Rundown OBS

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by Dakota

The result of OBS in USA softball is never a "penalty". The intent of the rule is to remove the effect of the obstruction, not penalize the defense.

So I can tackle the runner going home and get the runner put back at third? It's an illegal act. Why can I get away with it?

Yeah, I know she tripped the runner headed to 2B but "That's not fair. She would have been out anyhow." I guess whining pays off.

For contrast, why, in ALL baseball rules, is obstruction in a rundown penalized by giving the runner the next base? Because obstructing a runner is illegal. Penalize it.