NFHS obstruction video

[BlaineAB]

NFHS posted a video about obstruction on a play at the plate.
Umpire called the runner out/no obstruction.

Could a case be made for obstruction/safe? No, the runner did not change their path, but it sure looks like they were impeded.

 

[tim_s]

can't wait to hear from our resident umpires here, because that looks pretty clear to me

 

[Dabears17]

NFHS has a free umpire class where they go over several cases of obstruction and interference. Some cases they show the umpire doesn't call it, when I would. They basically say it's a judgement call and from the angle the umpire had, he didn't see that.

I've only umpired two HS games, but my gut for that call is the runner wasn't impeded, but there is enough evidence there for the umpire to judge it was interference if so inclined.

Umpiring Softball

Check out Umpiring Softball from the NFHS Learning Center! http://nfhslearn.com/courses/umpiring-softball

nfhslearn.com

 

[Strike2]

That could be called either way...a toss-up depending on the umpire, his view, and real-time judgement. I saw the exact same play called obstruction in a USSSA tournament. In the NCAA, that's an easy obstruction call.

 

[mmeece]

NCAA- would be an easy obstruction call. NFHS- I don't have obstruction. The runner never slowed down or deviated course that I saw. By the time they actually came together the catcher had the ball. As I was instructed by an experienced umpire "It isn't obstruction until it is."

 

[erniekru]

The NFHS rule makes it way more complicated than it needs to be. The rule should absolutely revolve around positioning of the catcher (or any fielder). If you cover the entire lane to the plate (or bag), call obstruction.

Catchers have been taught this way for a number of years so they should be held accountable via an obstruction call. Evaluating the level of play (at least for this one play) and how it turned out was not a surprise.

Having the umpire have to look whether the runner was impeded or not AND whether the runner is out/safe is a joke.

 

[mmeece]

Having the umpire have to look whether the runner was impeded or not AND whether the runner is out/safe is a joke.

Especially when you try to call it from his position in the video (which is what was taught for many years and still is often taught) vs. using the wedge technique.

 

[BlaineAB]

“hinder”: to create difficulties for

I’ve got obstruction.

 

[BlaineAB]

Especially when you try to call it from his position in the video (which is what was taught for many years and still is often taught) vs. using the wedge technique.

So, off the catcher’s right hip in fair territory?

 

[mmeece]

Copied the following from a baseball article on Referee.com :

So why is it called The Wedge? Think of a shape of a wedge or a triangle. The two sides of the wedge represent the path of the runner and the flight of the ball. An umpire using The Wedge would be in between those two lines to see the point of the play where the tag is applied.

When using The Wedge, some instructors say umpires should act like backpacks for the catchers while others urge umpires to stay on the catcher’s glove-side hip. Here are the mechanics of working the wedge:

• Locate the ball.
• Position yourself 2-3 feet immediately behind the catcher, lining up with the catcher’s left hip.
• Move in-step with the catcher and remain 2-3 feet behind him.
• Be prepared to make a final step — the “Read Step” — to see the tag applied. Marshall added, “Umpires need to take quiet, purposeful steps as the ball arrives to put themselves into that window to see the play.”