[SamG]

Who has responsibility to avoid contact?

R1 on 1st. F3 &/or F4 lined up on the straight line path between 1st & 2nd. R1 attempts to steal... (batter doesn't swing. I know things change if a ball is hit to F3/F4).

a) R1 takes the direct line toward 2nd base and makes contact with F3 or F4.
b) R1 takes an indirect route (running behind F3/F4) to 2nd.

I've heard coaches teach baserunners to at least bump the fielders in order to draw an obstruction call.
I've heard coaches teach fielders to make sure they stand in the baseline in order to make the runners take a (slightly) longer path between bases.

What I've learned is a) is obstruction, b) is nothing. I have a problem telling girls to intentionally make contact with a member of the other team, but at the same time I have a problem teaching fielders to intentionally line up in the baseline.

What do the rules support?