BR Passing Obstructed Runner
 

R1 is on 2B with one out. B2 hits a long fly ball to right center. R2, thinking there are two outs, begins to advance toward 3B as soon as the ball is hit. 3B coach shouts to R1 to return to 2B and tag up. R1 is obstructed by F6 as she is moving back toward 2B, F8 and F9 fail to catch the ball and then R1 is passed by B2 between 2B and 3B.

Our interpreter rules that the OBS protects the BR from being called out.

My thought was, this should be ruled differently from the standard "R1 is rounding 3b, is obstructed, and is then passed by BR", since R1 is headed back to 2B to correct a running error.

Any thoughts?

Seems like there was no base running error after all.

I don't see any difference.

I guess I was thinking, if anything, the OBS gives the runners MORE time to see their impending running mistake. But, the OBS rule is black and white regarding the OBS'ed runner and all other runners affected by the OBS.

Thanks guys.

Our interpreter rules that the OBS protects the BR from being called out.

Then what would happen if the batter (now runner) ended up being tagged out between first and second?

I believe we've discussed (or I've seen somewhere) that if an OBS'd runner is injured and then gets passed by another runner(s), the call is that the passing runner is declared out, ball remains live (unless it was the third out), and if the injured OBS'd runner is tagged out, time is called and all runners placed where they should be absent the OBS. That would include placing the runner(s) who had passed the injured player.

Please find where you saw that, unlikely I think. :confused:

I don't recall ever seeing any exceptions to the rule that states a runner who passes an obstructed runner is not out.

NFHS rules has that exception to not call a runner out that passes an obstructed runner. USA Softball does not have an exception.

Rule 8-6-4(NFHS)
ART. 4 . . . The runner physically passes a preceding runner before that runner has been put out. If this was the third out of the inning, any runs scoring prior to the out for passing a preceding runner would count. A runner(s) passing a preceding obstructed runner is not out. (8-4-3b PENALTY c)

Yes, it is not mentioned in the USA rule book. But there is this from the March 2016 Plays and Clarifications:

So while not specifically citing it, USA Softball recognizes that a runner who passes an obstructed runner is affected by the obstruction, and is afforded the same protection by virtue of the language that "the obstructed runner and all other runners shall always be awarded the base or bases which would have been reached, in the umpire's judgment, had there been no obstruction."

This is a change in interpretation for ASA about 6-7 years ago. It used to be that the trailing runners had to be smart enough to know they couldn't pass another active runner. Of course, the rule already provided for an allowance of awarded bases if affected by the OBS.

Apparently, the coaches, runners and umpires just couldn't grasp that, so they just changed the interpretation. Don't believe the rule was ever changed to provide other runners protection, just the awarding of the appropriate bases should they be affected by the OBS

NFHS Casebook
8.6.4 SITUATION E: With R1 on second and R2 on first, B3 hits a ball safely to
the outfield fence. After R1 takes off from second, she is obstructed by F6 and
knocked down and may be injured. The umpire signals obstruction on F6. Both
R2 and B3 pass R1 (who is still on the ground) and subsequently score. F8 finally throws the ball to F6 who tags R1 between second and third base. RULING:
There is no infraction assessed for passing a runner. Both R1 and R2 score on
the play. R1 is awarded home and scores, as this is the base she would have
achieved had there been no obstruction.