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Originally Posted by ASA Rule Book
POE 8. Catcher's Box
[snip]
Obstruction does not require contact between the catcher and the bat or the batter. The umpire's request for the catcher to move farther away from the batter ot avoid injury or obstruction should always be obeyed.
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To answer the OP. By rule, the PU has every right to request a catcher to move back and should always be obeyed.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by ASA Rule Book
ASA POE 38. Obstruction
[snip]
(Fast Pitch and Slow Pitch where stealing is allowed) If a catcher reaches forward, (over or in front of home plate) in an attempt to catch a the pitched ball, catcher's obstruction could be ruled.
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In my judgment, even if there was no contact between the catcher and the batter or the bat, and the mitt was merely over the plate, CO could be ruled.