Rules question
Question
Hi Martin. In our instructional league - ages 7-9 boys, the ball has to be hit on to the outfield grass in order to possibly have a double. ANYTHING in the infield could only be a single & any runners on base are ONLY allowed one base as well. What if runners are on first & second & a ball is hit close to the outfield but lands on the infield & the 3rd base coach doesn't see that & sends the boy running home for a second base? Is it a dead ball & they send the runner back saying ' it's a maximum of 1 base, get back to third ' or do they tag the boy & call him out because he quote ' over-ran the base ' by running for the second base? Keep in mind, neither the runner nor the coach know exactly where the ball was hit. Thank you.
Answer
Abe,
I would recommend that you present this problem to your Board of Directors. Since they were the ones to implement the rules to begin with, they would need to make a ruling. Keep in mind that this is an instructional league, and the purpose is to educate the players. I would let the play stand and continue the game. Seeing as there is no standings being kept since it is instructional, I would just follow up with your board.
I hope this has helped. Should you have anymore questions, please feel free to ask.
-Martin Hoover
Machine Pitch (7 & 8 year olds)
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