrong.

Have you attempted to find out who's responsible for indicating the runner is out instead of the batter.

[SureAm]

The answer key, like the test comes from FedLandia.  This was sent by our state on January 13th:

 

From the NFHS; regarding the baseball exam:

BH

The following is a correction to the 2014 Baseball Part I exam, I have also attached corrected copies of the Answer Key.:



We have caught an error on a baseball exam question. Question # 59 that reads, “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.

A. Foul Ball

B. The runner at third is out

C. The batter is out.

D. The coach is restricted to the bench and the coaching box must remain unoccupied.â€

The correct answer is “câ€.

 

 

 

"What we have here is a Failure to Communicate"

[ChrisMoUmp]

Awesome, good to see that they acknowledged the mistake and I feel better about originally answering the question correctly.  Thanks everyone for your input and thoughts!

[JaxRolo]

This should have been an obvious answer.

Poor quality control!

[mstaylor]

This should have been an obvious answer.

Poor quality control!

Did you just mention quality control and Fed in the same post?

[Guest WV Ump]

Just had our state mandated rules meeting and they mentioned this question.  They stated that there was a miskey and as we already know the correct answer is batter out.  My question though is do we answer batter out as the test has been corrected, or has there not been a test correction and we answer runner out to get the question correct knowing that it was a misprint?  Here in WV, we do not take Part 1 test until March 3.  Anyone know?

 

 

[JaxRolo]

Here in Florida they would just give you credit for the answer no matter what.

[cyclonehokiece]

In VA, they would give credit for the original incorrect right answer and the actual correct answer.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Guest UmpireSteve]

NFHS Softball 2014:  Rule 7;5:12

"Offensive team mebers shall not interfere with a fair batted ball or a foul fl ball."  Penalty: " The ball is dead immediately and the batter is out. If , in the judgement of the umpire, the interference prevented a possible double play, the batter and the runner closest to home shall be declared out.  Other runners shall be returned to the last base touched at the time of the interference." 

 

[JHSump]

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.