Runner jumps to avoid tag

I just logged on to see if anyone was talking about this and here it is!!!

Someone sent this clip to me today and the first thing I thought about was this forum. You guys do a really good job and I figured it would be a good thing to discuss.

Superman Play

This is a legal play anywhere, including LL, except Fed.

quote:

Originally posted by POLOGREEN:
Runner coming iinto third jumps into the air in an attempt to go around the tag (he is tagged out) my partner , newbie, calls the out on the tag. Between innings I said to him if the runner jumps to avoid the tag this is considered dangerous and he should be called out. He thought this only applied to a runner jumping over a fielder. Clarification? Casebook 3.3.1.U

Define "jumped into the air" and "around the tag." Did he jummp OVER the fielder or AROUND the fielder? Did he "dive?"

Simply "jumping" to avoid a tag is not in and of itself a violation of rule. And "considering it dangerous" and calling an out is not justifed if it does not meet the requirements stated in the rules.

In regards to the "Superman" video, I agree with Mr. Taylor, legal everywhere except FED.

Referring to the Fordham play, it is not a legal play by USSSA rules which modify the OBR: "Whenever a tag play is evident, a runner must slide or seek to avoid contact with the fielder and/or catcher. Attempting to jump, leap, or dive over the fielder and/or catcher is not interpreted as seeking to avoid contact." Rule 8.07.I.12 Nations Baseball has a similar rule. I believe that most youth travel ball/tournament organizations have the avoid contact rules in place. Maybe not relevant to this high school website, but I thought I would throw this in.

BTW, this umpire's forum is extremely educational - makes me a far better informed parent/fan and youth coach. Thanks to all the contributors.

Back when, LL did not allow any head first slide and I've seen the (mostly volunteer) umps call anything other than standing up / sliding feet first as a head first slide including a kid who slipped and fell onto the plate...While he obviously didn't slide, going head first would be close enough in my opinion to have it be called out at any level that prevents head first slides into home...

I know several have said that it is legal in LL - can you explain where my thoughts above are incorrect so I can learn?

Have to mention a somewhat similar play in 11U travel which is still one of the best plays I've ever seen...visitors up by 1 in last inning with R3 and one down, 2 strikes...pitcher throws a wild pitch that the batter swings at...Catcher goes to retrieve ball as BR takes off for 1B and R3 breaks for home...as catcher returns to the plate, R3 tries the same play as above, catcher makes the tag as he scoots underneath and somehow remembered the runner going to first and gunned him for a DP to end the game...Not a single parent or coach had even remembered the BR since they were worried about the run (and yes, I'm in that group)...BUT, the 11 year old did!

You are correct for 60ft LL. In 90ft LL it is legal.