Obstruction question from the NFHS board

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by outathm

What you can tell from the picture is that the defensive player is blocking the front part of the bag and she is not in possession of the ball.

Your point? There is no rule forbidding a player from blocking the base, with or without the ball.

I would call obstruction and award the runner 3B if she didn't reach it safely.

Why? If the defender catches this ball prior to the runner (assumingly) being blocked by the foot, it is nothing.

Putting your hand out to signal DDB and letting everyone know that you saw the play is similar to the safe when there is a crash w/ nothing to call. It lets coaches and players know that you are seeing what is happening and that you are in the game.

This would be true if there was OBS. However, there are reasons this may not be obstruction and by calling a DDB, you must, but rule, call the runner safe.

I am sure that the obstruction 'call' will lead to nothing, but getting in the habit of calling the obstruction when you see it will lead to a good habit and less of reaction time when it is necc. to call it and make it an award.

I completely agree with this statement, but based upon the information offered, there is no OBS upon which to make a ruling