Obstruction Rule? (revised title)

[socalsoftball]

I am looking under "Points of Emphasis" in the 2005 ASA rule book (sorry, I can't find a newer version) in the obstruction section. It says, "If a defensive person is blocking the base or basepath without the ball, this is impeding the progress of the runner and this is obstruction. Prior to this year (2005), coaches taught to block the base, catch the ball and make the tag. Now it must be catch the ball, block the base and make the tag."

Not sure if this is in the most recent rule book. But, I would also like to know the rule because I have heard many different views from umpires and coaches.

[smash]

How about teach your players how to hook slide. When you get to the older ages bases are getting blocked all the time. You either hook slide or take them out.

[MTR]

I am looking under "Points of Emphasis" in the 2005 ASA rule book (sorry, I can't find a newer version) in the obstruction section. It says, "If a defensive person is blocking the base or basepath without the ball, this is impeding the progress of the runner and this is obstruction. Prior to this year (2005), coaches taught to block the base, catch the ball and make the tag. Now it must be catch the ball, block the base and make the tag."

Not sure if this is in the most recent rule book. But, I would also like to know the rule because I have heard many different views from umpires and coaches.

This was inserted as more of an educational addition to give some direction to the coaches and umpires as to how the removal of "about to receive" affected the manner in which they should view the play. Unfortunately, it was oversimplistic and confusing to those who were most likely already confused.

If memory serves me correctly, we beat the crap out of this a couple times before on some umpire discussion boards. It is also unfortunate that getting something out of the rule book can be more difficult than getting something in it.

[wadeintothem]

How about teach your players how to hook slide. When you get to the older ages bases are getting blocked all the time. You either hook slide or take them out.

One wonders how the addition of spikes will affect the training/positioning of defensive players....

[wadeintothem]

I am looking under "Points of Emphasis" in the 2005 ASA rule book (sorry, I can't find a newer version) in the obstruction section. It says, "If a defensive person is blocking the base or basepath without the ball, this is impeding the progress of the runner and this is obstruction. Prior to this year (2005), coaches taught to block the base, catch the ball and make the tag. Now it must be catch the ball, block the base and make the tag."

Not sure if this is in the most recent rule book. But, I would also like to know the rule because I have heard many different views from umpires and coaches.

The rule is:

OBSTRUCTION: The act of a defensive team member:
A. Who hinders or impedes a batter from striking at or hitting a pitched ball.
B. Who impedes the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally running
the bases unless the fielder is:
1. in possession of the ball.
2. in the act of fielding a batted ball.
NOTE: Contact is not necessary to impede the progress of the batter-runner or
a runner.

So the D must actually impede without ball.. simply positioning is not necessarily impeding.

By the way, if the Defender caught the ball high, then completely blocked the runner of the base, then tag em, (so long as the impeding was done after the ball was caught), that is not obs.

But coaching tips like when to steal, when to bunt, how to defend a steal, how to properly slide, how to slide when someone is in the way etc are beyond my scope and probably a better question for other coaches than most umps. I would think the OP's coach might seek out some guidance from experienced coaches on how to slide, etc.

[GIMNEPIWO]

Well that was ugly.....

I would say, all in all it was a productive thread ...

[socalsoftball]

Well that was ugly.....

I would say, all in all it was a productive thread ...

I tried to make it productive, but I should have known that it was already too far gone.

[wadeintothem]

Well that was ugly.....

I would say, all in all it was a productive thread ...

I'd say not bad for obs thread #7,845

[watcher]

Well that was ugly.....

I would say, all in all it was a productive thread ...

I'd say not bad for obs thread #7,845

Hey Wade, I am officially done with obs. threads, After speaking with DD on the subject she informs me that in the NCAA the rule is either non- existent or not enforced the same as ASA.

[MTR]

Hey Wade, I am officially done with obs. threads, After speaking with DD on the subject she informs me that in the NCAA the rule is either non- existent or not enforced the same as ASA.

And why would that be?