This weekend we played against a team where the catcher continued time after time to throw her mask in the field of play either on the first base path or the third base path. Obviously this kid was taught to do this I have never seen a kid put a mask in the same spot like this kid did. But I wouldn't say she was intentionally malisiously trying to use it to interfer with the play. My question is I thought if a defensive players gear was removed then hit with the ball. The ball is dead and bases awared. I don't have a rule book so I couldn't confirm it.
In itb a ball hit to right field the our runner on 2nd base rounds 3rd and is watching throw home. Catcher had thrown mask up the 1st base path. As the ball is coming in hard the ball hits the mask and dies right there catcher grabs the ball and our runner holds. We call time and talk to the blues and they award us home after the other teams coach debates it then they say the ball is live and since the runner didn't attempt to score there is no play runner put back on third and game resumes...
What is the right call and where in the rule book does it cover it? It's was a usssa tourney but I'm am guessing they are all the same on this topic. Any help is appreciated