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We can state or paraphrase all of the rules, but in cases of obstruction, interference and malicious contact, it boils down to our judgement.
Personally, I don't believe that a runner has the right to run over a defensive player unless the action happens to quickly for the runner to avoid contact. For malicious contact, I look for intent. The hands, the head, the shoes, the speed and the shoulder of the player tells me what I need to know. The hands go up and in front, and not in a defensive way, but to make contact, I have malicious contact. If the player lowers her head or shoulder to make contact, I have malicous contact. If she lowers her shoulder, I have malicious contact. If she speeds up to make contact, then I have malicious contact. If I over- hear a coach instruct the player to make contact, then I have malicious contact. In each of the situations: dead ball, out, and ejection. In the last scenario, I would eject the coach as well.
The offensve player should make every effort possible to avoid contact. Because, when the defensive player without
the ball obstructs, impedes, contacts, or forces the runner away from her line to the base/plate, I have a delayed dead ball obstruction call.
We are the only trained professionals on the field, and to me, the rule book is there as a reference, but most often the calls come down to our judgement.
Every situation boils down to "what you see, is what you have."
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