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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.
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.