NCAA Obstruction

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by Scooby

2016 and 2017 NCAA Softball Rules Book Corrections
Updated 11/17/15
Page No. Rule Reference Correction

(Page 91) A.R. 9.4.3.5 A base runner who leaves second base too soon on a touched fly ball is advancing toward third base when she is obstructed.
RULING: The base runner is not protected between the two bases where she was obstructed even if she is attempting to return to tag.


Am I reading this correctly? a shortstop can intentionally get in the way of a runner (or trip or tackle) returning to a base and delay the runner enough to be called out?

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

Junior (MTD, Jr.), says that this is a sh** storm waiting to happen!

MTD, Sr.

This is the AR as originally printed in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 NCAA Softball Rules Book: A.R. 9.4.3.5: A base runner who leaves second base too soon on a touched fly ball is advancing toward third base when she is obstructed. RULING: The base runner is protected between the two bases where she was obstructed even if she is attempting to return to tag.


The amended (as of Nov. 17, 2015) RULING cannot be supported by rule. It is not illegal for a Runner to leave a Base before a Fly Ball is touched by a Fielder. The Rules require a Runner to re-tag the Base if she is not in contact with the Base when a Fly Ball is caught.

In fact, the Runner has not done anything illegal until the Defense appeals the Runner leaving early and the Runner had not re-tagged.

To quote Bugs Bunny, the only way to describe the people on the Rules Committee that passed this rule is: "What a bunch of maroons!"

MTD, Sr.