Ground Rules miscommunication

[MCump]

I had a solo Sophomore game this afternoon with an interesting situation in the Top of the 7th.

 

The ground rules were explained by the head coach and there was an interesting area beyond the 1st base dugout (VT.) The fence behind the dugout continued to the outfield fence, but the fence in front of the dugout ended just before first base, and picked up about 90 feet later, beyond first base.  The home coach explained that they played that area green post to green post, which I took to mean play the front fence extended.  He even clarified by saying this was because it was just some gravel over concrete in this area.  The visiting coach had the same understanding as I did.

 

Good defense all around going into the top of the 7th, HT up 2-0.  B1 hits a grounder to short, he bobbles and throws it away, going all the way to the back fence.  I immediately called time and awarded B1 second base.  The visiting coach was echoing my call right away, but the home coach said No! That's in play!  I said my understanding was it was the front fence line extended.  There was no more argument from him.  They got the next 3 outs quickly and the game ended without it impacting the outcome.

 

What would you do in this situation? I think I handled it as best I could, obviously asking for a clarification at the plate meeting would have been helpful.  If this happens earlier in the game, would you continue to enforce the ground rule at your understanding or would you change it to match the Home Coach's?

[Jocko]

@MCump - ground rules aren't subjective. And, once you start enforcing a rule, ya gotta stick with it. So long as it doesn't contradict a rule book rule. Gravel over concrete??? Instant dead ball. Metal spikes and concrete dont mix.

Interesting thought comes to mind. I had a HTHC advising the ground rules for his facility. On one of them, I informed him that i was modifying his ground rule to include concrete extensions beyond dugout fences in the dead ball category.

But but but but but.....We ALWAYS play that live.

Sorry, Jason. Not today you don't.

[grayhawk]

Make sure you ask questions as necessary at the plate meeting to ensure everyone is on the same page.  Aside from that, you have to go with what you understood the ground rules to be.  Otherwise, an unscrupulous home coach could change things during the game to give them an advantage.  The umpire has the final say on any disagreement on ground rules.

[Lala]

Like Jocko said, gravel and concrete don't mix, some is going to get hurt. Always err on the side of caution. Safety is the top priority.

[BuckeyeMike]

I learned this hard lesson about clarifying ground rules too.   I was new, I just took what the HT coach was saying with little regard and by golly it mattered that day.

 

Make darn certain that not only you, but your partner too, understand the ground rules.   Ask clarifying questions if needed.   Everyone at that plate meeting needs to be on the same page.    but you know this now. 

 

As for your situation, I think you handled it fine.   As was stated above, stick with how you began.   Don't change in the middle of the game b/c of a play.   And as was also stated, make sure you understand what is meant by "a ground rule cannot supersede a rule book rule".       that got me in trouble once too.  

[Minnz]

Someone should also suggest to that coach to place a painted line where dead ball area begins between the fence lines.

[bam]

Make sure you ask questions as necessary at the plate meeting to ensure everyone is on the same page.  Aside from that, you have to go with what you understood the ground rules to be.  Otherwise, an unscrupulous home coach could change things during the game to give them an advantage.  The umpire has the final say on any disagreement on ground rules.

An unscrupulous coach!! Whodathunk?