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About Dr. Mark R. Ambrose
Expertise
I can answer all questions about book rules and "case book" rules governing the playing of ASA softball. Have a REAL situation that happened and are not sure the proper rule was applied, ask me.

Experience
I am a registered ASA umpire, a MASA "At-Large" umpire since 1996 and a retired District Umpire-In-Chief. I have very extensive experience in MASA State Championship and ASA national qualifying tournament play both as an umpire and an Umpire-In-Chief. I completed 3 ASA National Schools including the ASA national advanced umpire school in Ok City("Bernie" for those who know him was the lead clinician, I survived the week and couldn't let my kids watch the game tapes when I got home. No, I love you Bernie). I was one of 4 "Yankee" umpires selected to umpire the Men's D National East Championship in 2002 in Winter Haven FL

Organizations
Amateur Softball Association (The authority in softball)

You are here: Experts > Sports > Softball > Softball > Obstruction

Softball - Obstruction

Expert: Dr. Mark R. Ambrose - 10/28/2009

Question
Hi Dr. Just read a post in which you said going to receive the ball was taken out of ASA rules. My scenario is this. On at least 2 occasions this season I have had a stealing runner collide in the baseline between second and first with a defensive player as my offensive player was stealing 2B. Teams are purposely teaching their catchers to throw the ball 2-3 feet in front of 2B which naturally blocks the runner's path to 2B. Each time my runner has been called out because the umpire says "she has a right to go to the ball". Does the runner have to run around the fielder as they are waiting in the basepath for the ball from the catcher?

Answer
Hi Chris,

"I have had a stealing runner collide in the baseline between second and first with a defensive player"

If the defensive player did not have control of the ball, this is obstruction, they cannot block the base w/out it.

"Does the runner have to run around the fielder as they are waiting in the basepath for the ball from the catcher?" No they have a right to a direct line to the base.

"Each time my runner has been called out because the umpire says "she has a right to go to the ball". sure she does as long as she doesn't hinder the runner while doing it.

The only other possibility is did the defense, the offense and the ball all arrive at the same spot at the same time? if so we have a "wreck" and we play on.

Mark

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