Obstruction- Yes or No. Let's learn

If players (and coaches and parents) actually read the rulebook, then the game would a little more pleasant.[/quote]

I am always amazed in the lack of knowledge towards the rule book during a ball game. You are right if you read the rulebook you would have a far greater understanding of the game.(Especially PARENTS) Had one parent screaming through the fence at me over a foul tip caught by the catcher for a third strike. It was all I could do to keep from turning around and telling him if he's going to tell the umpire how to do his job, first he should actually have an understanding of the rules that govern the game.

 

Stingray is correct. Point #1 is the most revealing in this case.

The picture is clearly obstruction, because the catcher is without possession of the ball and is obstructing and impeding the runner from the next base. Before you say I'm wrong, answer this question to yourself. What if the runners intent was to obtain home standing up? She is absolutely not required to slide.

One key detail to the picture is that the catcher is on the 3rd base side of the plate.

 

Hey !!

Nice shot though !!-- Guru

 

First off, thanks for the info! But no, I have never gone through and read the rulebook. I doubt most players have, like you said. I understand why umpires make this call and why it is a rule, I just think that we give the runners too much of an advantage, and I may be the only one who thinks this. I know that when I'm running, I never hold it against a catcher who blocks the plate, I see it as her doing her job. I (being the runner) will slide behind the catcher and catch my hand on the back of the plate. I honestly don't think that this is unreasonable for a runner to do. But, I agree that if everyone knew the rulebook (umps included!!) that the game would go alot more smoothly.

 

I dont see how this is giving the runner too much of an advantage.

Let me ask, should the Shortstop be allowed to impede a runner going from 2nd to 3rd midway between the bases?

 

My thoughts

In the picture is appears to me that the catcher is straddling the plate awaiting the ball.

#5, this is borderline obstruction because the runner does have a clear and unimpeded path to the plate, but since the runner slid, it is probably not. If she had gone in standing up, which she has a right, it probably is.

#4, poor technique by the catcher, by her position. She is in the base path and without the ball could be liable for being run over. A catcher without the ball is the same as any other player. She must give the runner a clear path or possibly suffer the consequences. This runner did her a favor by sliding.

#3, we all know when obstruction occurs. When a defensive player restricts the runners ability to run in a clear and direct path to the base without the ball, or while waiting on the ball to arrive.

#2, the catcher, like all other defenders should wait for the ball to arrive, on the defensive(or throw) side of the base, catch and THEN BLOCK.

#1, use a simple rule to understand obstruction, did the defender catch the ball and then block the path or did she block the path and then catch the ball. Part A is legal, part B is obstruction.

Ty

 

But, I agree that if everyone knew the rulebook (umps included!!) that the game would go alot more smoothly.


VERY WELL SAID Check out the opinion poll on http://www.ncfastpitch.org/

 

Wait just a second.....
Was the runner safe? It looks like she was.
Obstruction ONLY occurs if the runner was called out. At that time there is an appeal the umpire would then rule that her progress was impeaded and allowed the run to score.

 

Obstruction can be called whether there is an out or not and it is a delayed dead ball.

 

OK then, what happens when there is obstruction? The umpire sticks his hand balled into a fist straight out, right. And the baserunners....