Quote:
Originally Posted by BSBAL18
My reference is 2-22 Article 1. "Obstruction is an act (intentionally or unintentionally, as well as physical or verbal) by a fielder, and member of the defensive team or its personnel that hinders a runner or changes the pattern of play..."
So that is why I am curious about my original post of "why is F4 and F6 allowed to do that"
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I would say that this is an accepted and normal part of the pattern of play. Deception and trickery is integral to many aspects of the game and fully legal - when done in accordance with the rules. Every single pickoff attempt is an attempt at deception - it just has to be done within the structure of the balk rules. A runner feinting a steal to throw off a pitcher is legal deception, etc. A fake catch is really no different, it's a part of the normal operations of the game, using elements of the game. I think this distinguishes it from things like slapping the ball out of a fielder's hands or yelling "I've got it" by a runner. Those active, explicit acts are not normal actions.
Even a fake tag is a normal part of the game and allowed at other levels, there's just been an exception carved out for safety reasons by Fed due to the age and maturity of high school players vs college/professional players.
As to yelling "swing", again a normal part of the pattern of play. There are specific and detailed instances when it should be called - when it deviates from normal chanting to taunting, attempts at intimidation, foul language, etc.