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			Then there must be a recent change.
 2018 NSA FP Rules
 
 When a fielder obstructs a baserunner from making a base, (including a
 run-down) unless the fielder is trying to field a batted ball or has the ball
 ready for a tag.
 EFFECT: When obstruction occurs, the umpire shall call
 “OBSTRUCTION” and give a delayed dead ball signal for obstruction.
 NOTE: Failure of the umpire to call Obstruction DOES NOT negate
 the Obstruction.
 1) If the obstructed runner is put out prior to reaching the base
 they would have reached had there not been obstruction, a dead
 ball is called and the obstructed runner and each runner affected
 by the obstruction shall be awarded the base(s) in the umpire’s
 judgment, the runner(s) would have reached had there not been
 obstruction. An obstructed runner cannot be called out between
 the bases where they were obstructed
 EXCEPTIONS:
 a) When an obstructed runner safely obtains or returns to the
 base that he/she would have been awarded in the umpires
 judgment had there been no obstruction, and there is a
 subsequent play on another runner, the obstructed runner
 no longer has protection by the umpire between the bases in
 which the obstruction occurred and may be put out.
 b) When properly appealed for missing or leaving a base
 
 2018 NSA SP Rules have nearly identical wording.  Both seem to be the same as USA
 
				__________________The bat issue in softball is as much about liability, insurance and litigation as it is about competition, inflated egos and softball.
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