[debeau]

Thanks for the hi-jack .I recently joined this forum and am from New Zealand .
It was on a game I recently officiated on .
This is ISF rules by the way .
I was first base umpire on a 4 man team .
I called the batter runner out but not the interference .The 2nd base umpire called the interference .
My explanation to the crew chief in the post game was that I saw the holding down but couldnt call the interference as I didnt know what the runner was doing ie moving to third or sitting on 2nd .
My understanding of the interference rule was that it only applies when there is an opportunity to make a play so no movement no interference .
The explanation I was given was " a wider picture " That interference is the when a offensive player prevents hinders or confuses a defensive player making a play .
As the 1st baseman was held down he was prevented therefore interference .
I am still not convinced as I dont think this was the intent of the rule .