HS Trick Play

[bigjohn]

If the defense is yelling get the ball or something like that, does this play become verbal obstruction?

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by bigjohn

If the defense is yelling get the ball or something like that, does this play become verbal obstruction?

No. The offense has a responsibility to know the location of the ball.

[jchamp]

Originally Posted by bigjohn

If the defense is yelling get the ball or something like that, does this play become verbal obstruction?

To make a call of obstruction, I have to ask myself "What are they obstructing?" The offense is not being tricked into stopping their run. They are running completely under their own effort and with no impediment to their progress. They made horrible base-running decisions.

[MD Longhorn]

Verbal obstruction? No such thing. Can't even imagine such a thing.

[Steven Tyler]

I believe it is in the FED rule set.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Steven Tyler

I believe it is in the FED rule set.

Just checked and didn't find that term... where do you see it?

[nopachunts]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Just checked and didn't find that term... where do you see it?

2-22-1
ART. 1 . . . Obstruction is an act (intentional or unintentional, as well as physical or verbal) by a fielder, any member of the defensive team or its team personnel that hinders a runner or changes the pattern of play as in 5-1-3 and 8-3-2; or when a catcher or fielder hinders a batter as in 5-1-2b, 8-1-1e, 8-3-1c and 8-3-2. When obstruction occurs, the ball becomes dead at the end of playing action and the umpire has authority to determine which base or bases shall be awarded the runners according to the rule violated (Exceptions 8-4-2c, 8-4-2d).

[Dave Reed]

Casebook 2.22.1 Situation A has a related play and uses the phrase "verbal Obstruction".

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Just checked and didn't find that term... where do you see it?

For example, a defensive player couldn't yell "back" like a first base coach.

That is illegal under FED rules.

[jwwashburn]

We had training at a state HS meeting years back in Michigan telling us drop it on a fly ball and such things were also covered under verbal obstruction.

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by bigjohn

If the defense is yelling get the ball or something like that, does this play become verbal obstruction?

As long as the defense doesn't yell "back, go, that was a foul ball" or something that is actually directed to the offense, there is no verbal obstruction. The defense yelling, "Get the ball!" is not directed to the offense and as another said, it is the offense's job to know the game situation and where the ball is. Add to that, the base coaches should be on their toes looking at what is going on.

This play is 100% legal.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Dave, I disagree that this case is relevantly similar. 2.22.1A is a case where the runner is advancing and the defense (verbally) attempts to STOP his advance. That is correctly ruled obstruction because the advance has been hindered.

The Miami fake pickoff is legal deception intended to induce a runner to BEGIN his advance. This is not obstruction and is legal at all levels.

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

As long as the defense doesn't yell "back, go, that was a foul ball" or something that is actually directed to the offense, there is no verbal obstruction. The defense yelling, "Get the ball!" is not directed to the offense and as another said, it is the offense's job to know the game situation and where the ball is. Add to that, the base coaches should be on their toes looking at what is going on.

This play is 100% legal.

+1000

I have been arguing these two points till I'm blue in the fingers on another board. I will just add that the difference between Verbal Interference (2-21-1) and Verbal Obstruction (2-22-1), is that for VI, confusing the defense is illegal, whereas VO, confusing the offense is not illegal. Trick plays are legal. To be Verbal Obstruction, the obstruction must be in relation to 5-1-3 or 8-3-2, which is in relation to during an intentional walk, when awarding bases to runners, or when a runner is hindered advancing or returning to their base. Trick plays, such as the fake pickoff in this case, or the hidden ball trick, etc., are NOT illegal under any rule set.