Incorrect Rule Interpretations - a running list

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May 29, 2015
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What's the rule in softball with the red bag? I've been told 2 different things.
1 the runner must stay in running lane through
2 the rule is the same as if there is no bag. It's there for safety only

The rule is no different. The double base makes sense as it provides the runner a clear path to a designated point. Although I don’t agree with all this “a right handed batter has to veer in and out” nonsense, the double bag eliminates that.

I do have an issue with the double bag though ... codes need to make their rule VERY simple: the colored portion should ONLY exist for the runner on the initial play at first base. The defense should never be allowed to use it. All of the variations, exceptions, etc. have essentially negated any purpose it serves as it is no longer clear who should go where.
 
Jun 7, 2019
170
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the colored portion should ONLY exist for the runner on the initial play at first base. The defense should never be allowed to use it.
Quite right. This is what happens when dopes on a fast pitch rules committee sit in a room and try to make themselves useful, instead of getting together only when something needs to be addressed. First time through the bag makes sense. The rest should never have been included.
 
Feb 3, 2011
1,880
48
I do have an issue with the double bag though ... codes need to make their rule VERY simple: the colored portion should ONLY exist for the runner on the initial play at first base. The defense should never be allowed to use it. All of the variations, exceptions, etc. have essentially negated any purpose it serves as it is no longer clear who should go where.
You're right that it's been unnecessarily over-complicated, but in the case of a dropped 3rd strike/wild pitch that winds up with the play coming from the 1B side of foul territory, I think it makes sense for the receiver to set up on the the safety bag side to receive the throw. I wouldn't want to increase the chances of contact for the sake of being a purist.
 
May 29, 2015
3,731
113
You're right that it's been unnecessarily over-complicated, but in the case of a dropped 3rd strike/wild pitch that winds up with the play coming from the 1B side of foul territory, I think it makes sense for the receiver to set up on the the safety bag side to receive the throw. I wouldn't want to increase the chances of contact for the sake of being a purist.

That’s just it ... by allowing that switch you are increasing the chance of a collision because F3 is switching sides and now the runner has to recognize that and also switch. If the runner knows the orange is ALWAYS hers and the defense knows the white is ALWAYS theirs, you have nobody crossing.

The runner’s lane is not there to provide a clear throw and runner’s lane interference has nothing to do with the throw (it has to do with the catch), so allowing any switch makes no sense.
 

MTR

Jun 22, 2008
3,438
48
{quote]That’s just it ... by allowing that switch you are increasing the chance of a collision because F3 is switching sides and now the runner has to recognize that and also switch. If the runner knows the orange is ALWAYS hers and the defense knows the white is ALWAYS theirs, you have nobody crossing.[/quote]

Speaking ASA/USA

The original application was the defense could only use the colored portion of the base when the throw was coming from foul territory or an errant throw took the defender into foul territory and the fielder was [bold]coming back from foul territory[/bold], not just simply moving to the foul side to receive the throw. This interpretation was meant to avoid collisions and worked quite well.

Today's interpretation allows the defender to simply go for the errant throw by jumping or stretching into foul territory while coming down on or simply making contact with the colored portion. It doesn't negate the possibility of an OBS call, but does negate the purpose of the double-bases existence and rewards poor play by the defense.
 
Feb 3, 2011
1,880
48
Is there any conversation on the site about new pitching rules for USA Softball? I do not have a 2020 rule book and heard a rumor that there are "significant" changes for this year.
 
Jun 22, 2008
3,731
113
Is there any conversation on the site about new pitching rules for USA Softball? I do not have a 2020 rule book and heard a rumor that there are "significant" changes for this year.


Most rulesets over the last few months have basically gone to NFHS pitching rules. Step back is allowed and runners no longer advance on an IP.
 

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