Is the play illegal

[DG]

Originally posted by WhatWuzThatBlue
R2 and no outs. The shortstop sets up a step or two behind the runner leading off the base. He slaps his mitt every time the pitcher glances back at the runner. He says "Back" at the same time he slaps the mitt. How many of you would call this Obstruction according to Fed guidelines? NCAA? OBR?

My first thought was that I would tell the SS to stop saying "back" as he slaps his glove. But given the propensity for debate on this site I decided to do some research. I checked 2005 BRD (item 340) and J/R (page 207 of 2004 edition) and based on the examples given for verbal obstruction I would say that saying "back" to a runner in this situation is a very grey area. I also checked to see if anything in the FED case book on this and did not find, although I did find some case plays that were similar to ones mentioned in BRD and J/R as examples. So, after this quick look at references I will stick with my original thought, and tell the SS to stop saying "back" when he slaps his glove.

It's nothing in NCAA and OBR, see item 340 in BRD. Clearly, to be mentioned in the BRD means there is a difference in interpretation between FED, NCAA, OBR.