SP, I'm going to break down each part of your statement. No rants by me. Also, if you are a member of the chapter I think you are, your rule interpreter and the district interpreter will echo exactly what I'm saying.
Also, read both replies.
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Originally Posted by sp279
For years now, every year we seem to have this debate. Referring to NFHS fastpitch here. You've all probably answered this 100's of times, but I just re-joined after a few years.
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Welcome back, just remember that a lot of language may have changed, so. . .
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I've always tried to simplify a play at the plate. Catcher has the ball, she has a right to the basepath and the tag out on a runner coming home.
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Going to interject here. Forget about the plate; forget about the bases. Make it this simple:
-When does the fielder have "rights"? a) when fielding a batted ball; b) when in possession of the ball.
Notice this isn't about "blocking a base/plate" or "about to catch a ball."
Now, if a or b isn't satisfied, then the runner has the rights. Pretty simple, now let's look at your statement:
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Some argue it is interference on the runner if the ball is coming into the catcher but not yet in her glove and the runner makes contact.
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And they would be wrong. Ask yourself: who has the "rights" in this play? Is the catcher fielding a batted ball? No. Is the fielder in possession of the ball? No. Then the runner has the rights. Violation is on the catcher, and this play is obstruction.
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Some still call interference if the ball is 10 feet away "Because the catcher was about to make a play".
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And those people are also wrong as described above.
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Some don't call interference (myself included) if the catcher doesn't have the ball and the runner makes contact.
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Good, because the catcher doesn't have the "rights" without the ball.
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Likewise, if the catcher without the ball is blocking the base path without the ball I call obstruction.
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Not entirely correct for NFHS play. The positioning of the fielder/catcher is not obstruction in and of itself. While the fielder/catcher doesn't have the "rights" without the ball or fielding a ground ball,
the runner must be hindered or impeded. The latter part is the most important, for the runner's "rights" must be violated (by being hindered or impeded).
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Can I hear some of your opinions on how you handle these situations?
Thank you
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