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jeremyf
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Posts: 2 From: Manchester |
If Rufus has finished with his moaning I have a more serious question! At what point is a fielder obstructing a runner on a play at a plate? As an example a runner at 1st and 3rd are performing a squeeze and a fielder is in the centre of the diamond with the ball. The runner at 3rd makes a dash for home. Another fielder (not the catcher) is stood straddling the base line about 2 feet out from home without the ball. The runner attempts to slide between the fielders legs but is stopped an inch short of home. At almost the same time he is tagged by the fielder who has received the ball. Had the fielder not been across the line the runner was more likely to have made it home. Is this obstruction? At what point was it and did it stop becoming obstruction? Jeremy
Posted on: 07/03/2006 12:06 PM
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lesley
Site Admin
Posts: 1 From: Edinburgh |
From the ISF 2006 Regulations If the fielder impedes the progress of a runner, and is NOT in possession of the ball, then this would constitute obstruction. The fielder MUST have the ball, if he is in the ACT of fielding a thrown ball, then this is obstruction. If he is in the ACT of fielding a BATTED ball, this is NOT obstruction. Sec. 65. OBSTRUCTION. Obstruction is the act of: a. A defensive player or team member that hinders or prevents a batter from striking or hitting a pitched ball. b. A fielder who impedes the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally running bases while: 1. not in possession of the ball, or 2. not in the act of fielding a batted ball, or 3. Making a fake tag without the ball, or 4. In possession of the ball and who pushes a runner off a base, or 5. In possession of the ball, but not in the act of making a play on the runner which intentionally impedes the progress of that runner, while he is legally running the bases.
Posted on: 07/05/2006 09:10 AM
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jeremyf
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Posts: 2 From: Manchester |
Lesley, I did have a suspicion of obstruction but it seems to be a rule that is judged subjectively. In 3 years of Softball I have only seen obstruction called on one occation and yet I suspect it happens at least once in every game. I have to admit I am probably as guilty for not calling it as any other umpire. Jeremy
Posted on: 07/07/2006 09:25 AM
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