[wadeintothem]

Originally posted by WestMichBlue
Age 13 - 15 REC ball. I don't see this at intentional at all. I see young and/or inexperienced players focusing on getting home, not sure whether to slide or not; see's no play so stays upright. Probably didn't even "see" the pitcher.

For us, as adults, to look into the mind of a teenage girl and say "Oh, you did that deliberately," or "You had plenty of time to avoid the collision" and eject them from the game is wrong, IMO. I've spent too many years coaching this age group, in both REC ball and H.S. JV teams and I know how these girls do, and do not, react to game situations.

Varsity ball, or 16U TB, definately make the call. However, note that NFHS does support the obstructed runner making some contact with the fielder. Casebook 8.4.3.SIT D: F2, without the ball and with no chance to catch the ball, is blocking home plate. R1 pushes F2, but not flagrantly, out of the base path and touches home plate. RULING: Obstuction."

WMB

I think at 15U - with a HTBT play and as described my the poster - an ejection is definately a viable option under ASA and seems to be the correct call. I also coach and ump these age groups; and I agree with you in general that most of the younger aged girls would be more prone to error than intentional/malicious contact; interference with ejection is most definately still not "off the table" for any age group - if the runner came down the line and creamed that pitcher without making any attempt to avoid - I would definately call that runner out - ejection is a real possibility. I do not agree with turning this into an obstruction based on age group... especially that particular senior age group prior to HS Ball. There is no age group where malicious contact could never occur.