Interference

[Tweet]

Hey guys,

I am really havin problems with interference calls mostly because i cant understand the damn rule book cause it contradicts itself but also because every umpire seems to have his own view on it.

I was umping the Ontario Pee Wee AAA championships today and i was doing bases. Runner on 1st. 1st baseman was standin bout a step or 2 in front of the runner. Batter hits ball just over the 1st baseman who turns around to try and catch it caus eit was a very lofted ball, problem was the runner was right in his way, basemann had to stop wait for runeer to get outta his way to continue. Cntact was never made but I felt that the runner impeded with teh fielder amking a play so i called Interference. Because of teh interference batter got safly to 1st where he could have been called out if runner had not interfered. Coaches went nuts, and ended up being ejected, one of them.

I got home and checked the rules which say teh following.
7.11
The players, coaches or any member of an offensive team shall vacate any space (including both dugouts) needed by a fielder who is attempting to field a batted or thrown ball. PENALTY: Interference shall be called and the batter or runner on whom the play is being made shall be declared out. ( this make sme look right ) But rule 7.9 is very unclear to me. Can somebody help and tell me what should have happened there ?

thank Ya