Lisa Fernandez ejection re: OBS at home

[Mbilica]

In the NCAA WCWS tournament last week, Texas A&M played UCLA and had an unconventional play at home after a run down between 1st and 2nd. The runner from third tried to score and the catcher, initially in good position, was pulled one step to her left as she received the throw. This step completely blocked the plate, and the runner arrived almost immediately after the catcher received the throw. The tag was applied and the PU ruled the runner out.

Does anyone have OBS on this?

Personally, I wasn't thinking OBS when watching this is real time. I think it has to be BIG to justify calling obstruction when the throw beats the runner.

2017 Women's College World Series -- Lisa Fernandez ejection and suspension overshadows displays of heart at Women's College World Series


For comparison, another catcher (this time against UCLA) was called for OBS. I have a feeling this call influenced Fernandez's ire in the later game.

This call is justified, in my opinion, because the catcher went to a knee and blocked the plate well before receiving the throw.

http://<br /> http://www.espn.com/es...lsu-ucla<br />

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[robbie]

In real time I said "no obstruction."
With slow motion review, I said "hmmm.... Guess it was or certainly a supportable call if made."
Either way, call on the field stands!!

[Big Slick]

Not obstruction on either play per the (current) NCAA rule.

[fredhjr]

I agree by letter of rule there was no obstruction. However, it appeared the runner altered her path to home when the catcher was in position to receive the throw. If the ball had not arrived before the runner, then surely obstruction would have been called.

[CecilOne]

https://forum.officiating.com/softba...iscussion.html

[Mbilica]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

https://forum.officiating.com/softba...iscussion.html

Thanks for sharing. Though this earlier post had little to do with the rule from the beginning, lacked video, and the thread was sidetracked by a different rule/philosophy altogether almost immediately.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk