[whiskers_ump]

Originally posted by Bagman62
Dave, New Obstruction has many unanswered question and is causing umpires to add their own interpretations to the rule, I have found that we have to “SELL like SELL” every time we make the OBS call because that “Other Umpire” called it different and here are some questions that require interpretations.

1. If fielder has legs spread and is standing 2 – 3 feet in front of the base is she blocking the base.
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Yes, If runner reacts and alters her movement from A to B.
No, if she has the ball already.
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2. If the fielder leaves 4 to 6 inches of the base open is this OBS?
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Did runner react, change her course? Did fielder have ball? Could very well be.
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3. Catcher sets up in the base line blocking the plate as Runner is coming from
3B at what point do you SIGNAL OBS, 3 ft, 6 ft, 15 ft or when the Catcher actually blocks the Plate?
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When runner reacts because of the OBS.
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4. Can you have Block, Catch, Block and Tag without OBS being called?
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No, you cannot have 'block' prior to catch. - OBS
Could have block and tag if your saying catcher/fielder has
the ball prior to the block.
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5. What is the call when you have Catch, Block, Tag, Dropped Ball, fielder blocks base and picks up ball tags runner out or what if another fielder tags the runner out while the original fielder is blocking the base.
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OBS both cases.

I have umpired games or watched games where every situation described occurred and their has been conversation in the umpire’s room regarding every call and we could not come to a unanimous agreement on the correct call.

Good luck on sorting it out

JMHO