catcher's obstruction

[Dakota]

Originally posted by WestMichBlue
I did some studying tonight - NFHS Rule and Case Book, ASA Rules and POE (don't have ASA Case Book) - and these are my conclusions.

The situation is not addressed in the ASA Case Book.

B) R1 on 3B, R2 on 1B, 1 out, 2 strikes. Obstructed batter missed 3rd strike; F2 missed ball. ASA - batter is out and Dead Ball called. B-R awarded 1B, R2 forced to 2B, and because R1 probably was not half-way home when ball become dead, she is sent back to 3B.

NFHS - Batter is called out, but play continues while F2 chases ball and R1 comes home and F1 comes to make a play. Assume R1 safe, then call dead ball - and call out the offensive coach. Option: take the play (run scores, batter out, R2 now on 2B) or take the penalty (B-R to 1B, R2 forced to 2B, R1 returned to 3B).

Potentially big differences in outcome for CO in ASA vs NFHS.

Since ASA does not address this situation, and since ASA does make a distinction for other purposes between obstruction of a runner and catcher's obstruction of a batter, ASA (as currently written / POE'd / Case Booked) does not require that the dead ball be called immediately. IOW, without an official ruling from ASA, I would not automatically assume that 8-5B-1 applies to 8-1D. ASA, in fact, says that it does not by stating in 8-5B-4,

Catcher obstruction on the batter is covered under Rule 8, Section 1D.

Therefore, following the Fed ruling would be an acceptable application of the ASA rules for this situation, IMO.