OBS rule (ASA)

[Dakota]

When the rule change deleting the "about to receive" was first published, my reaction was "good, now it will be simpler and more consistent."

While this may still be true, I have been surprised by my own calling of this in real-game situations and in judging the various scenarios presented on the boards.

It has screwed up my instincts regarding the OBS / INT / Wreck call. The change didn't just remove "about to receive" - it significantly changed the presumption / intent of the rule, as I see it.

This is the guilty party,

ASA POE 35
Prior to this year, coaches taught to block the base, catch the ball and make the tag. Now it must be catch the ball, block the base and make the tag.

This means, it seems to me, that if the defense blocks the base prior to catching the ball, the "burden of proof", so to speak, is on the defense and that the assumed call will be obstruction on a close call. It also seems that, even though the POE still contains the notion, the simultaneous arrival train wreck call is a thing of the past.

Comments?