HANDLING INTERFERENCE BY SPECTATORS, COACHES AND UMPIRES
Interference in a baseball game does not happen very often and some umpires are ill prepared to deal with it. Getting the uncommon plays correct is what distinguishes the better umpires from the average ones. Recognizing the illicit act is perhaps the easiest of the tasks involved. Knowing whether to kill the ball immediately and then correctly assessing the penalty is the greater challenge. Except where noted, the material applies equally to NFHS, NCAA and pro rules.
The two most common forms of interference are arguably a runner getting hit by a batted ball or running into a fielder who is attempting to make a play. It is also possible for someone who is not a player to interfere with play. An umpire, a coach and even a spectator are all capable of altering a play.
