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- - Asa 8-5-b (https://forum.officiating.com/softball/26027-asa-8-5-b.html)

Anyone notice this change from the 2005 to the 2006 rulebook?

Quote:

2005 ASA 8-5-B: When a fielder not in possession of the ball or not in the act of fielding a batted ball, impedes the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally running bases.

2006 ASA 8-5-B: When a fielder not in possession of the ball or not in the act of fielding a batted ball, obstructs the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally running bases.

Anyone know why the word difference from last year to now?

A lot of people read "impedes" as requiring contact, when that was never the intent. "obstructs" is clearer to some. The rule didn't change though.