NFHS test question . . . what am I over-thinking?

[The Man in Blue]

I missed two on my test . . . one because I misread it and know what I did.  The other . . . I believe this is a poorly worded question, but what are your thoughts on the answer and the question?

Which statement is correct about starting and ending the game?

 A. The home team (coach and/or administrator) makes the decision whether the field is playable, and conditions are safe to start the game. After the game begins, the umpires are responsible for determining if the field is safe and playable.

 B. Both teams must start the game with 9 players but may continue with 8 players. Each time the vacant spot in the batting order comes up, it is an automatic out.

 C. On the first offense, if a batter enters the box with an illegal bat, the head coach is restricted to the dugout for the rest of the game.

 D. All of the above

[Velho]

D

[Coach Carl]

I am only familiar with OBR based rules but my first reaction was:  in what context could C. have anything to do do with starting and ending a game?

[Velho]

1 hour ago, Coach Carl said:

I am only familiar with OBR based rules but my first reaction was:  in what context could C. have anything to do do with starting and ending a game?

My brain this morning : <ding> 💡 "hello McFly..."

Further, B has nothing to do with stating and ending a game either. Yet all three statements are correct in their own right. Interested to see what the official answer was.

[Senor Azul]

Item B is covered in rule 4-1-3 and 4-4-1f Note 1:

...Each team's lineup card shall list a minimum of nine players to start the game...

 

Item C is covered in rule 4-1-3b and its following Penalty:

Please note that rule 4-1's header reads:

Starting a Game 

 

[The Man in Blue]

I am assuming the answer they were looking for is D.  Of course, they don't tell you the correct answer, just that you missed it.  I said B based on the fact that it was the only complete answer and ties to both starting AND potentially ending a game.

A states the coach AND/OR administrator . . . while we all know and agree that is practical, the rulebook does NOT include the administrator in that decision.  It belongs solely to the head coach.

B seems to be a complete answer, and has to do with both starting AND ending a game.  You must have 9 to start.  You cannot continue with less than 8.

C is incomplete.  While everything it states is true (even @Senor Azul's citation of the rule title), it does not spell out the complete penalty which entails the batter being called out.  I questioned what that has to do with starting or ending a game, but in the citation provided, they tie it to the coach stating his equipment is legal (start of the game).

[Velho]

At the risk of trying to find rationality in the irrational... if it isn't B I think they were going for D since all of these are under Rule 4 in  rulebook (as @Senor Azul deftly pointed out) and I think that, though your points on inaccuracy/incompleteness are valid, they are "correct adjacent".  

Test writer (or was it AI?!? dunh-dunh-dunh) headed the question based on the rule section and viola.

I hate multiple choice. I always get too cute and outsmart (or is it outdumb) myself.

section 

Edited March 19, 2024 by Velho
can't tpye for crpa