Defining Runners Lane Interference, aka RLI
High School : Runners Lane Interference is confusing to most. Below is the actual rule:
The Rule
NFHS Rulebook 8-4-1 … The batter-runner is out when:
g. the batter-runner runs outside the three-foot running Lane (last half of the distance from home plate to first base), while the ball is being fielded or thrown to first base; or
1. This infraction is ignored if it is to avoid a fielder who is attempting to field the batted ball or if the act does not interfere with a fielder or a throw.
2. The batter runner is considered outside the running lane lines if either foot is outside either line. (2023 NFHS Rulebook)
The key is the the runner must INTERFERE with the catch, not the throw. Don’t penalize the Batter Runner for an uncatchable throw that was 10 feet over the first baseman’s head. The runner must be inside the lane until their very last step, which is when they are allowed to come into fair territory to touch the base.
Remember that the infield side of the first base line is all in fair territory. First decide what your interpretation is of “foot is outside”. Does this mean the whole foot must be in fair territory? Or just a piece of it that is “on the foul line” … which coincidentally is completely in fair territory. Once you determine what your interpretation is, move forward with your RLI calls. Most umpires will make sure that the whole foot is touching fair territory and no part is touching the white line. This eliminates any questions by coaches, because they can see this.
The Easy Answer
Coaches more often than not misunderstand an RLI call. They will wonder how a Batter Runner can get to the base if they have to run in foul territory the whole way? The runners last step to the bag must be from foul territory into fair territory, where 1B is. Here is the answer to a coaches question about being in fair territory to get to the 1B bag. The Batter Runner MUST be running legally in the lane in order to legally exit the lane.
Remember … there is an entrance into the runners lane at the 45′ line. If there is a throw that hits the BR before that, then the BR is not at fault.
I will post a NCAA discussion of RLI at a later date. Hope this Helps!
