NCAA Obstruction

[jicecone]

NCAA Rule 2 pg 34, "Obstruction - The act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball, impedes the progress of any runner. See specific rule sections for action to be taken: catcher (8-2-e); fielder (8-2-e, f and g, 8-3-e, f and g); visual obstruction (8-3-f). When a runner is obstructed, the umpire shall point and call “That’s obstruction.” The umpire shall let the play continue until all play has ceased, call time and award any bases that are justified. If a runner(s)advances beyond what the umpire would have granted and is put out, therunner(s) is out.

A.R.—Obstruction shall be called on a defensive player who blocks off a base, base line or home plate from a base runner while not in possession of the ball regardless of the result of the play."

This year in American Legion Ball in Ct, they are utilizing OBR, NHFS-FPSL and malicious contact and NCAA Obstruction (See Above) and Collision rule.

WHY? Because last year there was not enough arguments on the field and this will improve this statistic. (Only kidding).

I have not done NCAA in the last 2 seasons and therefore even though the rule in my mind is quite clear, the application of it for given situations is not. I know this is NOT going to be uniformily enforced because I am SURE the lesser experienced officials won't see it, let alone call it, but thats a discussion of a different color.

Any input would be helpful, specifically on the leeway (if any), given to a player that may be blocking the baseline, bag or plate. How tight is this being called? What criteria is being used to apply this uniformily?

Thanks.