Obstruction, who's call?

[Bfair]

One thing you did not say in your situation, is whether F3 made the out unassisted, or whether F1 received the throw from F3. This is considerable help in envisioning the play. If F1 received the toss, he certainly has right to his need to be in close proximity to the base to receive the throw for possible putout. If F3 made play unassisted and there is contact by F1 prior to BR reaching first, then I would also have suspicions of obstruction like the coach did. What gives F1 right of contact with (or blocking) the runner if not in possession of ball or receiving a throw??

An obstruction CAN be called by either official.
If you saw it and feel certain of call, make the call.
BU has his hands full with the congestion occurring with all players converging on the base. You MAY have a better angle.

This may be considered poaching by some, but there will be others who will appreciate the assistance. I think your certainty in your decision is more important than your pregame. You can't cover all situations in your pregame unless you want to meet 4 hrs. before game time. Common sense needs to be used.

If you don't call it and coach comes to you, tell him if YOU felt obstruction occurred you would have called it. He is welcome to question the official making the safe/out call. That is all I would say.

Just my opinion,

Steve