Obstruction Mechanics
 

R1 on second, B2 hits grounder to F4, R1 and F6 bump, I call obstruction and signal DDB as I am running toward first to make call on the throw. R1 was safe at third since the throw was to first.

How long should I have kept my arm extended while running toward first? I would have looked stupid running with my arm extended until I made the out call at first. On the other hand, I have looked stupid before.

Thanks for the help.

One school of thought on this says long enough for all participants to have had the opportunity to see it.

The other school of thought is that you should hold it as long as you are protecting the runner.

I subscribe to the first.

I'm with Scott to a point. If you need to move, keep it out long enough for all concerned to see it.

If you are in a position where you don't need to "run" across the field, it certainly isn't going to look silly if you keep it out a little longer.

I have no problem following the protected runner with my arm extended, in this case, I was running in the opposite direction.

If I'm not at a full run, I figure 4-6 seconds is long enough to hold it out there. Someone is bound to spot it in that time. I'm not going to hold it out for the entire length of the play.

I don't even do that. I agree with Scott above.

Put me with the gang that agree with Scott - but Mike's explanation or qualification is more what I do. If I'm not moving more than a step or two, I'll keep it out a little longer.

Thanks for the feed back. This forum is great.

Forgive the question, but I'm having a hard time picturing this - R1 on second, so you should be in C. Ground ball to F4, R1 moving in front of you. How far are you running?? You still want to be in position to turn if they try to make a play on R1 at 3rd - no?? The way I see this is a few steps to improve angle and get set to make the call.

In this play, the way that I imagine it, with the ground ball to 2nd, she may check to see R1 but once she comits to the play at 1st you get as close to that play as possible. The rerturn throw to 3rd is the PU's call. And even if the F4 goes to 3rd on the play the runner will be safe.

Kono,

You are correct about being in the C position. I made several more than 2 or 3 steps before I made the call.