High School rules. Bases loaded, ball hit softly back to the pitcher. Bang-Bang play for the force out at home. Catcher was on top of plate before receiving the ball, but for the sake of argument we'll say she received the ball BEFORE the runner arrived and any contact was made. Runner slid into home and was blocked from reaching the plate by the catcher, but initiated that slide before the catcher received the ball.
Call from PU was out on the force play. Question from offensive coach was "can she block the plate without the ball?" I could not hear PU's reply, but no obstruction call and call stood.
Umpires, can you please explain how you would answer that question for this scenario. Based on what I have read in other threads, I think I know the answer, therefore I will ask a different one... How do you determine when a runner has been hindered/impeded? The fastest way for this runner to reach home plate would be to run through it like we teach running through first base... there is a reason we tell kids not to slide into first. With the catcher in the way, however, the runner risks ejection and injury to both kids if she remains upright and therefore "has" to slide. Is this not hindering her progress and does it not occur before the catcher has the ball?
If there is no obstruction on this play as described, would there be obstruction if the runner is able to beat the ball to the home plate area but is unable to touch the plate before the force is made?
Call from PU was out on the force play. Question from offensive coach was "can she block the plate without the ball?" I could not hear PU's reply, but no obstruction call and call stood.
Umpires, can you please explain how you would answer that question for this scenario. Based on what I have read in other threads, I think I know the answer, therefore I will ask a different one... How do you determine when a runner has been hindered/impeded? The fastest way for this runner to reach home plate would be to run through it like we teach running through first base... there is a reason we tell kids not to slide into first. With the catcher in the way, however, the runner risks ejection and injury to both kids if she remains upright and therefore "has" to slide. Is this not hindering her progress and does it not occur before the catcher has the ball?
If there is no obstruction on this play as described, would there be obstruction if the runner is able to beat the ball to the home plate area but is unable to touch the plate before the force is made?