What the Heck is the Point For?

[okla21fan]

the 2014-2015 NFHS softball umpire manual does not mention or show the 'point'.

[MD Longhorn]

I stopped reading your post at "Referee Magazine". Other than the ads at the back, I've never found any use for any of the advice I've read in that magazine, and their rules and mechanics quizzes are more often wrong than right. Sounds like this one's wrong too.

[okla21fan]

I thought the article on Slap Hitters was pretty insightful and helpful.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

I stopped reading your post at "Referee Magazine". Other than the ads at the back, I've never found any use for any of the advice I've read in that magazine, and their rules and mechanics quizzes are more often wrong than right. Sounds like this one's wrong too.

Yeah, I used to post on another forum the mistakes I would find in each edition of the magazine. It made for some lively discussion on how screwed up their expert advice really was. After a while I got tired of reading them. I still get them since I'm a member of NASO, but they usually accumulate in the reading material basket next to the commode until I decide to empty the basket out.

I was just amazed when I saw the PlayPic with what amounts to a hybrid mechanic that is flat-out wrong for FED softball. I kinda wonder if this is a FED baseball mechanic that the writer felt (wrongly) applies equally in softball.

[EsqUmp]

Notwithstanding the fact that it might not be an approved mechanic, do you like the mechanic or see the value in using it?

[xtremeump]

I do like the mechanic, it shows everyone that you saw something. A simple point "That's Obstruction" followed with a DDB Signal ( left arm ) point taken.

[RKBUmp]

Doesn't using the correct mechanic signify the umpire saw the infraction?

[EsqUmp]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

Doesn't using the correct mechanic signify the umpire saw the infraction?

Not necessarily. Obstruction is one of those plays that can occur (and almost will definitely occur) without the ball. When it comes to runners running the bases and the ball not near them, most people don't pay attention to obstruction. Usually, it is only the umpire and maybe an offensive coach. Defensive team members are watching the ball more. Particularly with multiple runners on base where any of them could be obstructed by any number of defenders, it can be helpful (though not always) to point to the person who committed the infraction. That can be true on less involved plays too, like R1 stealing 2nd base and there being possible obstruction on F4, F5 or F6.

Often, the player who obstructs a runner is no where around where the obstruction occurred when it is time to make a ruling/award. Pointing to the offender and even, dare I say it, verbalizing obstruction puts people on notice.

You'll hear people make a BS argument that players will stop if you verbalize obstruction. Well, they don't stop runner or swinging when we say illegal pitch. They don't stop when we say "Early" in NCAA when a runner leaves prior to the release. I've never had a runner stop because I verbalized obstruction. And if she did, what the hell difference would it make? She's getting awarded the base(s) I think she would have made but for the obstruction anyway.

[xtremeump]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

Doesn't using the correct mechanic signify the umpire saw the infraction?

To who ? Most people are watching the ball ? Some times I put my left sock on my right foot, I know that it is not approved but that's just the kind of Umpire that I am. Not approved by the Umpire God's, yes I know. On this Forum it is easy to do a game, the timing is always perfect, the Rule book is never wrong, there is always time to get to the perfect spot, and best of all nobody just Kicks a call. The answer to the question is always easy, the big problem is my Spell Check working !!! The greatest part of doing a game on the Forum is my cup is never half empty.