No Throw - No Interference?

[NCASAUmp]

Well, let's take a look at the actual, relevant wording of the ASA rules...

8-7-J (2 and 3)

When the runner interferes:
2. With a fielder attempting to throw the ball, or
3. With a thrown ball.

Also, 8-7-P

When, after being declared out or after scoring, an offensive player interferes with a defensive player's opportunity to make a play on another runner.

Effect: The ball is dead. The runner closest to home plate at the time of the interference is out. All runners not out must return to the last base touched at the time of the interference.

Note: A runner continuing to run and drawing a throw may be considered a form of interference. This does not apply to the batter-runner running on the dropped third strike rule.

When I read those rules, I see "attempting" and "opportunity," and not "making" a throw. I have to see something tangible, something concrete in their body language that says, "I'd like to throw this ball." If I see them pump their arm, something clearly say, "I'm going to make a play on this next guy," and they have a chance, I'll call INT if I see that an offensive player takes away that chance.

If I see a possible case of INT, a few things I consider:
1 - CAN they make the play? If there's no play to be made, it may not be INT. Benefit of the doubt, in my mind, goes towards yes, they might be able - they have to be given the opportunity.
2 - Do I see something from the fielder that shows they were ready to make a play? While it doesn't necessarily qualify the INT call, it certainly helps your explanation to the offensive coach - "Coach, I saw him reach back, ready to make a throw, and your batter-runner was still 20' from 1B."
3 - Did it HINDER? Just because the ball hits someone doesn't always mean it hindered the defense's ability to make the play.

I had a play where a runner was heading home, and the ball was poorly thrown from the left-center fielder past F5. F1 was attempting to back up F5, but he missed it as well. It struck the on-deck batter on his foot, popped up into the air, and was caught cleanly by F1, who threw to F2 for a very close play at home. The runner was called safe, but the defense wanted an INT call. I said to the offensive captain, "I can't call INT if it didn't hinder your team's ability to make the play. If anything, the on-deck batter HELPED your pitcher, because that ball would have kept on going further towards the backstop (another 15' or so)."