Quote:
Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA
OP stated the runner was about 5' from the plate when starting to go into her slide. The is not early by any means. OP also clearly states that there was zero, nil, nada, zippo, no hesitation, impediment, delay, deviation by the runner.
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Obviously, you have to be there; but, if the umpire thought that the runner slid because the catcher was standing in her way and she knows she's not supposed to run through the defender, then there could be obstruction. But for the fact that the defender was in her way forcing the runner to take a course she otherwise would not have had to take, there could be obstruction.
Again, the response to the pissed off coach after you call obstruction is, "If you don't want obstruction called, tell your catcher to get the hell out of the way until she has the ball."
I'm not a fan of phantom obstructions. Obstruction is one of the most poorly ruled plays in softball. But if there is doubt, rule against the team who created the doubt - the defense. If they don't like it, get the hell out of the way.