- May 29, 2015
- 3,851
- 113
Really haven't seen a "Correct Answer" since the whole situation is up to the umpire's discretion at the time. Yes, the rule is active anytime the situation is set up to allow it but still isn't actually happening until an umpire makes the call.
The correct answer has been given many times. The infield fly rule is clearly defined as to when it can be applied. Coaches and players NEED to learn this.
When a fly ball can be caught with normal effort, as has been explained, is not something that can be defined. It changes every pitch. Where did the fielder start? What is the fielder's skill level? What is the weather? These are all factors that change the application. If you are asking for a clear answer as to what fly balls it should be applied to, you may as well be asking your pitcher how many strikes and how many balls she is going to throw the next game.
For this reason, back to the black and white part again, application of an infield fly rule is NOT contingent upon the umpire making any verbal or physical signal. The umpire is (in most codes) granted the authority to "set it right." IF (when) an umpire fails to give the signal per proper mechanics, the umpires SHOULD rectify the situation by placing runners where they would have been. HOWEVER, just as you are complaining about the judgment aspect of a potential infield fly rule application, NOW you get my judgment as to what would have happened. And if YOU, as the coach, told her to run ... guess what ... YOU told her to run. You don't get to try to cover up your error with mine. KNOW THE SITUATION COACH.