One first base coach in DD's league (ASA/USA Softball League, 10U rec) is so close to the field that he stands with the side of his foot touching the safety bag and he won't move.
So on a D3K, the ball has squirted up the first base line a little, the 1B would normally set up for the catch on the safety bag because the throw is coming from foul territory. But because the coach isn't moving, 1B instead stays in fair territory and C has to throw over the runner's head or in the runner's path.
On wide throws, or pop-ups in foul territory near first base, coach doesn't move, either. Some girls would rather pull up short then run into him and they miss some plays that they'd make if the coach wasn't right there.
This coach insists that he can set up where he wants (and he seems to play dumb when it's suggested that his position has any effect on 1B's ability to make plays).
So, can the ump call interference, or does there have to be contact between the coach and 1B for the call to be made?
So on a D3K, the ball has squirted up the first base line a little, the 1B would normally set up for the catch on the safety bag because the throw is coming from foul territory. But because the coach isn't moving, 1B instead stays in fair territory and C has to throw over the runner's head or in the runner's path.
On wide throws, or pop-ups in foul territory near first base, coach doesn't move, either. Some girls would rather pull up short then run into him and they miss some plays that they'd make if the coach wasn't right there.
This coach insists that he can set up where he wants (and he seems to play dumb when it's suggested that his position has any effect on 1B's ability to make plays).
So, can the ump call interference, or does there have to be contact between the coach and 1B for the call to be made?