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Let me restate, please. Based on the 2005 rule, 2005 handout, and the Mary Struckhoff clarifications, the defense cannot legally cause an innocent collision, inadvertant contact, or train wreck, without having possession of the ball. Going after the ball, or anything otherwise known as "doing their job" in baseball vernacular, without possession, which in any way impedes the runner is obstruction in NFHS softball. The definition is absolute; fielder may not impede without possesion, unless fielding a batted ball. There can be no train wreck without the fielder being in possession.
If the fielder secures possession prior to impeding the runner, then it isn't obstruction. If, in that instance, the runner is unable to avoid contact, and the contact is not malicious, that is a "no call", incidental, train wreck, whatever term you might use.
Is that more accurate?
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