Do you call OBS everytime?

[Big Slick]

Originally Posted by SNIPERBBB

There are some conflicting opinions as to whether you wait for contact to happen to rule OBS or if the presence of a defender blocking the path causes a player to slowdown or reroute as obstruction.

If the runner slows down or reroute, then you do have obstruction. That is being hindered. However, absent a slowdown or reroute, the defenders positioning is not in and of itself obstruction.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by SNIPERBBB

There are some conflicting opinions as to whether you wait for contact to happen to rule OBS or if the presence of a defender blocking the path causes a player to slowdown or reroute as obstruction.

If you think contact is needed, you are wrong. "slowdown or reroute " is being hindered or impeded.

[SNIPERBBB]

I didn't say there needed to be contact. I said theres conflicting opinions on whether the presence of the defender is enough of there has to be contact.

You see more of the former because umpires aren't watching the runners enough to know what they had to do in order to reach the next base.

[youngump]

Originally Posted by SNIPERBBB

I didn't say there needed to be contact. I said theres conflicting opinions on whether the presence of the defender is enough of there has to be contact.

You see more of the former because umpires aren't watching the runners enough to know what they had to do in order to reach the next base.

By conflicting opinions, I just want to make sure that you mean: there are those who are right and there are those who conflict with them. (The first group would be those who say the runner has to be impeded, and the latter group consists of those who say the defender being there is enough or that contact is required). I'm not sure what the point of saying that there are conflicting opinions is. The rule is clear.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by SNIPERBBB

There are some conflicting opinions as to whether you wait for contact to happen to rule OBS or if the presence of a defender blocking the path causes a player to slowdown or reroute as obstruction.

No conflicting opinions here. An umpire who waits for contact isn't doing his/her job.

[CecilOne]

1) Fielder just being anywhere is not OBS.
2) Contact is not required.
3) Hindering or impeding is needed.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by SNIPERBBB

I didn't say there needed to be contact. I said theres conflicting opinions on whether the presence of the defender is enough of there has to be contact.

You see more of the former because umpires aren't watching the runners enough to know what they had to do in order to reach the next base.

Sorry I was too abrupt.
I should have said "Those who think contact is needed (not you) are incorrect.

[bsnalex]

Originally Posted by charliej47

Inattentive F3 hinder B1 round the base going to 2nd. No play is mad as she goes into second base.

Do you call OBS every time you see it?

I tend to do so and then explain if asked.

I don't know what the issue is here. OBS is OBS. Call it when you see it. If they ask, tell them why. If it's repetitive, they'll get the message eventually.

[charliej47]

The reason I started this, that I have gotten a lot os static over the years as I am constantly calling OBS when I see it.

A lot of my partners question why when the runner does not try for more bases.

I have tried to explain the ASA training where OBS was taught and explained as to how to apply it when Jerry Fick gave the class in Cincinnati a couple of years ago.

I have noticed that if the runner is not trying, most of my partners will not call it.

I have called it a lot when they would not as I saw it as OBS and they didn't.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by charliej47

The reason I started this, that I have gotten a lot os static over the years as I am constantly calling OBS when I see it.

A lot of my partners question why when the runner does not try for more bases.

I have tried to explain the ASA training where OBS was taught and explained as to how to apply it when Jerry Fick gave the class in Cincinnati a couple of years ago.

I have noticed that if the runner is not trying, most of my partners will not call it.

I have called it a lot when they would not as I saw it as OBS and they didn't.

As you can see, you are doing the right thing by calling a violation when seen. Those giving you the static should be avoided like the plague as there is no benefit to you having to defend yourself to them.

BTW, this is not a territorial call. If you witness OBS (and I am referring to obvious OBS), you can make that call.