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Originally Posted by Chess Ref
In our area we're starting to see a new coaching trick. I have had happen in my games several times and it happened in a glorified scrimmage yesterday.
The basic premise is for runners to now force the OBS issue. What happened yesterday was little blooper over F6, ball lands, leftfielder picks up the ball, F6 turns back into the infield and the runner is standing there. We have the conclusion of the play. The offensive coach thens wants OBS. Saying F6 impeded the progress of the runner.
I hope I'm being clear with this but it's like the fielders now have to almost play dodgeball with the runners. The runners are actively seeking out the fielders to get an OBS call. So far only the higher end teams are doing it.
Haven't seen it called OBS yet but you know it will be eventually somewhere.
Anyone else seeing this ?
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When I first saw the subject line, I thought you were going to tell us the coaches are reading the rule book and learning how the game should be played. Silly me!
What you have described in not obstruction. OBS is when the defender impedes the runner's progress. Running anywhere, but toward a base is not progressing. Just as when a fielder voluntarily stops playing a batted ball to get interference when it is not, a runner going out of their way trying to draw an OBS call that does not exist should not receive the benefit of the rule.
When the coach comes out to argue, simply tell him/her that, in your judgment, the fielder did not impede the runner's progress. When the coach walks away mumbling that "well, the next time we'll just run them over" (and that will happen), remind the coach of the penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.