Obstruction in Softball

Obstruction and Interference in Softball are terms that can cause confusion during the game. They both refer to acts that impede or confuse the opposing players. Obstruction refers to the act of a defensive player that hinders an offensive player (either the runner or batter). Interference is the act of an offensive player, coach, team, umpire or equipment that hampers a defensive player or a play on the ball. This article will examine Obstruction.

Obstruction occurs when fielder does not have possession of the ball or is not in the act of fielding a ball but impedes the runner who is legally running between bases. Some examples from the ASA Rule book (citing Rule 8 and Rule Supplement #36) are
1) a fielder blocking the base without the ball. Contrary to how I was taught way back in the Civil War (block the base, catch the ball, make the tag), now players must catch the ball, then block the base and make the tag. A fielder should set up just outside the base path while waiting to receive the ball and then move to block the base.
2) a fielder making a fake tag on the runner.
3) a fielder obstructs or blocks a runner during a run down.
4) a batter swings but in the process hits the catcher’s mitt (specifically called “Catcher’s Obstruction”).

When obstruction occurs, the umpire calls a delayed dead ball by holding out his left hand in a fist straight out from his body. Generally, when obstruction is called, the runner cannot be called out between the two bases in which the call was made. The exception is if she left the base early on a fly ball, or left the base before the pitch was delivered, or if she interferes with a fielder. If an obstructed runner then interferes with a fielder, the interference takes precedent over the obstruction.

When a fielder obstructs a runner and the runner is then forced or tagged out at the base to which she was going, a dead ball is called and the runner is awarded the base. If she makes it to the safely to the base, and continues to advance to the next base, then she is no longer protected by the obstruction call. If the obstruction occurs during a run down, then the runner is awarded the base she would have made if there was no obstruction.

For a catcher’s obstruction, again a delayed dead ball is called. If the batter hits the ball and she makes it safely to first base, and all other runners advance safely at least one base, then the obstruction is cancelled and the play stands. If the batter does not reach first base or some other base runner does not advance a base, then the offensive coach can take either the result of the play or the award for the play. The award is that the batter goes to first base, and all runners who would be forced advance one base. All base runners that are not forced do not advance.