Obstruction??

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Dave is correct, but I hate the verbalization. I have observed and personally experienced players stop playing when they hear the umpire say something IF you are going to verbalize, don't scream.

I never verbalize OBS at the rec levels of slow pitch. That only stops the world from turning. At the higher levels, I'll verbalize it just enough for the runner and the infielders near to me to hear it, so when the play concludes and I'm awarding (if so), then there were "witnesses" who heard me have an OBS during the play.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Ref Ump Welsch

I never verbalize OBS at the rec levels of slow pitch. That only stops the world from turning.

Where I had problems was in a varsity HS game...TWICE (2 different games and teams)

At the higher levels, I'll verbalize it just enough for the runner and the infielders near to me to hear it, so when the play concludes and I'm awarding (if so), then there were "witnesses" who heard me have an OBS during the play.

I never called it at the higher levels. I don't need a witness even though everyone around the field can see my arm and no one really "needs" to hear it or know that it has been called. Their job is to play and coach the game in front of them, not to the call. All that can do is get them into trouble.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

I never called it at the higher levels. I don't need a witness even though everyone around the field can see my arm and no one really "needs" to hear it or know that it has been called. Their job is to play and coach the game in front of them, not to the call. All that can do is get them into trouble.

Most players already know if they've been obstructed or not, and most have a relatively basic understanding that being obstructed is somehow wrong. They may not know what the rules say about it, but they know that something should happen in their favor.

I guess that makes them very similar to 5-year olds.