PDad wrote:Mark H wrote:Runners at second are already retired when they slide in hard to break up a double play so I can't take that as a blanket truth.
There is a difference between MLB and softball rules. MLB allows retired runners to go after fielders as long as the runner is within reach of the base. Most softball rulesets are more restrictive. Their rules about retired runners, as covered in several discussions by umpires, recognize they can't magically disappear, so they're protected as long as they're going for the base.
It's only INT if the fielder had a play on another runner (i.e. a double play) and it's clear INT prevented them from doing it. I expect it's like batter INT where many umpires only call it when the fielder actually attempts the throw.
Herein lies the issue with regard to these rules - there may be an absolute right answer, but from a practical standpoint, there are many varying interpretations/misconceptions by umps, coaches, and players. To a certain degree, it also seems to vary by age group, environment, and probably by region. I would bet that coaching and/or player misconceptions were at the core of this incident, not any malicious intent. It's impossible to tell, but that's were I would put my money.
I'll stick with coaching my players to avoid contact on both sides of the ball whenever possible. Maybe that's not the best coaching, but the potential risk side of me or my players getting it wrong outweigh the possible benefits in my mind. At least at the level we are currently at.