NFHS Play Question

[whiskers_ump]

WMB,

I do believe that jumping a defender is leagl is ASA.
However, If wrong, Mike, Hugo, Dakato, or one of the
other guru's will correct me. BTW, I have queried
NFHS for a ruling on this.

[whiskers_ump]

Originally posted by whiskers_ump
2-2 game bottom of 7th, 2 outs. R1 on 2B, batter hits the ball
to RF, F9 gets to ball, turns and relays to F3, cutoff, for
throw to the plate. R1 rounded 3B, coach waving her to continue
homeward. F2 steps two steps twoards 3B, positions herself down
on one knee in such a position she is clearly obstructing the on coming
R1. (She is not about to receive the ball as defined in NFHS rules.)
R1 sees her avenue to HP is blocked, hesitates, starts forward and
attempts to leap over F2, her knee catching F2 in the head. F2 had
taken her mask off and discarded it towards 1B side of field.
NFHS Rule 8-6-10 Note states: Jumping, hurdling and leaping are
all legal attempts to avoid a fielder only if the fielder is lying
on the ground. This rule is under The runner interferes.

I had this and I called the runner out - NFHS Rule 8-4-3b interference
overrides OBS.
I did not eject the player for malicious contact, however,
I did restrict her to the dugout for USC.

How would you have handled this play. I honestly got no arguments from
the offensive coach on my decision after my explanation to her.

Well, I blew the call, but got the USC correct.

Answer from W. Sparks

"1. Obstruction was called first
2. Catcher was not in the "about to receive position"; the runner wasn't interfering with the catcher.

From where I am looking, I would call obstruction
on the catcher, score the run since the catcher
was not about to receive, interference does not
come into play. I would consider
leaping more from the unsportsmanship side."

Walt Sparks
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Thanks to all that replied, and most of you were correct.