NFHS Softball Umpire Mechanics
2016/7/15 16:42:01
Question
We are having a debate about an umpire mechanic in NFHS softball. If the batter-runner or baserunner runs close to a fielder making a play on the ball, where there is a possibility of Interference, if the umpire believes that there is no Interference, is it a good idea to make the safe signal, indicating no interference as we get ready to make the call on the play at a base. Some people believe that it is smart to proactively rule on the possible Interference issue to keep the coaches in the dugout while others believe that the coaches are not going to understand that signal.
Answer
Steve,
You will never do enough right to keep the coaches in the dug out.
Since there is no play on the runner and no interference, I would not make a call. Safe calls are made when there is attempt to put a runner out and the attempt fails.
Extending the argument about making a safe call on a near interference. How far from committing interference would the runner have to be before you don't make a call? I don't believe there is any mechanic that answers this question.
Tom
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