FED 8-4-1g

[ElkOil]

Do I understand this rule correctly?  Does anyone actually enforce this as written?

[ricka56]

Runner lane interference (RLI) ? yes, of course. If you don't have the guts to call it, you shouldn't be working HS games.

But RLI is only called when
a) The throw comes from around HP area. (FWIW, there are OOO opinions that this criteria is not real).
b) the runner interferes with the fielder receiving that throw.
c) HS rules, the quality of the throw is NOT a consideration...call the RLI.

Edited May 1, 2015 by ricka56

[ElkOil]

Well, that's the thing -- the rule doesn't say anything about interference.  All it says is that he's out if he's outside the lane while the ball is being fielded or thrown.  So if the ball is hit to F4 and BR has one foot outside the lane, he's out by rule, if I understand this correctly.

[MooseLoop]

Carl Childress in BRD section 294 says without discussion that FED RLI requires interference.  'If he is out of the lane and interferes, BR is out, the ball is dead, and runners return TOI.' 

He also says that the rule only applies to throws from behind the runner since the purpose of the rule is to prevent the runner from screening the fielder behind him from the first baseman in front.  He cites an official FED interpretation that says "BR is required to be in the running lane the last 45 feet to first base when the ball is fielded and thrown from an area behind him." But that interpretation makes no mention of actual interference.  

So is interference presumed? If the throw is caught for a putout, is the ball still dead?

[noumpere]

Well, that's the thing -- the rule doesn't say anything about interference.  All it says is that he's out if he's outside the lane while the ball is being fielded or thrown.  So if the ball is hit to F4 and BR has one foot outside the lane, he's out by rule, if I understand this correctly.

​Then you do not understand it correctly..

 

The two points under the rule (especially the first) should help clarify it.

[johnnyg08]

Don't call it if F3 makes the play.  

[maven]

Well, that's the thing -- the rule doesn't say anything about interference.  All it says is that he's out if he's outside the lane while the ball is being fielded or thrown.  So if the ball is hit to F4 and BR has one foot outside the lane, he's out by rule, if I understand this correctly.

​Read the whole rule. Being out of the running lane is nothing ("ignored") if the runner does not hinder F3 (or whoever) taking the throw at 1B.

As ever, no hindrance = no INT.

[ElkOil]

​Then you do not understand it correctly..

 

The two points under the rule (especially the first) should help clarify it.

​I feel like a total dope.  I shouldn't post anything so late at night.

 

Sorry, everyone.

[Thunderheads]

All true ....however ........

Am I wrong in saying I've seen RLI called in MLB on a throw from F5 fielding a short bouncer shy of 3rd?

[Rich Ives]

OBR: There was an interp from PBUC in the BRD that said the throw can come from anywhere. CC was livid.

[ricka56]

OBR: There was an interp from PBUC in the BRD that said the throw can come from anywhere. CC was livid.

​Have you ever heard of any professional umpire calling RLI on a throw from the left side of the infield ?... I haven't (though, I admit I don't get around much) .

[Rich Ives]

​Have you ever heard of any professional umpire calling RLI on a throw from the left side of the infield ?... I haven't (though, I admit I don't get around much) .

​Nope - but then I've never seen interference happen on such a throw so I don't know what the call would be.