1. ASUA Webinar Series
INTERFERENCE

2. Meet ASUA’s Education Co-Chairs: Frankie Billingsley
Softball Canada Level 5 Umpire (obtained in 2011)
WBSC Certified Umpire (obtained in 2013)
Kris Hartley
Softball Canada Level 4 Umpire (obtained in 2004)

3. Agenda Housekeeping Rule Definition Interference Mechanic
Penalty Enforcement
Interference Examples
Timing/Signal/Voice/Cadence
Mindset/Philosophy
Summary
Question & Answer Period
30 minute session - 15 Q & A
Everyone is muted but, if you have a question - please enter the question into the Chat portion → to Organizers and we will answer the questions later in the

4. SOFTBALL CANADA Rulebook
RULE 8, Sections (1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9) in
in the Softball Canada
Rulebook

5. Interference Definition Rule 1, Section 55 (SP) and 56 (FP)
Is the act of:
An offensive player or team member that impedes, hinders or confuses a defensive player attempting to execute a play.
An umpire who impedes a catcher’s attempt to throw out a runner who is off a base (FP ONLY).
An umpire who is hit with a fair-batted ball prior to it passing an infielder excluding the pitcher. (SP - listed as b in the Softball Canada rulebook).
A spectator who reaches into the playing field and impedes a fielder playing the ball. (SP - listed as c in the Softball Canada rulebook).

6. Interference and Effect
Offensive player/coach impeding a Defensive player from making the play
Some Examples:
Batter interferes with a play at the plate
Batter-runner not using the three foot running lane (fair or foul).
Runner bumping into a fielder while trying to make a play.
Coach gets in the way of a fielder trying to make a play or attempts to draw a throw
Interference overrules obstruction
Effect: DEAD BALL (we need to ensure that the play is stopped
immediately so that the offense does not continue to gain an advantage
from the original interference)

7. Interference and Effect
EXCEPTION - DELAYED DEAD BALL
Batter in the way of catcher trying to make a throw to retire a runner
Interference by Plate Umpire
EXCEPTION - BALL IS LIVE
Coach assisting a runner

8. Batter Interference

9. Interference of Batter - Runner

10. Interference by Batter on a play at plate

11. Interference Mechanic
Softball Canada mechanic different from baseball.
Our Dead Ball mechanic is the same mechanic that we use to call “Time” and to call a “Foul Ball”. The verbiage we use when we have an interference call, “Dead Ball” - first and foremost we need to stop the play from continuing. Then, “Interference” and then, “Runner is Out or Batter is Out.”

12. Interference by the Plate Umpire

13. Interference by a Runner

14. Interference by a Runner

15. “Visual Interference”
Some questions have come in about visual interference from our members.
The Softball Canada rulebook does not define nor does it speak to visual interference.
You need to be sure that an action on the part of the offensive player has hindered, impeded or confused the defensive player from making a play.
We need to be able to explain to a coach, in very specific terms, what the runner did that caused the fielder to be confused or hindered.
Please remember - a runner does not want to be called out if the ball hits them in fair territory (and if a fielder has an opportunity for a play) so they may jump or hurdle the ball.

16. Interference by Spectator

17. Coach’s Interference
Coaches must respect the fielder’s right of way to make a play on a batted ball or a thrown ball.
If a thrown ball accidentally touches the base coach, the ball is live and in play.
Base coaches are NOT permitted to leave their boxes and act in any manner intended to draw a throw by a fielder.

18. Interference vs. Obstruction
Ryan’s situation if I can get it on this slide….
BCvsNL Plate Play.mp4

19. Mindset/Philosophy
We need to be ready when these happen, so that we can call these accurately.
Typically with interference we have a collision, these can impact the credibility of the crew if we do not have a call (especially on the base paths) so we need to have someone on the crew making the call.
Umpire responsibilities - if there is a collision on the base paths - let your base umpire have first opportunity to call this. If they do not, call it as the plate umpire. It is not advisable to call interference on a play at the plate from the bases.
Look for reactions of players, this can assist you, if you are unsure.

20. Timing/Signal/Voice/Cadence
With interference, the timing of the call is most effective when it is made when you see it - which is when the infraction occurs. Better late than never….
Your signal is very important, you are stopping the play - it is critical that your partners see what you are doing. If you are shorter, step in, keep your arms raised.
Your voice is also very important, participants need to hear “dead ball”. Repeat, if you have to, to get attention.
Cadence, each component needs to have its own spotlight.

21. Summary
There is a reason that Pitching (Illegal), Obstruction and Interference were chosen as the first three topics for our Inaugural Webinar Series.
These can be three of the most challenging calls to make - especially the first ones.
If we think back to our Level IV Theory course (Psychology of Officiating) one of the areas discussed - is the pressure that we feel when we are at a new level or a new championship.
These calls can be the ones that we miss, or we do not call when we are at the “next level” for the first time.
Interference - presence - “calm, cool, collected” - all the time…..Brian Van Os

22. Questions

23. Next Steps
Please write your exam if you have not already done so; deadline July 1, 2019.
Announcement - the very First ASUA Softball Super Weekend is coming! March , Planned prior to any branch clinics so that information can be taught at the local levels.
All ASUA members are invited, at no cost. Location TBD. There will be an expectation that Level IV, Level V umpires, Zone Presidents and any official who will be going to a Canadian Championship to try and earn their Level IV will be in attendance.
WEBINARS FOR the front runner topics are……!!!!

24. Contact Information
Frankie Billingsley Kris Hartley
( 780 ) ( 587 )