Expert: Andrew Mullins - 5/10/2011

Question
Hi Mr. Mullins,  Situation:  Washington State HS batter hits HR in top of first.  Bat found to be illegal (composite).  Run taken off board, batter out, runners returned to base...batter ejected from game for using illegal bat (claims by accident). Team goes on to lose by 7 runs.  Game protested.  

Question:  Should batter have been ejected?  If not, what are the standards for deciding whether to replay the game?  When a player is wrongly ejected, does it mean the game must be replayed in ALL circumstances?  

Thanks for your input!!  Great service!

Answer
NFHS rules state that the batter is ejected for using an illegal bat, no excuses.  The coach should have also been ejected or restricted to the bench since he certifies player equipment at home plate in the umpire's meeting.

NFHS has no provisions for protests in the national rulebook, that matter is left up to each individual state.  In Tennessee, we have no options for protest so I cannot answer your question as to that matter in your area.

Here, it's simple, illegal? You are gone.  In Tennessee also, any player or coach that is ejected gets an additional suspension of one to three games depending on the matter.  Each principal or administrator for that school then is required to have a meeting /w the player, parents, the head coach, & any others involved before the player or coach can come back to the game after the state penalties.  The state of Tennessee also fines each coach/school a minimum of $250 per violation....

Come to Tennessee, we very seldom have any issues....lol

Thanks for a great question...Please rate me positively if you see fit, if not, then let me know how I may assist you further...Thanks, Andy