About Ed Spindler Expertise Baseball rules and interpretations of plays and what is and should be the correct call.
Experience I have umpired at all college levels for 20 years. I have umpired high school baseball in Iowa for 24 years, working 15 state tournament finals(mostly large school classifications).
Organizations IHSBCA (Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association)
Publications none
Education/Credentials I was(now retired)a high school history teacher for 15 years. I was also the athletic director. I officiated all the major sports other than baseball as well.
Awards and Honors Umpire of the year in Iowa 1991. District umpire of the year 3 times.
Question What is call on runner jumping over catcher with ball to avoid the tag? Is call the same for any fielder? Were in the rule book does it say if this is legal or not?
Answer I'm not 100% sure on little league rules. All levels except professional baseball make it illegal to jump over the fielder...you can dive(head first) but cannot jump. The thinking behind this rule is that you don't want the spikes anywhere near the fielder(especially the head, in case the fielder was in a crouch).
Most levels of baseball play have this interpretation.
The rule(not sure of the number as I don't have a rulebook nearby) is the one pertaining to..."the runner is out when"...
