Is this a Block or Fair Out

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Oct 24, 2010
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You are posting pictures of a college game, as I have already stated the NCAA rule on obstruction is different and says the defender cannot be in the basepath without the ball. Completely different than every other softball ruleset in existence and was prompted by a call (it should be non obstruction call) in the WCWS several years back that got Lisa Fernandez ejected for bumping an umpire and pitching a fit.

As you note, NCAA has an added element of obstruction: blocking the whole base without the ball. There are exceptions, such as the throw has clearly beaten the runner (and thus would not reasonably be expected to have begun her slide). The fielder is also allowed to cross the runner's path to receive a throw.

The question at that point is this, did the runner have to alter her path? Generally, if the C is straddling the foul line while waiting for the throw to arrive, it is HIGHLY LIKELY she is committing/will be called for OBS.

This may be why obstruction was called on this play. The runner was proceeding home in foul territory, then crossed into fair territory because of the catcher's position. It's either obstruction or the runner is trying to get out of reach of a potential tag. Judgment call.
 

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