Case Book – Fan Interference

Softball Canada has what they call a case book that gives play scenarios along with the appropriate rule interpretation. The case book follows the same format as the rule book so its easy to match a scenario to a rule.The case book is $25-30 and can be ordered through Jim (jkportman@shaw.ca).The following is a scenario involving fan interference:The batter hits a fly ball to the outfield near out of play territory. The outfielder attempts to make the catch but a spectator touches the ball in flight, while . . . (a) the ball is within the boundaries of the playing field, or (b) the ball is outside the boundaries of the playing field.Ruling: (a) Fan interference, the ball is dead "Dead ball" the batter is out, if the fielder could have made the catch . Runners may be awarded the base or bases the umpire feels they would have achieved had there been no spectator interference.Situation (a) would be considered a dead ball, foul ball, if the umpire felt the fielder could not make the catch, regardless of the spectator interference. Runners would return to the base held at the time of the pitch.Note: When a spectator causes interference both the defensive and offensive team can be affected. The umpire may award runners bases he feels the runners could achieve had there been no interference. If no bases are awarded the runners return to the last base touched at me time of the interference.Ruling: (b) No spectator interference, regardless if the fielder could make the catch or not. Foul ball, "dead ball"; runners return to last base touched at time of pitch and batter bats again with an additional strike.