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Post by megafan on May 30, 2006 8:59:47 GMT -5
With the season really kicking off and the fact that I have already seen the rule disputed, I thought I would remind everyone. The rule says you when a play is evident you must slide or avoid contact. If there is not contact, the runner has avoided and therefor should not be called out. I didn't write the rule, but I do expect it to be followed to the t. I am sick and tired of this being decided by the home team because they know the umpires. It's pretty clear to me. THE PLAYER MUST SLIDE IF A PLAY IS EVIDENT OR SEEK TO AVOID CONTACT.
IX. Specific Rules of Play
A. Whenever a play is evident, runners must slide or seek to avoid contact with the fielder making the play. Malicious contact shall supercede all obstruction penalties. It is not necessary for the batter-runner to slide into first base.
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Post by ADMIN on May 31, 2006 13:21:49 GMT -5
I don't know who you are mega, and I don't know what I am about to say applies to you. But you have presented a good opportunity for something to be said:
Based on the past it is clear to me that at least some of any blame in any rules disputes can be partly assigned to managers. As managers (and I am one) we take too much for granted and do not use wisely the "grounds rule" portion of the pregame meeting. Managers should make a point of talking through with the umps, before the game, any rules that appear to have been a problem in the past, as well as any rules that the manager sees as being unique to his or her division. Ground rules is the time to do this, rather than waiting until the heat of the game.
Also, and again from experience, too few managers carry their rules. You have a point to make and it turns on the way it is presented in the DBA rules? Well, whip 'em out on the field and educate everyone.
Umpires have alot to know especially if they are umping in a variety of leagues. Each league and organization has its own twists, but unless something is brought to an ump's attention, he or she will take the path of least resistance. Talking about this kind of stuff before the game, and before it becomes adversarial, is he best approach.
It won't fix everything, but it will help.
But, you are right. The rules is slide or avoid contact. You can not, however, influence the fielder so that the fielder avoids contact, and then claim the rule has been satisfied.
N.
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Post by megafan on May 31, 2006 13:48:42 GMT -5
Hi Neill, I am a coach but also a fan who watches 3 times as many games as I coach and a former umpire, so I have seen it many times over.
I agree with your assessment of the pre-game meeting. I think the slide rule should be a mandatory topic for the dba since I see arguments every other game. It is a unique rule in the DBA and is not a Junior High or High School rule anywhere in the downriver area. This age group is where it is often an issue. I would also say that the Managers should also inform the parents of the unique rules in the DBA, including the fact that this rule has an Or statement. I have seen many parents argue this rule without the whole rule being considered.
I am not saying that anyone has influenced the fielder when the rules has been satisfied by no contact. Let me give an example. Runner on third goes home, throw is made to catcher, runner steps on plate, catcher makes tag after runner touches plate. Umpires calls runner safe. Now the fun starts. Home team coach complains that the runner must slide on a close play. Umpire then reverses decision because a runner must slide when it is close, but the rule also says or seek to avoid contact. Since there was no contact, the runner has avoided contact and therefore should be safe. No one got run over, no one was pushed and in some cases, not sliding is the best way to avoid contact.
I understand the purpose of the rule and believe it to be beneficial in trying to reduce the injuries to the kids. The truth is that some of the fields being used are so poorly maintained that the least amount of injury occurs when the kid doesn't slide and makes contact with the fielder.
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