Umpire situation

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Got a procedural question for an umpire, not really a rules question - just how would you handle this situation.

A few years ago ASA made a "safety" change to the obstruction rule. Basically it changed to a fielder MAY NOT inhibit a player in any way unless they are IN POSESSION of the ball. This changed from WAS RECEIVING the ball. In effect this made the blocking of the plate/base without the ball in your glove an obstruction call - thus awarding the base. But here is the question.

Runner on first and takes a good hard lead every time. The catcher throws the ball down to 1st to try a pickoff - or at least try to keep her close. 1st base blocks the base and the umpire extends his/her arm calling obstruction - awards the base. Next pitch, throw back to 1st - same thing happened. Two pitches later exact same thing. Obviously 1st base now knows what she is doing but doesn't change her approach to the play.

Knowing that all the umpire can/will do is award the base the runner is returning to is 1st base really required to do anything else?
Does the umpire have another recourse against the player or defensive team. Hand/wrist, concussion injuries are possible with this type of play.

Before the season starts I would like to know all the possibilities. We saw this often last year and in a scrimmage last weekend.

 

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There's no specific rule or procedure that covers this exact play. Generally, if they keep obstructing the runner then you just keep calling obstruction.

The continued obstruction might lead to some bad blood between the teams, so the umpire should keep his eye on that. If it got to that point, I'd probably discuss it with F3's coach. Repeated willful violations of a rule can be construed as unsportsmanlike conduct and that is subject to ejection. Letting the coach know that he might lose his player is usually sufficient warning and puts an end to it.

There's no guideline that says "warn the teams if this happens "X" number of times". Rather than a specific rule, this one falls under game management. The umpire has the tool to address it. Whether he needs to address it or not will be situational. Your goal is to nip any potential problems in the bud and keep the game under control.

 

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Bret, could you pop over to the 5/14 high school scores thread? There is a situation there that could use your expertise. Thanks.

 

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If in the umpires judgement it is an unsporting act which is what Bret is saying this rule applies and is straight forward. Rule: 3-6-13 ART. 13 . . . Unsporting acts shall not be committed, including, but not limited to: a. use of words or actions to incite or try to incite spectators to demonstrate. b. use of profanity, intimidation and/or deceitful tactics, or baiting or taunting; or NOTE: The NFHS disapproves of any form of taunting which is intended or designed to embarrass, ridicule or demean others under any circumstances, including race, religion, gender or national origin. c. behavior in any manner not in accordance with the spirit of fair play. This is followed by a warning and then an ejection.