NFHS Softball Interference/Obstruction 2016 Rules Changes Major Editorial Changes Points of Emphasis Other Softball Issues

Interference Defined The act of an offensive player or team member, umpire or spectator that impedes, hinders, or confuses a defensive player attempting to execute a play. Contact is not necessary.

Types of Interference On-Deck Batter Batter Batter-Runner Runner Aiding a Runner Coach Spectator Umpire

When Interference Occurs Signal Dead Ball Exceptions are Umpire Interference and Aiding a Runner. Someone is called out Except Umpire Interference Return runner(s) not out as a result of the Interference to last base(s) touched at the time of the Interference. All outs made on the play stand.

Obstruction Defined The act of a defensive team member: Who hinders or impedes a batter from striking at or hitting a pitched ball. Who impedes the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally running the bases unless the fielder is: In possession of the ball or In the act of making an initial play on a batted ball 8-2-6. NOTE: Contact is not necessary to impede the progress of a runner or the batter-runner.

Items Necessary for Obstruction Fielder must block the offensive player’s chosen base path without possession of the ball, and not in the act of fielding a batted ball. The fielder’s position must hinder or impede the offensive player. NOTE: If the fielder doesn’t hinder or impede the offensive player there is no obstruction. This is umpire judgment.

Items to Remember Obstructed runners can not be put out between the two bases where they were obstructed: Unless there is a subsequent play on another runner, interference or they pass another runner. If properly appealed for missing a base, or leaving a base too early on a caught fly ball or batter-runner flies out for the third out, when the batter-runner is obstructed and she flies out.

Items to Remember If the obstructed runner is put out prior to reaching the base which would have been reached had there been no obstruction: Signal dead ball. Award the obstructed runner and any other runners affected by the obstruction the base(s) they would have reached had there been no obstruction. If the obstructed runner is put out after passing the base which would have been reached had there been no obstruction or advanced beyond the two bases where the obstruction occurred: The out stands. The ball remains live.

When Obstruction Occurs Signal delayed dead ball and verbalize “Obstruction”. How long should the signal be held? Protect the runner(s) to the base(s) they would have reached had there been no obstruction. 3. If the obstructed runner is put out prior to reaching the base they would have reached had there been no obstruction, or between the two bases where they were obstructed, call “Dead Ball” and award the runner(s) the base(s) they would have reached in the umpire’s judgment had there been no obstruction.

Dead ball, batter is out for Interference Play 1 B1 bunts the pitch out in front of home plate. As B1 starts running toward 1B, B1 kicks the ball with their right foot, while the left foot remains in the batter’s box. What is the call? Dead ball, batter is out for Interference Rule 8-2-6.

batter out for Interference, Play 2 With one out and R1 on 3B, B4 attempts a squeeze bunt and misses the pitch. R1 continues home and slides for the plate. B4 remains in the batter’s box as F2 attempts to apply a tag to R1. What is the call? Dead ball, batter out for Interference, R1 returns to 3B Rule 7-4-4.

Batter out for interference, Play 3 With no outs and R1 on 1B, B2 squares to bunt the pitch but instead pulls the bat barrel back into F2’s face as R1 attempts to steal 2B. What is the call? Dead ball, Batter out for interference, R1 returns to 1B Rule 7-4-4.

Runner out for interference. Play 4 With one out, R1 on 2B and R2 on 1B, B4 hits a ground ball up the middle. F6 moves toward the batted ball and collides with R1. R1 falls to the ground and R2 passes R1 advancing to 3B. What is the call? Runner out for interference. Rule 8, Section 6 Art 10a Dead ball when interference occurs

B1 is out for interference Play 5a With no outs, B1 bunts the ball fair, in front of home plate. As B1 leaves the batter’s box on the way to 1B, F2 moves out to field the batted ball and collides with B1. What is the call? B1 is out for interference Rule 8-2-6

B1 is out for interference Play 5b With no outs, B1 bunts the ball fair, in front of home plate. As B1 leaves the batter’s box on the way to 1B, B1 kicks the batted ball in fair territory. What is the call? B1 is out for interference Rule 8-2-6

Play 5c With no outs, B1 bunts the ball foul, in front of home plate. As B1 leaves the batter’s box on the way to 1B, B1 kicks the batted ball in foul territory. What is the call? Rule 2-25-1d: FOUL BALL

B3 is out for interference Play 6 With 2 outs, no runners on and a 3-2 count, B3 swings and misses the pitch. The ball ricochets off F2’s shin guard out in front of the plate. B3 kicks the ball on her way to 1B. What is the call? B3 is out for interference Rule 8-2-6

B6 is out for interference Play 7 With 1 out and bases loaded, B6 swings and misses the pitch. B6’s bat knocks the ball out of F2’s glove on the follow through. R1 seeing the ball roll away from F2 breaks for home and scores. What is the call? B6 is out for interference R1 returns to 3B Rule 7-4-4

Play 8 With 1 out and R1 on 1B, B3 hits a fly ball to F9. As F9 catches the ball the 1B coach pushes R1 toward 2B. What is the call? R1 is out for being physically assisted. (ball remains live) Rule 8-6-5

F3 is guilty of obstruction Play 9 With no outs, B1 hits the ball back to F1 who hurries the throw.  F3 loses her balance, falling as B1 approaches 1B.  What is the call? F3 is guilty of obstruction Rule 8-4-3b

Play 10 With 1 out and R1 on 1B, B3 hits a fly ball to F9. F9 catches the ball and throws to F3 on 1B to pickoff R1. F3 misses the ball that hits the defensive coach sitting on a bucket in live ball territory. What is the call? Dead ball, R1 is awarded 2 bases Rule 8-4-3f; Rule 2-2-3: BLOCKED BALL