Obstruction -

[PeteBooth]

This past Saturday I had a Mandatory HS meeting to attend. The meeting dealt with some controversial rules and also on mechanics.

Of coarse, one of our favorite subjects came up Obstruction most notably Obstruction on the part of F2.

The question which has been discussed adnausam on the internet forum - Exactly what is meant by In The Act Of Making a Play came up especially from the new guys.

Play: r2 B1 singles to right, r2 rounding thrid heading for home

The way is was explained and the way the association wants it called is as follows:

F2 can set up about 2 or 3 ft up the line and block home plate if he is about to receive the ball

In other words F2 cannot position himself 2 or 3 feet up the third base-line blocking the base if the ball is still in the outfield; F4 has the relay throw or releases the throw. The ball has to be near the pitchers mound and F2 ready to receive it on the bounce.

Therefore, if F2 sets himself up 2 or 3 feet up the third base line blocking the base and the ball is still in the outfield or in the glove of the cut-off man, and r2 has to slow-down or go around F2 we are to call Obstruction

In order to be consistent, I would recommend that those of you who have similar problems in defining in the act of making a play , check with your associations to get a clear-cut definition of this so that the call is consistent from 1 group of umpires to the next.

Pete Booth