Contact w/defender rounding bag - OBS ?

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Ref Ump Welsch

You used your judgement that the runner reached the base you would have awarded them. After that you really had nothing, except an idiotic coach who was going to jeopardize his runner.

Probably not so. The CA coaches are essentially correct, that the runner does get a free shot at home. As long as the defense impedes the baserunning process (and make no mistake, it is coached and done intentionally), and especially while rounding a base, as far as I am concerned, the obstruction occurred before the base, at the base, AND after the base. She has reached the base I would award, but she is protected and cannot be put out at the next base if she takes that free shot.

The process of rounding (and returning) has been so obviously abused that the NCAA places an official warning to each player when it happens, and repeat offenses receive an automatic one base award. They were required to create a separate rule just to stop the intentionally taught hindering. Wade, it seems to me that your partner of the day doesn't get the intent of that rule, and your conversation, and RefUmpWelsh's post are perfect examples of why they felt they needed additional rules to protect the offense, and to the point of penalizing the defense.