[greymule]

One more point on this: there is no question that the offense is not free to interfere just because there has been obstruction. We all agree that runner interference supersedes regular fielder obstruction. However, catcher's obstruction has that stipulation, which fielder obstruction does not, that the offensive coach gets the option of taking either the play or the obstruction.

OK, coach. Do you want the catcher's obstruction or are you going to take the play, where your runner would be out for interference?

The book says that interference overrides obstruction. Where does it say that the coach gets his choice on catcher's obstruction unless there's interference? Two rules are in conflict, and the book should, under catcher's obstruction, insert clarifying wording.

It is high time that the ASA book was rewritten by people who know how to write unambiguously. (Same goes for every other rule book.)