Mechanics Question on Catcher OBS
 

Dear collective wisdom:

What is the appropriate mechanic for the U2 in the following situation?:

R1, outs irrelevant. Catcher obstruction on the pitch, batter grounds to F6 who completes the force at 2B.

Should U2 signal the out and then let U1 award the OBS, or should U2 call "time" once the play is made and make the award?

I'm leaning toward the former, since U2 can't assume that U1 is going to call OBS. Your thoughts are appreciated.

U2 calls his play, U1 calls his. Pretty simple.

The OBS should have been called by PU when it occurred. My guess is you're going to have a mess no matter what you do. Like Bob said, make your call.

C'mon,

Just to add some extra here:

1. As soon as PU sees/hears the obs., he should point and yell, "that's obstruction", then use the FED signal for a DDB if a FED game (unless you use better mechanics than FED, sorry Tee).

2. IN FED, when playing action is over, then PU makes the awards. If the BU is more then in REM sleep, he will hear the PU's obstruction call and deal with his end accordingly. The key is the PU's communication to his partner and everyone else about what happened on the play.

So, good mechanics makes this play very simple to call and administer.

BU makes his call as if nothing had happened. Remember, the offense has the right to take the result of the play, so it's important to get all calls right. Who knows: maybe after that out at 2B F4 throws one away, after BR had touched 1B, and BR ends up at 3B. In some situations, the offense might take R3 w/ 1 out over R1, R2 w/ 0 out. The ball is live after catcher's OBS, and it matters what happens during that time.

In the OP, if I'm BU I have heard my partner say "that's obstruction!", so I call the out at 2B and wait to see if the defense will turn a double play. At the end of playing action, I call "time!" (if PU hasn't) and let PU make the award: BR to 1B, R1 forced to advance to 2B.

In my experience, I sometimes have to explain to R1 (now R2) and/or F6 why he's not out, but that's not an official mechanic.

Is there a verbal call by PU on catcher obstruction? I think only the DDB signal is required. Since the defense can take either the results of the play, or the obstruction, a verbal call may confuse the defense.

I think BU should ignore the OBS call until after the play is over and call what he sees. If PU doesn't call OBS, but BU clearly sees it, a conference is in order.

I make a verbal call and a point. I don't use the DDB signal for CO in FED.

I've never heard anyone say that they use the DDB signal. It's a dud.

I verbalize "That's obstruction!" at the time of the violation and point at F2. If you wait until after the play to announce the obstruction, you're asking for a world of shïte.

The BU should keep his mouth shut, as it's not EVER his call. Only time I can think that he might get involved is with a rookie PU, but even then I'd let it go and talk to him about it after an inning or two.

I'll admit I'm not read up on my Fed rules. However, I know pro rules. Under OBR, if the base umpire sees/hears the plate umpire call catcher's interference, they will call "Time" if any runner, including the batter/runner has not advanced one base. So, in this situation, "Time", and place the runners. If the base umpire does not hear/see the plate umpire call interference, you call your own. Then let the plate guy work it out after that.

I don't think you should call time as soon as a runner doesn't advance. The offense has the option of taking the play or the penalty. To do that, you need to let the play continue until it's over.

I stand corrected. My apologies.

Are we talking Obstruction or Interference here?

Ump29,

What is properly referred to as "Catcher's(/defensive) Interference" in an OBR-based game is properly referred to as "Catcher's Obstruction" in a FED-based (i.e. American HS rules) game.

JM

That clears that up. Thank you. I am from Canada and use OBR only. Not that familiar with some of the others down your way !! (except what I pick up on this and other boards)

What do you use for fed rules/mechanics for a delayed dead ball anyways??? I usually point to the infraction and state thats "interference,obstruction" which ever applys.

semperfiguy,

FED actually suggests the left hand held straight out to the side in a fist as a "delayed dead ball" mechanic. Everybody I know does as you do.

JM

FED has a number of silly suggestions in their mechanics book.

I use the international sign for killing the play in which interference occurs. You know, the one where you put both hands in the air and say, "Time".

I'm always afraid that if I yell "That's obstruction", everyone is going to stop and look at me (Waiting for a ruling). What would you do in that situation: (1) Nothing, (2) Quietly tell the catcher and BR that the ball is still live, (3) Other???

Nothing. It's up to the players to know the rules.

We'ev had this discussion before. You need to tell everyone that you umpire in parks with no crown noise and perfect acoustics and that you are a concet stage level orator. :eek:

The fact that you hav never seen this mechanic means you need to seriously get a new set od partners.

See above except reverse, your partners need a new partner.

You're saying we shouldn't say anything when obstruction without a play occurs? I was always taught to point and say "that's obstruction".

No, no, what the Deej is saying, in his slow and duh-duh way :D pertains to the post regarding what to do when such action is taken by an umpire. The poster was concerned that the players would stop, or ask for help, etc. Hence, "the players are required to know the rules" or whatever he said in his near drunk status. :eek:

Kidding, Deej, kidding.

Point shows where the OBS occured, vocalization announces the rule violated, add the appropriate sign (if your rule set requires or suggests) such as the fist clenched to the side.

If "everyone stops", then the play is over. Call time and make the awards.

On the DDB signal -- I point at and announce the obstruction, then make the DDB signal, then drop it after a couple of seconds. I don't run around for the rest of the play with my arm out.

Good suggestion and the way I was taught and have taught for years.

And, it works very well also, has stood the test of time so that's always a good thing.

Thansk
David

I run around with it out and make sure I do a Hulk Hogan clothesline on at least two of the assistant rats (aka rat-lets). Then I do the thing where I cup my hands to my ears and wait for the applause. Good thing I keep my meds in my (leather) ball bag.

If they stop, well, happy day. The awards are easier and nothing weird can happen.

Whynot? Arm too heavy? Keeping the DDB is a good way to do what you say above. It shows that the call was made and held and now is being enforced. It will keep a coach from asking about when or if you made the DDB.