NFHS Softball TEACHING INTERFERENCE & OBSTRUCTION

TEACHING INTERFERENCE & OBSTRUCTION Define terms using Rule 2: Definitions Site rule and references for specific violation Highlight important teaching points The definition is the foundation of the rule. The rule reference is the “when” and “how”

TEACHING INTERFERENCE & OBSTRUCTION Give the penalty for the violation Demonstrate proper mechanic of rule enforcement Involve the audience

TEACHING INTERFERENCE & OBSTRUCTION Interference is an act (physical or verbal) by a member of the team at bat who illegally impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder; or when a runner creates malicious contact with any fielder with or without the ball, in or out of the baseline

TEACHING INTERFERENCE & OBSTRUCTION Categories of Interference: Umpire Spectator Batter Coaches 7 different categories of Interference expect Interference to take longer to teach than Obstruction Runner Batter-Runner On-Deck Batter

TEACHING INTERFERENCE & OBSTRUCTION Elements to Consider: Was the defensive player Making the “initial play?” Attempting to throw the ball? Was the batter-runner in the three-foot lane? Did the batter move after the catcher received the pitch?

TEACHING INTERFERENCE & OBSTRUCTION Did interference occur before or after the offensive player was out? Did the offense impede, hinder or confuse?

TEACHING INTERFERENCE & OBSTRUCTION When interference occurs: Signal a dead ball. Someone is always called “out.” Exception: Umpire Interference Return base runner(s) to the last touched base at the time of the infraction.

TEACHING INTERFERENCE & OBSTRUCTION Obstruction is the act of the defensive team that hinders or impedes a batter’s attempt to make contact with a pitched ball or that impedes the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally running bases, unless the fielder is in possession of the ball or is making the initial play on a batted ball. The act may be intentional or unintentional, physical or verbal.

TEACHING INTERFERENCE & OBSTRUCTION Categories of Obstruction: Catcher Defensive Player 7 different categories of Interference expect Interference to take longer to teach than Obstruction

TEACHING INTERFERENCE & OBSTRUCTION For obstruction to occur: A defensive player must (a) hinder a batter from hitting a pitched ball or (b) block the batter-runner’s or runner’s access to a base without being in possession of the ball or making the initial play. AND The offensive player must have been hindered or impeded in some way.

TEACHING INTERFERENCE & OBSTRUCTION Obstructed runner CANNOT be put out between the two bases where obstructed, EXCEPT: Obstructed runner obtains the base they would have reached and a subsequent play on another runner occurs. Exceptions to being called out on Obstruction

TEACHING INTERFERENCE & OBSTRUCTION An act of interference. Passing another runner. When the batter flies out for the third out. The batter-runner is obstructed between two bases and flies out. If properly appealed, missing a base or leaving a base too soon on a fly ball.

TEACHING INTERFERENCE & OBSTRUCTION When obstruction occurs: Signal a delayed dead ball. Protect the runner(s) to the base(s) they would have reached had there been no obstruction.

TEACHING INTERFERENCE & OBSTRUCTION If the runner is put out prior to reaching the base she would have reached had there been no obstruction: Ball is dead. Award the obstructed runner, and all other runners effected, the base(s) they would have reached had there been no obstruction.

TEACHING INTERFERENCE & OBSTRUCTION If the obstructed runner is put out after passing the base she would have reached had there been no obstruction or advanced beyond the two bases where obstruction occurred: The out stands. The ball remains live.

TEACHING INTERFERENCE & OBSTRUCTION DEMONSTRATE EXAMPLES: Videos Diagramming Audience Participation Live Demonstrations Case Plays

PLAY: With no outs and R1 on 2B and R2 on 1B, B3 hits a sharp line drive to F6. R1 takes off to 3B as F6 fields the balls and throws to F4 at 2B. The ball hits R1 in the right shoulder, just two or three steps after leaving 2B, and travels to the outfield. What is the Ruling?

RULING: Unless R1 intentionally interfered with the thrown ball (after the release) this is a “no call” and the ball remains live. (Rule 8-6-10d)

QUESTIONS?