This topic has been discussed as a side issue within a couple of threads on obstruction. I'd like to take the pulse of the members on how you signal obstruction.

Question 1:
The delayed dead ball signal when obstruction is seen means:
1) I saw a violation and I have more to say once the play concludes, or
2) I saw a violation and the runner is protected as long as my arm is out.

Question 2:
When I drop my arm it means:
1) I have kept the signal visible long enough for everyone to see it, or
2) The runner is no longer protected and is now in jeopardy.

I have always used the mechanic according to both answers 1). My reasoning is that,
a) It is clumsy to be running around the field with a wing flapping, and
b) I can't always tell how far the runner will be protected until the play concludes, and it depends in part on how the defense makes plays for the rest of the play.

What do the rest of you do? Why?

PS with edit: I noticed a small typo in my second #2. "not" should have been "now" -- I hope everyone just read what I meant instead of what I typed! ;)

[Edited by Dakota on Oct 8th, 2003 at 12:51 PM]

Tom,

I'm with you.

Hold the signal long enough for everyone to see it, drop it, make a ruling once the play concludes.

My experience has been that most times I have signaled for an obstruction, the play completes without me having to do anything anyway.

Gee, Tom, you ask too hard of a question! Why? I dunno, but I use the same mechanic in ASA as you. I do sorta like the NFHS verbalizing the call at the same time, then there's no question that I called it.
Heck, it beats doing jumping jacks!
http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk/smilie/hyper.gif

I'm also in your camp Ice-man, even if it is cooollldd <img src=http://burns.thefinaldimension.org/otn/shocked/ezicon3.gif></img> up there.

SamC

Both, but don't read into it that the runner isn't protected should I happen to drop the arm 'cause that isn't what was asked.

Quote:

Question 2: When I drop my arm it means: 1) I have kept the signal visible long enough for everyone to see it, or 2) The runner is no longer protected and is not in jeopardy.

1 Yes
2 Maybe, maybe not. Cannot tell because the statement seems contradictory. How can a once-obstructed, unprotected runner no longer be in jeopardy?

Quote:

I have always used the mechanic according to both answers 1). My reasoning is that, a) It is clumsy to be running around the field with a wing flapping, and b) I can't always tell how far the runner will be protected until the play concludes, and it depends in part on how the defense makes plays for the rest of the play. What do the rest of you do? Why?

If I can keep it out without looking like a one-armed bird, I will as a matter of courtesy. If movement toward any play causes me to drop it, that does not mean the runner isn't protected. However, if I do have the arm raised, that runner is protected save an act of interference.

[Edited by IRISHMAFIA on Oct 8th, 2003 at 12:58 PM]

See my correction... I meant to type "now in jeopardy" -- I tried correcting it a half hour ago, but kept getting timeouts / database errors.

Me, too. I thought it was my PC, but apparently not.

Hmmmmm,

Not much else to be said, except good job guys and
guys. I agree.

Seems we all had problems. I did two restarts just
trying to figure
it out.

http://www.stopstart.btinternet.co.uk/nc/comp1.gif

glen

1) I saw a violation and MAY OR MAY NOT have anything to say once the play is over.
2) I leave my arm out until a) the player exceeds the protection I am giving him/her b) I have to run to a base to make a call. I will not run across the infield with my arm sticking straight out. Everyone saw my arm out & knows something unusual has occured.

Guys and Guys??????????? I know I look somewhat mannish in the umpire uniform! But a guy? noooooo-waaaaay!!
http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk/smilie/dunno.gif

Elaine and the rest of our female counterparts....Merely a
typo..... http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/mica/MiscManhack.gif

<b>first guys should have read gals</b>

glen

Thanks for the tip.