High School Obstruction ??

[Palmer]

Starting High School season:

have a situational question to ask the "Professionals that bee".

It seems that most all the high school (varsity) teams we are playing have their baserunners on first base leading off or getting a big jump on stealing even before the ball is pitched. And,very seldom does the base umpire ever put themselves out on a limb and call it...

My question?? What would prevent the defensive team playing their first baseman close to firstbase and on the base path, until the ball is pitched then step forward out of the base path. As long as she is out of the way when the ball is released ?? This would prevent first base runner from getting an advanced lead before the ball is pitched. I would feel that the base path is free game for the defense also, at least until the ball is pitched...

But I am not sure if this would be called obstruction ???

I would appreciate a professional opinion from the umps from this site. I have always received very good opinions and suggestion from this site,,,

Thanks in advance for your time...:

Palmer


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