Obstruction timing
- Thread starter John 800
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- Jun 20, 2015
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obstruction is 'indicated' immediately, but not enforced until play is complete.
example, runner in a pickle between 3b and HP. runner tries to head back to 3b and contacts fielder without the ball, ump indicates obstruction. 5 throws later, the runner gets tagged . HOWEVER, she is safe due to obstruction, placed at 3b. If she had arrived at home safely, then run scores. Obstruction negated.
example, runner in a pickle between 3b and HP. runner tries to head back to 3b and contacts fielder without the ball, ump indicates obstruction. 5 throws later, the runner gets tagged . HOWEVER, she is safe due to obstruction, placed at 3b. If she had arrived at home safely, then run scores. Obstruction negated.
- May 29, 2015
- 3,815
- 113
Excellent description @Lance Steckler !
I would emphasize that, in softball, obstruction is not an automatic base award (it is in baseball). It is a protection from being called out between the two bases where it happened. An umpire may award bases if they feel the obstruction prevented the runner from reaching whatever base the umpire believes the runner would have reached.
In your example, say the obstruction happened close to home plate (regardless of the direction the runner was going), the umpire could judge that the runner would have eventually reached home (even if it wasn't on that throw) rather than working her way back to third. I don't recommend that call, but it is possible.
Note for umpires ... do NOT wait to see how the play ends up. Call it and indicate it as soon as it happens so there is no question when you call time and set things right.
I would emphasize that, in softball, obstruction is not an automatic base award (it is in baseball). It is a protection from being called out between the two bases where it happened. An umpire may award bases if they feel the obstruction prevented the runner from reaching whatever base the umpire believes the runner would have reached.
In your example, say the obstruction happened close to home plate (regardless of the direction the runner was going), the umpire could judge that the runner would have eventually reached home (even if it wasn't on that throw) rather than working her way back to third. I don't recommend that call, but it is possible.
Note for umpires ... do NOT wait to see how the play ends up. Call it and indicate it as soon as it happens so there is no question when you call time and set things right.
