Is this obstruction?

[Andy]

You're right, it sounds like a HTBT...

For ASA and NFHS, it sure seems like obstruction. The fielder did not have possession of the ball, and the runner was definitely hindered (I would consider a clothesline a hinder).

The only other thing I can think of is that perhaps the umpire on the game judged that the ball, the fielder, and the runner all got to the same spot at the same time, therefore, no violation.

From what I have been told by my college assignor, we are to use the "is the fielder doing what she is supposed to be doing?" philosophy when ruling on obstruction.