Ruling?

[JJ]

Hit and run is on from our opponent. We are on defense. Hitter hits a fly ball to center field. Can my middle infield decoy the runner by faking a double play turn to try to get the runner to slide into second base?
I know a fake TAG is not legal, but how about this?

JJ

[jTheUmp]

Can your fielder do this? Sure. But if he does, and it changes how F1 touches second base, it's obstruction.

Originally Posted by NFHS 2-22-1, emphasis mine

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).

[Matt]

Originally Posted by jTheUmp

Can your fielder do this? Sure. But if he does, and it changes how F1 touches second base, it's obstruction.

No, it's not. Decoys are legal.

[jTheUmp]

Got any rules basis to back up your assertion?

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by jTheUmp

Got any rules basis to back up your assertion?

He does not... because there aren't any.

This can be obstruction, if it alters the runner's path.

[Rich]

If F4 decoys catching a ground ball, that's nothing.

If F6 comes across the bag in a decoy and forces R1 to slide, I'm likely calling obstruction.