Quote:
Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve
I think every one of us that is a trainer at any level tells new umpires to start with definitions. It really doesn't matter what the dictionary meaning and similarities are between interference, obstruction, hindering, or impeding; the bottom line is that interference and obstruction are defined terms.
It should be simpler than using A-Rod. How about "Interference is the act of an offensive player or team member ..." and "Obstruction is the act of a defensive player or team member ..." ?? Maybe I'm over-simplifying it, but why is that hard to remember? Any harder than remembering which team is on offense and which is on defense??
|
Both acts involve interference in the literal sense. Obstruction suggests a physical act but it doesn't have to involve contact. Neither does interference. Part of the problem is that in my first couple years I didn't see it enough to solidify the meaning. This year (4) I saw both several times.