If loose equipment interferes with play, the umpire may, based on his judgment and the circumstances of the play, do which of the following?

• A. A, B and C.
• B. Call an out(s).
• C. Return runners.
• D. Award bases.

Answer: (A)

When equipment is loose and interferes with the play, the umpire has the authority to determine the proper ruling based on what happened and where the ball was. The goal is to restore fair play, so multiple outcomes are possible depending on the situation. The umpire may call an out if the interference affects a defensive or offensive player involved in an out on the play. He may return runners to the bases they last legally touched if the ball is dead and the interference alters their advancement. He may also award bases to runners if the interference prevented them from advancing or scoring in a way that fair play demands. Because each of these outcomes can be appropriate given different specifics of the play, all of the above actions can be the correct remedy.