Coach Interference

[Sam]

Bases loaded, one out. 3-1 count on the batter. 3B coach is halfway between HP and 3B on the line looking towards F1, screaming and clapping directly at F1 during pitch in a blatant attempt to fluster F1 into throwing a pitch outside the strike zone. The coach is not yelling at any of his offensive players.

Speaking ASA, I think this is interference on the coach.

What about NFHS?

[hotwheels]

That's funny!...Seen this in person by a local HS coach...Entertaining at the very least...

[MTR]

Bases loaded, one out. 3-1 count on the batter. 3B coach is halfway between HP and 3B on the line looking towards F1, screaming and clapping directly at F1 during pitch in a blatant attempt to fluster F1 into throwing a pitch outside the strike zone. The coach is not yelling at any of his offensive players.

Speaking ASA, I think this is interference on the coach.

INT my ass. Ejection is more like it.

[anonlooker]

Bases loaded, one out. 3-1 count on the batter. 3B coach is halfway between HP and 3B on the line looking towards F1, screaming and clapping directly at F1 during pitch in a blatant attempt to fluster F1 into throwing a pitch outside the strike zone. The coach is not yelling at any of his offensive players.

Speaking ASA, I think this is interference on the coach.

INT my ass. Ejection is more like it.

Agreed. Unsportsmanlike (and despicable) conduct. This at a high school game?

[Sam]

Bases loaded, one out. 3-1 count on the batter. 3B coach is halfway between HP and 3B on the line looking towards F1, screaming and clapping directly at F1 during pitch in a blatant attempt to fluster F1 into throwing a pitch outside the strike zone. The coach is not yelling at any of his offensive players.

Speaking ASA, I think this is interference on the coach.

INT my ass. Ejection is more like it.

Agreed. Unsportsmanlike (and despicable) conduct. This at a high school game?

HS game. This particular coach has done this twice to us without even a blink from the umpires. I argued it twice to no avail and was tossed the last time I asked the umpire to act. Didn't curse or scream. He told me that interference on a coach is not a rule. I know it is a rule for ASA and thought that NFHS would have the same/similar rule. I got run when I told him to look it up.

[HugoTafurst]

Bases loaded, one out. 3-1 count on the batter. 3B coach is halfway between HP and 3B on the line looking towards F1, screaming and clapping directly at F1 during pitch in a blatant attempt to fluster F1 into throwing a pitch outside the strike zone. The coach is not yelling at any of his offensive players.

Speaking ASA, I think this is interference on the coach.

INT my ass. Ejection is more like it.

Agreed. Unsportsmanlike (and despicable) conduct. This at a high school game?

HS game. This particular coach has done this twice to us without even a blink from the umpires. I argued it twice to no avail and was tossed the last time I asked the umpire to act. Didn't curse or scream. He told me that interference on a coach is not a rule. I know it is a rule for ASA and thought that NFHS would have the same/similar rule. I got run when I told him to look it up.

The Interference definition includes members of the team at bat (physical or verbal).

However, for the action described, I would be more inclined to look at 3-6-9 (action designed to provoke an illegal pitch) resulting in a warning followed by restriction (or in FL, ejection).

Either way, if your PU didn't agree, not sure that you have any other choice.


When my son was young, I used to get very upset with antics like that, until he told me that he didn't even notice.

If your pitcher is any good, I bet that, in the end, it won't bother her anymore than cheering from the dug out.

(PS, My reference is NFHS - )

[Sam]

Thanks Hugo,

Same pitcher both times and she threw strikes on both pitches. He temporarily went back to his box after I registered my complaints, but did it again in the 2nd game in extra innings afer I was tossed.

Question: Do you think I have an argument for interference in that case, as he is attempting to hinder my pitcher from making a play (a pitched ball)?

I appreciate your observations.

[MTR]

He temporarily went back to his box after I registered my complaints, but did it again in the 2nd game in extra innings afer I was tossed.

Question: Do you think I have an argument for interference in that case, as he is attempting to hinder my pitcher from making a play (a pitched ball)?

I appreciate your observations.

See, I'm looking at 3.5.2. It is simply a matter of compliance or leaving and there is no stretch to find another violation.

There cannot be interference since a pitch does not meet the definition of a play and you need to have a play to have interference.

It is also a stretch, IMO, to go with 3.6.9 as it is subjective and, as demonstrated, had zero affect on the pitcher.

[HugoTafurst]

He temporarily went back to his box after I registered my complaints, but did it again in the 2nd game in extra innings afer I was tossed.

Question: Do you think I have an argument for interference in that case, as he is attempting to hinder my pitcher from making a play (a pitched ball)?

I appreciate your observations.

See, I'm looking at 3.5.2. It is simply a matter of compliance or leaving and there is no stretch to find another violation.

There cannot be interference since a pitch does not meet the definition of a play and you need to have a play to have interference.


It is also a stretch, IMO, to go with 3.6.9 as it is subjective and, as demonstrated, had zero affect on the pitcher.

Yup, 3.5.2 might even be better:
1) it can put the coach back in the box
2) It will make the coach (pretend) to be addressing her players

In the end, though, you still need an umpire who is willing to deal with the situation.
I'm not sure it's worth getting tossed about, but depending on what level this is being played, it may be worth a connversation with the umpire's boss...

[MTR]

Yup, 3.5.2 might even be better:
1) it can put the coach back in the box
2) It will make the coach (pretend) to be addressing her players

In the end, though, you still need an umpire who is willing to deal with the situation.
I'm not sure it's worth getting tossed about, but depending on what level this is being played, it may be worth a connversation with the umpire's boss...

Won't argue that point. The umpire needs to do his/her job.