TheLacinStation
Addicted to Softballfans
2 outs, bottom of the 4th inning, visiting team leading. With 3 seconds remaining on the game clock (50-minute time limit), the batter hits a ground ball to F3. While F3 is in the process of fielding the ball, time expires. After time has expired, F3 steps on first base to record the final out of the inning.
The rule about the time limit explicitly states: "No inning shall start after the time limit." Based upon this wording, and the fact that the 4th inning ended after time expired, the home team felt that the game should be over. However, the umpires ruled that another inning should be played because the ball was put into play before the time expired.
I know getting any citation on this will be difficult as the rulebook is written for championship play and time limits are not used. However, I did see an indication about time limits for JO play with the same language about no inning starting after the time limit. Any information about the proper interpretation of this language would be greatly appreciated.
The rule about the time limit explicitly states: "No inning shall start after the time limit." Based upon this wording, and the fact that the 4th inning ended after time expired, the home team felt that the game should be over. However, the umpires ruled that another inning should be played because the ball was put into play before the time expired.
I know getting any citation on this will be difficult as the rulebook is written for championship play and time limits are not used. However, I did see an indication about time limits for JO play with the same language about no inning starting after the time limit. Any information about the proper interpretation of this language would be greatly appreciated.