[IndianaUmpRef]

Yes this was a HS game in Indiana.

And let me clarify my play a little bit for you to understand the severity (for lack of a better word) of the action.

F1's throw to F3 is probably neck-to-chest high. The second F3 sees that F1 is going to attempt a pickoff, he immediately gets on one knee and uses the whole bottom half of his leg to cover the entire base. And then F3 practically has to reach with all of his might to catch the ball thrown to him that was originally neck or chest high, because now it is 2 feet above his head.

That is why I called obstruction. In my judgment, F3 was blocking the base regardless of where the ball was going to be thrown. Now if the ball is thrown right where he leg is blocking the bag... then we have a situation, but this was not the case. I thought the call was very cut and dry.

Pete... very good example about the raised foot going into F3's chest. That wouldn't work in this case or in most cases on pick off plays since the runner is usually sliding head-first.

Its been buggin me from the outset. I feel like I made the right call, but the rules seem a little vague at the FED level.

Anymore opinions would be appreciated.