Quote:
|
Originally Posted by tcblue13
I ask this because in a clinic (NFHS) we had last year, we were told that as long as the runner had access to the bag not to call OBS. That just does not feel or sound right to me. The injury thing was just an interesting caveat to better understand the rule and your ruling.
|
NFHS-wise: If the runner was not hindered in his attempt to reach the base, then I would not call obstruction. You said F4's feet were 24-inches apart. Did that allow the runner access to the
whole base? If so, I wouldn't call obstruction.
The runner still has the burden to slide legally. Under NFHS rules, it is an "illegal slide" if the "runner tries to injure the fielder." This is true even if the runner is obstructed.
I would not be quick to make this call, but if it seems
very obvious that the runner was going after the fielder, for the expressed purpose of injuring him, I'd rule an "illegal slide" - the runner would be out.
Again, I'd give the runner a lot of latitude in this area, especially if F4 was "squeezing" the runner for access to the bag.
David Emerling
Memphis, TN