Obstruction/Interference- USSSA Fastpitch

[Andy]

The first thing you need to do is get your terminolgy correct.

INTERFERENCE is a violation by the offensive team (batter, runner, on deck batter, etc)

OBSTRUCTION is a violation by the defensive team (pitcher, first baseman, etc.)

USSSA rules treat OBSTRUCTION the same as ASA and HS, the fielder cannot hinder the runner if the fielder does not have possession of the ball.

If the catcher does not have the ball and bumps into a runner it is most likely OBSTRUCTION. It does not matter if a throw is on the way or not. The fielder either has the ball or she doesn't.

The definition of INTERFERENCE is a bit more broad. A fielder is protected if she is in the process of making a play. This includes an infielder waiting to field a ball that is hit toward her. If that fielder can potentially get the ball and make a play and is bumped by a runner, that is most likely INTERFERENCE.