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Originally Posted by msrock1954
Did a high school J.V. game last night, with one team being exceptionally better than the other, not that that makes any difference. Had a play at 2nd base, on a steal attempt, that I realize was a HTBT kind of play but thought I'd throw it out there for some discussion. R1 on first breaks for 2nd base on the pitch. The F4 was standing on the bag awaiting the throw. R1 elects not to slide but pulls up at the last minute actually bumping into F4. The ball arrives at the same time the physical contact occured. F4 momentarily had the ball in her glove attempting the tag but then dropped it!!! I ruled R1 "SAFE" on the dropped ball. Defensive coach wanted interference called, saying F4  has the right to the bag awaiting the throw. R1 could have opted to slide, as her basepath to the bag wasn't blocked. Coach yells that she has to slide, which I told him there is no such rule!!! What say ye??? |
If the runner checked up before F4 had possession of the ball (which is what occured as posted), it is obstruction. What if the runner wanted to continue toward 3B? Foolish, maybe, but she has the right to do so.
The rule is plain and simple. The defense cannot impede the runner without possession of the ball. NFHS was one of the first to go to this requirement, so the coach should be well aware of the rule.