Interference?

[AtlUmpSteve]

Is honesty a virtue?

OK, being honest, I have never verbalized obstruction in any softball game since I started in 1972. I have stated, if asked, that "you just didn't hear me" the VERY few times I have been asked.

IMO, verbalization is a mechanic inherited from baseball (where they HOPE to stop play, since it makes awards easier) that should have been, but just never was dropped from softball. It serves no purpose at all, since base coaches can see the signal (if they are paying attention), and should be coaching to the play, not our signal or verbalization.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Is honesty a virtue?

OK, being honest, I have never verbalized obstruction in any softball game since I started in 1972. I have stated, if asked, that "you just didn't hear me" the VERY few times I have been asked.

IMO, verbalization is a mechanic inherited from baseball (where they HOPE to stop play, since it makes awards easier) that should have been, but just never was dropped from softball. It serves no purpose at all, since base coaches can see the signal (if they are paying attention), and should be coaching to the play, not our signal or verbalization.

I verbalized obstruction once. Everyone stopped, looked at me, and the runner just walked back to second base. He could have walked all the way home, and I'll bet you no one would have stopped him. It only confused the players.

I won't do that again.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Is honesty a virtue?

OK, being honest, I have never verbalized obstruction in any softball game since I started in 1972. I have stated, if asked, that "you just didn't hear me" the VERY few times I have been asked.

IMO, verbalization is a mechanic inherited from baseball (where they HOPE to stop play, since it makes awards easier) that should have been, but just never was dropped from softball. It serves no purpose at all, since base coaches can see the signal (if they are paying attention), and should be coaching to the play, not our signal or verbalization.

+1

(I verbalize, but if anyone can hear me it's the fielder that did it - and that's iffy at best)