Before I present my answer to this scenario specifically, let me make the following point:
THE RUNNER HAS THE RIGHT TO THE WHOLE BASE, NOT JUST WHAT THE DEFENSE "ALLOWS" THEM TO HAVE!
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Originally posted by WestMichBlue
F5 is straddling 3B awaiting throw, R1 is coming into 3B. Consider the following:
Yes, there is a direct path to the base for R1 to slide into. But -
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If R1 is taking this path and there is no contact with F5 prior to F5 having possession of the ball, there is no obstruction - R1's path was not impeded.
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F5 is dictating the base path by taking away the outside slide,
F5 is funneling R1 into her glove,
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If I see that R1 is taking a path to attempt an outside slide and she changes to go for the open part of the bag, now I have obstruction.
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F5 is taking away the space over the bag, thus not allowing R1 to stay upright and possible run through the bag
F5 is forcing a slide; if the play is not close, is this the same as a fake tag?
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If I remember correctly, a fake tag is treated as obstruction. If there is no imminent play or a third base coach yelling at R1 to slide, and the presence of F5 forces her to slide, I definitely have obstruction.
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If R1 goes into a slide straight to the bag prior to F5 having possession of the ball, will you call obstruction? You know, of course, that it will be a hard sell!
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As noted above, I will not call obstruction if I judge that R1 was taking this path and there is no contact with F5 prior to F5 having possession of the ball.