Obstruction

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by sprivitor
Another Question for the group as I'm a newbie learning from your comments:

ASA Rules

Runner at 3rd gets caught in a pickle between F5 and Catcher. Both Catcher and F5 are in the path of the runner/baseline throwing the ball to each other. Runner does not attempt to go through either fielder so to avoid a collision.

What protection/rights does the runner have and what that of the fielders?

The runner has the right to go anywhere they want as long as it is not to avoid a tag. Only a fielder who has possession of the ball or the thrown ball is closer to the defender than the runner has a right to be wherever they need to be to make a play.

The runner is protected from not being impeded by a fielder who does not have the right to be there. The fielder who does have the right to be in the basepath is protected from being plowed over by the runner.

Simple, right?