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Recent content by dogpatch
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Defacing the Ball
Correct, not arguing whether or not it should be legal. Incorrect, not "trying" to find a loophole but rather found a glaring loophole! Also pointing out ambiguity caused by poorly created rules.- dogpatch
- Post #57
- Forum: Softball Rules Questions
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Defacing the Ball
I appreciate what you are saying. NFHS should NOT just use NCAA rules. But there are many NCAA rules that are well written and should be looked at as reference when NFHS writes its rules.- dogpatch
- Post #54
- Forum: Softball Rules Questions
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Defacing the Ball
The situation here is that the 2024 interpretations do not cite an actual rule that is being interpreted. The reason there is no citation is that there is no rule in the current rule book that actually describes the action as being illegal. Folks should understand that interpretations of rules...- dogpatch
- Post #52
- Forum: Softball Rules Questions
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Defacing the Ball
I appreciate your explanation and taking the time to share past rules and interpretations. It looks like this phantom dirt-rubbing rule, which neither 1-3-6 nor 6-2-2 actually addresses, has been around for a while. Hopefully in the future it will somehow dawn on the powers-that-be that when...- dogpatch
- Post #49
- Forum: Softball Rules Questions
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Defacing the Ball
Yes it has. 6-2-2 in the 2024 rule book reads: ART. 2 . . . The pitcher shall: a. Not be allowed to use tape or other non-approved substances on the ball or contact points of the pitching hands or fingers; nor shall any other player apply a foreign substance to the ball. NOTE: Dirt is not...- dogpatch
- Post #47
- Forum: Softball Rules Questions
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Defacing the Ball
If there is clear direction, please cite the NFHS softball rule to which the clear direction applies. If you are attempting to apply rule 6-2-2, you are incorrect. Rule 6-2-2 specifically states that dirt is NOT considered a foreign substance. Therefore applying dirt to the ball is not...- dogpatch
- Post #41
- Forum: Softball Rules Questions
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Defacing the Ball
Assuming you are a high school umpire, you should discuss this amoung your fellow umpires. See what their thoughts are about interpreting and imposing rules during your games that are not found in the NFHS softball rule book. This may seem to be a trivial issue, but in this case, not only did...- dogpatch
- Post #38
- Forum: Softball Rules Questions
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Defacing the Ball
Please review my original comments at the top of this thread. My point is that the NFHS SOFTBALL rules regarding this are vague, and the 2024 NFHS Rules Interpretation document discusses a rule without citation. It is without citation because there is no specific rule to cite. Here's what I...- dogpatch
- Post #34
- Forum: Softball Rules Questions
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Defacing the Ball
You allude to exactly what is wrong NFHS' poorly conceived rules regarding defacing. What defacing means should be defined in the rules, and the umpire should be required to physically inspect the ball for actual damage before imposing penalty. Dirt on a softball does not damage its cover.- dogpatch
- Post #29
- Forum: Softball Rules Questions
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Defacing the Ball
That is exactly what I am saying. Until the NFHS rules committee does a better job writing rules, defacing is ambiguous in high school softball. Other sanctions actually have clear rules regarding defacing.- dogpatch
- Post #18
- Forum: Softball Rules Questions
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Defacing the Ball
Thanks for citing a rule that could be related. However, still looking for an actual definition of "defacing the ball". If a pitcher simply rubs dirt on the ball, how can an umpire determine that the ball was "defaced" without stopping the game and inspecting the ball? In the absence of some...- dogpatch
- Post #17
- Forum: Softball Rules Questions
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Defacing the Ball
Some illegal pitch infractions are immediate dead ball, others are delayed dead ball. Infractions involving the application of "non-approved substances" is immediate DB.- dogpatch
- Post #16
- Forum: Softball Rules Questions
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Defacing the Ball
Thanks for pointing out rule 1. However, ruling that a pitcher who rubs dirt on the ball is defacing it under rule 1-3-6 is a real stretch since it is referring to 1-3-3 which has to do with ball specifications. If a pitcher "defacing the ball" simply by rubbing dirt on it in the circle during...- dogpatch
- Post #12
- Forum: Softball Rules Questions
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Defacing the Ball
Rule books state the actual rules. Case books and rules interpretations only clarify the rules. Rule 6-2-2 in the 2024 Softball Rules Book specifically addresses applying foreign substances to the ball, and specifically states that dirt is NOT considered a foreign substance. Please cite a rule...- dogpatch
- Post #5
- Forum: Softball Rules Questions
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Defacing the Ball
Top of the first, one out, second batter of the game, full count. Umpire gives the pitcher a slick, brand new ball. While NOT in pitching position, she drops the ball and rolls it on the ground to make it less slick. The next pitch is a ground out at 1B for out #2. Blue calls delayed dead...- dogpatch
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- Replies: 63
- Forum: Softball Rules Questions