Different type of obstruction

I'm not aware of a clear ruling for NFHS rules. However, in OBR the usual interpretation is that a player who has scored is classed as a "person authorized to be on the field", because he's no longer a runner. In general, a PATBOTF must intentionally hinder or impede play in order for interference to be called.

I think most umpires will treat it the same under FED rules.

I certainly would do the same as 3finger. It is interference not obstruction. Defense obstructs, offense interferes.

quote:

Defense obstructs, offense interferes.

Dang - I thought I had it correct that time.

So what you are saying that unless he did something on purpose (umpires judgement) it's no harm no foul?

Another question from that game - I might not be able to explain it completely because I was so far away I couldn't hear everything said.

Top of 7th and visiting team is down two. Runners on first and second with one out. Fly ball to CF and both runners tag up. The runner on second left before the catch / touch and made it safely to third and runner on first made it to second. There was no doubt he left early but not sure if the appeal process was handled correctly.

The throw goes to third and time was never called by anyone. The ball while still live is given back to the pitcher and he runs over to second and steps on the bag. You can tell he said something to the umpire but not sure exactly what he said. Probably something along the lines "I want to appeal the runner leaving early".

The pitcher steps on the bag and everyone (and I mean everyone) looks at both umpires. They stare at each other and neither says anything. They get a little closer and you can tell they are talking to each other. Finally someone on the defense (I think head coach - he's out of the dugout by now but not on the field) calls time out. Plate ump calls time and the pitcher steps on second again. This time the plate ump signals out - ballgame.

I thought the pitcher made a legal appeal when he stepped on the bag the first time.

By the way the defensive coach in my interference question was tossed over it. He said it was the ump said it wasn't. After a long and I mean long heated discussion the coach got tossed. The plate ump restricted him to the dugout first but he kept going and finally got dumped.

The live ball appeal is good anywhere and it seems to be what happened here. A dead ball appeal is only good in Fed but it isn't a requirement to do an appeal dead ball. It sounds like they had the leaving early but didn't quite understand the dead/live differnce of Fed.

quote:
Defense obstructs, offense interferes.


Dang - I thought I had it correct that time.

So what you are saying that unless he did something on purpose (umpires judgement) it's no harm no foul?

That's true however, IMO had the runner interfered or hindered F2, I lean towards intentional. Meaning, he chose to not get out of the way, therefore his actions were intentional and if my judgement was any interference/hinderence, I'm banging an out. The off. teammate has no right of way and needs to clear out.