Catcher's Interference or Obstruction?

[3appleshigh]

I have always understood it to be call the interference. Let the play occur. Then Enforce the interference, make the coach tell you he doesn't want it enforced. I see what your saying about all advancing at least one, but if anyone is out at anytime, I'm enforcing the call and making the coach tell me not to.

[UmpJM]

Originally Posted by 3appleshigh

... I see what your saying about all advancing at least one, but if anyone is out at anytime, I'm enforcing the call and making the coach tell me not to.

3appleshigh,

Perhaps I misunderstand what you're saying, but that is incorrect. If the BR reaches 1B safely and all runners advance one base safely, there is, by rule, nothing to enforce. If both conditions are met (i.e., both the BR and any other runners advance one base safely) and one of the offensive players is subsequently put out on the play, the out stands.

For another opinion on whether or not the umpire should offer the offended coach an option or wait until he asks, I offer the following from the BRD:

...Both JEA and J/R indicate the correct procedure is for the umpire to enforce the penalty for catcher interference, willy nilly. Then, if the offensive coach requests the option, the ruling will be changed. I believe that's wrong for amateur umpires, and I am joined in that assessment by senior NCAA Division I umpires Jon Bible and Ken Allen. Simply: When an option exists, offer it to the coach. ...

Personally, it doesn't make much difference to me. I know when the option is there and I won't hesitate to tell the umpire I want the result of the play rather than the penalty if I feel it is best for my team.

If my catcher interfered (Obstructed in FED) and the umpire offers the opposing manager the option, rather than waiting for him to request it, I'm not going to get upset about it.

JM

[TussAgee11]

MLB 6.08 (c)

A batter is entitled to 1st base when (c) If a play follows the interference, the manager of the offense may advise the plate umpire that he elects to decline the interference penalty and accept the play. Such election shall be made immediately at the end of the play. However, if the batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batsman, or otherwise, and all other runners advance at least one base, the play proceeds without reference to the interference. If catcher's interference is called with a play in progress the umpire will allow the play to continue because the manager may elect to take the play.

Sounds like in MLB, the manager has to alert the umpire.

I don't have my rulebooks with me, and there are no websites I can find for OBR and NFHS and LL. I'm sure if ya'll look in chapter 6 you should find something. When you do could you post it here? Thanks.