I've editorialized on the "blocking the base without the ball is obstruction" wording in the ASA POE (see
Editorial).
12U A state tournament. I'm BU. Play up to this point doesn't matter. R1 is running home from 3B. Throw is coming into F2, who is standing to the infield side of home. F2 begins moving into the path of R1 to catch the ball, just as the ball is coming in and R1 is beginning her slide. F2 catches the ball, gets the ball down, R1 slides into F2's glove. PU calls R1 out. From my perspective, R1 did what she was always going to do (was not impeded) & F2 had possession of the ball before there was any contact, in time to get the glove down to block the runner from the plate. Good play, IMJ, especially at this age.
Offensive coach nearly went ballistic, yelling about blocking the base, etc., etc. Partner was sure of his call, but to try to placate the coach, he comes to ask what I saw. I tell him.
Coach still not happy, makes one more attempt to argue his point, realizes he is getting too close to the edge, calms down, and goes back to the coach's box. But, he was still muttering and fuming.
ASA, please fix how you explain this. Please?