Can someone please clarify...

[Lovin'life]

When a player hits a homerun, why can a coach high-five his/her player or tap her shoulder as she rounds third base and heads home but if one of her teammates touches her before she steps on home base, she is out????? I am confused.... Thank you...

[jonriv]

Because there are some dumb rules

[Lovin'life]

So is it an actual rule?

[PDad]

So is it an actual rule?

Did you see it called in a game? Under which rules (e.g. ASA, HS, NCAA)?

This sounds like a common myth about the rules. As far as touching goes, it's usually only against the rules if they ASSIST the runner (e.g. hold them back, help them get up, push them forward). There are some rules that prohibit extraneous offensive team personnel from being on the field of play, but that's usually to keep them from confusing and/or interfering with the defense making a play on the runner and that wouldn't apply in this case.

In order to get an accurate answer, you need to specify which rule set was in effect.

[Dugout Dad]

When a player hits a homerun, why can a coach high-five his/her player or tap her shoulder as she rounds third base and heads home but if one of her teammates touches her before she steps on home base, she is out????? I am confused.... Thank you...

It can be deemed as assisting the player by contact from a fellow team mate. It is a stupid interpretation of the rule. Most umpires don't care, but if you run into one that does, it could ruin your day(and the player's day).

[Kool-Aid]

Oh I remember a game just a couple years ago in which a Norcal 14's team (Sting), ended up protesting a home run trot in which teammates were giving high five's after a apparent game winning home run in a ASA National semi-final or final? Ended up costing the team the game and National title! Classic

[Lovin'life]

Thank you all!!! I have a better understanding

[MTR]

Thank you all!!! I have a better understanding

It is NOT assisting the runner. To the best of my knowledge, only the NCAA has such a ludicrous rule simply because the coaches are dumb. They do not want anyone to touch the runner, but it is okay for the dugout to empty and block the view of the umpire trying to see them touch the plate.

[GIMNEPIWO]

Thank you all!!! I have a better understanding

It is NOT assisting the runner. To the best of my knowledge, only the NCAA has such a ludicrous rule simply because the coaches are dumb. They do not want anyone to touch the runner, but it is okay for the dugout to empty and block the view of the umpire trying to see them touch the plate.

I remember several years ago, I think it was Tom Seaver hit a home run for the Mets ... The entire bench just sat there like nothing happened ... Not one player moved, cracked a smile, high fived ... nothing ! ... Hilarious ... Isn't the mechanic for the Umpire to be out in front of the dish ? The players not being allowed to touch the runner should enable the Umpire to see the runner touch the plate ...

[jonriv]

Thank you all!!! I have a better understanding

It is NOT assisting the runner. To the best of my knowledge, only the NCAA has such a ludicrous rule simply because the coaches are dumb. They do not want anyone to touch the runner, but it is okay for the dugout to empty and block the view of the umpire trying to see them touch the plate.

I remember several years ago, I think it was Tom Seaver hit a home run for the Mets ... The entire bench just sat there like nothing happened ... Not one player moved, cracked a smile, high fived ... nothing ! ... Hilarious ... Isn't the mechanic for the Umpire to be out in front of the dish ? The players not being allowed to touch the runner should enable the Umpire to see the runner touch the plate ...

Like this?

http://www.mickeygoldin.com/BABSON-COLL ... &lb=1&s=X2