Federation Softball obstruction

[Dakota]

Originally posted by CecilOne
I understand the feeling of wanting to penalize for deliberate obstruction, but disagree, mostly because the runner didn't earn the next base and it would make some umpires even more reluctant to call it.

I don't think the bigger problem right now is umpires being reluctant to call it. I think the bigger problem (around here, anyway, in JO ball, anyway) is umpires either not looking for it, or umpires ignorant of the rule. I'm also not sure that requiring the next base is the right adjustment, either. Maybe something like allowing the umpire the option of awarding the next base if in his judgment the behavior was deliberate. I don't know... I haven't really thought it through much, except to note that it is becoming so prevalent that it is obvious to me it is coached.

... Besides, LL rules are based on 10-12 year old players in a win-at-all-costs environment

What??? LL??? I'm shocked. Shocked, I tell you!