Quote:
Originally posted by IRISHMAFIA
I think ASA's obstruction rule is one of the easiest to understand as long as you don't try to read too much into the rule. Only ISF's is easier.
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My beef has nothing to do with how easy the rule is to understand. I agree it is pretty simple.
It has to do with the fact that the rule is not enforced much of the time. It is not enforced so much that coaches are becoming wise to the fact that they can get away with teaching their players to obstruct. While around here it is mostly blocking the base on pick off attempts and standing so as to take away the natural path of the runner as she rounds a base a full speed, others are reporting particularly brazen acts, such as the one you describe, or the team that had the fielder sit down on the base.
If these calls were made every time, coaches would not waste their time teaching this kind of stuff. (ASA JO Travel coaches.) Sure, you'd have one every now and then, but this is becoming common in the 12U - 14U age groups. Above that, the players tend to begin to take care of it themselves.
What is the solution?
Better umpire training? Couldn't hurt, but will it actually happen?
All I was suggesting was giving the umpire who does call it a tool to increase the pain for coached obstruction. Sure, you could call it legitimizing a FYC. And you are probably right the PITA coach would be ragging for the extra base when it was not warranted in the umpire's judgment, but PITA coaches will find something to rag about anyway.
If you don't like the penalty base, what do you suggest? Or, maybe it is not a problem in your area.