Judgment calls may not be protested. Th=
is
means out/safe, fair/foul, ball/strike, obstruction/interference, hit batte=
r,
balk, etc. The game can only be protested when a rule has not been applied
correctly.
Example: Runner 1 and Runner 3. Runner1 interferes with Fielder 4 attemptin=
g to
field a grounder. The umpire calls Runner 1 out for interference, but allow=
s Runner
3 to score.
This is incorrect. If, in the umpire's JUDGMENT interference occurre=
d,
the RULE states that the ball is dead and no runs may score or runne=
rs
advance.
The judgment of whether it was interference or n=
ot, is
NOT protestable. The fact that the
umpire allowed the run to score IS protestable<=
/span>.
The batter attempts to bunt with less t=
han
two strikes and pops the ball up near the first base line. The back spin on=
the
ball causes it to quickly roll into foul territory where it hits the batter
runner who is attempting to get to first. The umpire calls the runner out. =
Was
this correct or should it just be a foul ball and dead with the batter gett=
ing
another chance?
Answer: He should not be called out unl=
ess
the umpire judges that the runner intentionally did something to affect the
course of the ball to gain an advantage for himself.
Rule 7.09(c)
If that is his judgment, the play is NOT protestable. If he believes the rule states that the =
runner
is out when touched by his own foul ball; he is incorrect and the play is <=
span
class=3DSpellE>protestable.
A protest must be made to the umpire-in=
-chief
before the next pitch or play. In LL®, protests of the use of ineligible
players may be made anytime prior to the last out of the game. When an
ineligible player is discovered he is removed from the game and the opposing
manager MAY protest or not at his discretion.