HBP

[MT73]

NHFS rules

Pitch comes in—batter stays in box.

Pitch is coming at him and he raises his elbow to avoid being hit in the neck.

I award him first base.

Defensive coach argues that he raised his elbow and shouldn’t get the award.

I explain that in my judgement he did not allow the pitch to hit him but was a reflexive, defensive movement. 
Coach is convinced that I’m wrong but accepts my ruling.
Unless there is an obvious attempt to get hit by the pitch I usually err on the side of the batter.

How would others here have reacted?

[grayhawk]

I'm bumping my fist on my hip.

[MT73]

18 minutes ago, grayhawk said:

I'm bumping my fist on my hip.

Which means what?

[concertman1971]

1 minute ago, MT73 said:

Which means what?

Its an umpires way of telling his partner "great call"

[concertman1971]

Another way you can think about it is 

 

Did the ball hit HIM (HBP)

OR

Did HE hit the ball (Stay in the box)

 

 

[SeeingEyeDog]

[echoes fist on hip...]

You textbooked this, @MT73. This is literally EXACTLY how you handle this call, brother! Call what you see and if asked, explain what you saw...

EXPECT every defensive coach to come out this if you have this and call it...EXPECT every offensive coach to come out on this if you don't have this and don't call it. If a call goes against them and they think they have room to discuss it, they are going to want to try and discuss it. Remain as you did...cool, calm, collected and confident, don't take it personally and just remember they're fishing. Remember prolonged, profane and personal and warn as required based on how they behave and react.

~Dawg

[MT73]

13 hours ago, SeeingEyeDog said:

[echoes fist on hip...]

You textbooked this, @MT73. This is literally EXACTLY how you handle this call, brother! Call what you see and if asked, explain what you saw...

EXPECT every defensive coach to come out this if you have this and call it...EXPECT every offensive coach to come out on this if you don't have this and don't call it. If a call goes against them and they think they have room to discuss it, they are going to want to try and discuss it. Remain as you did...cool, calm, collected and confident, don't take it personally and just remember they're fishing. Remember prolonged, profane and personal and warn as required based on how the behave and react.

~Dawg

Many thanks!