Does Interference Always Override Obstruction?

[whiskers_ump]

Had this play in NHFS.

Bases loaded, 1 out. F3 and F4 playing odd positions, both about 1/2 between
2B. Only about 4 feet separating them.
Ball is hit more towards F4. As F3 moves forward, she catches R3's foot, causing
R3 to collide with F4 who is fielding the ball and misses it. OBS by F3 caused the
contact [interference] by R3. Both violations signaled and called. Now What?

[Stu Clary]

I would call Obstruction and leave it at that.

[Skahtboi]

If the OBS caused the INT, and you don't believe the INT would have occurred otherwise, then I am tempted to agree with Stu.

[Dakota]

INTERFERENCE: The act of an offensive player ... that impedes, hinders, or confuses a defensive player attempting to execute a play.

Yes, a defensive player was impeded, but that was the result of whose act?

[whiskers_ump]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Yes, a defensive player was impeded, but that was the result of whose act?

Actually by her own player knocking R3 into F4.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by whiskers_ump

Actually by her own player knocking R3 into F4.

That was the point I was making - it was not interference, by definition.

[whiskers_ump]

Originally Posted by Dakota

That was the point I was making - it was not interference, by definition.

After discussing it between ourselves, that is the way we ruled on it. Both
coaches argued their side, but afterwards, sorta, kinda, just about agreed
with our decision.

[Skahtboi]

Here is the official TASO take on this, just FYI.

First off you have obstruction on F3. Then you had R3 interfere with F4. When you normally have interference, it takes precedence. However in this case since F3 caused R3 to collide with F4, I would recognize the obstruction only, since the defense caused the interference.