Obstruction? or out?
ASA rules, though I think this applies to any ruleset.
R1 on 2nd, R2 on 1st. Ground ball to F5 about 5 feet fair. Easy force play for F5. As F5 makes first step toward 3B, R1 and F6:
a. "bump" - inadvertently.
b. do a shuffle step to avoid each other
c. R1 pauses for a second to move around F6.
In all situations, F6 and R1 were about three steps from 2nd. IOW, R1 would never have made it to 3B safely.
I know what the rule for obstruction states, and I know that intent can NOT be judged. I also know it is a HTBT moment. Your call?
No, the F6 did NOT move into the path of the runner.
__________________
ASA, NCAA, PONY, USSSA Fastpitch, NYSSO Umpire
As umpires, we are expected to be perfect our first game and get better every time out thereafter.
|