Obstruction?

[Rich]

Softball Canada is an enlightened bunch.

No doubt that there are times when a fielder with possession cannot make a tag but can do something else to prevent a runner from reaching the base. That SHOULD be ruled obstruction. Part of what makes it NOT obstruction should include making a play or attempting to make a play.

I understand that the rules aren't written that way. Looking through all my baseball case books this morning, I could find nothing that backs up the call of obstruction since the DEFINITION of obstruction in baseball includes the phrase "not in possession of the ball."

Plays like this are unsportsmanlike, though, and can be handled through a code's elastic clause if necessary.

Rich