In particular, when holding a runner on first base, the first baseman shall position himself with both feet in fair territory. The act of blocking the plate accounted for most of the physical contact in major league baseball prior to the 2014 season, when it was outlawed except when the catcher already has possession of the ball. To enforce obstruction a, immediately call time and direct runners to their bases. Confusion over this rule is likely due to the fact that there are other baseball and softball rule sets e. Interference is a broad rule book term that refers to a number of illegal actions that occur during a contest to change the course of the game. However, many people still misuse these two words during the game. The only negative i can see with this book is that it doesnt come in pocket size for you to use at games. In baseball, blocking the plate is a technique performed by a catcher to prevent a runner from scoring.
The nfhs will assist in answering rules questions from state associations whenever called upon. No part of the official baseball rules may be reproduced or trandmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system now known or to be invented, without permission inwriting from the office of the commissioner of baseball. Heres the rulebook definition, found in definitions obstruction. If a runner impacted a fielders attempt to make a play on the ball, the ruling is interference on the runner. The obstructed runner is awarded a minimum of one base beyond his position on base when the obstruction occurred.
The baseball rule book does not get additions very often. Obstruction and interference are common terms in the fastpitch softball vocabulary. You have baseball questions, we have baseball answers. Oct 29, 2019 washington nationals shortstop trea turner was called out on a controversial interference call in game 6 of the 2019 world series vs. Defining interference and obstruction little league. The casebook of little league baseball and softball, examples of interference and obstruction illustrate and help to define the difference between these two judgment calls. Case book material in this edition are in shaded boxes and are labeled as comment. For example, a catcher can be called for obstruction if the catchers glove makes contact with the hitters bat or when a defensive player doesnt have possession of. The official rules maintained by major league baseball. Beginning with the major rules differences in the nfhs rulebook which was originally one short page, i initially expanded this umpiring aid some time ago by adding rule excerpts to the. Site glossary definitions from the little league rule book and terms used on this site. When a defensive player hinders an offensive player, the correct call is obstruction, not interference. Official rules of baseball canadian content cc1 official rules of baseball. A distance of 320 feet or more along the foul lines, and 400 feet or more to center field is prefer able.
The amateur softball association of american sets the universal rules for softball in the united states. Make your call the obstruction b call is similar to obstruction a but requires a bit more explanation by the umpire. I think a lot of times umpires rule obstruction too quickly. Knowing who has the right of way will help you decide between an obstruction or interference call 1. Official rules of baseball canadian content cc4 rule 6.
Bostons farrell says his team has no quarrel with the obstruction call. The terms interference and obstruction are often misunderstood and confused by managers, coaches, and umpires alike. Baseball rules are numerous and two of the most difficult are the rules governing interference and obstruction. Make the right callmajor league baseballs official rules and interpretations plus league umpires guide and instructions baseball office for umpire development staff on. While contact may occur between a fielder and runner during a tag attempt, a runner is not allowed to use his. The umpire shall then call time and impose such penalties, if any, as in his judgment will nullify the act of obstruction.
Phantom tags not obstruction in pro ball, obs in hs. In baseball, obstruction is when a fielder illegally hinders a baserunner running within the basepath. In baseball, obstruction is when a fielder illegally hinders a baserunner running within the. In this clip, you decide if the umpire should call obstruction, interference, or. Official rule and does not require a reader to refer to different sections of the official baseball rules book in considering the application of a particular rule. In no way am i saying to wait until the end of playing action, but sometimes the play needs to develop more before. What does the rule book say about the upper part o. Dec 27, 2018 baseball rules are numerous and two of the most difficult are the rules governing interference and obstruction. If the result of the play is such that, in your judgment, the obstruction caused the runner to be put out or to not reach the base that he would have reached had the obstruction not occurred, then you call time announce the infraction, then place the runner where, in your judgement, he belongs. Facilities because facilities used for high school athletics come in many shapes, sizes. Apr 27, 2008 on one of these plays, the umpire failed to properly award the obstructed runner second base after making the obstruction call. The obstruction rule bans unsanctioned collisions on the basepaths by preventing defensive players from blocking the passage of the baserunners. This will prepare you to see and call the obstruction if it occurs. On top of that, casual fans cannot recite very many rule numbers.
Case book material in this edition are in shaded boxes and are labeled. Make the right callmajor league baseballs official rules and interpretations plus league umpires guide and instructions. Thirdbase umpire jim joyce called obstruction and the rest is history. Case book material is printed in smaller type than the rule language and is labeled as comment. By definition, obstruction occurs when a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner. Mar 26, 2014 obstruction and interference which is which. Stump the ump is the source for answers about baseball rules, game situations, or umpiring. Answers to frequently asked questions baseball rules updated 03. The cardinals won game 3 of the world series in one of the most unlikely ways possible. The outfield shall be the area between two foul lines formed by extending two sides of the square from home plate. Obstruction describes an act by a fielder, who is not in possession of the ball or in the process of fielding it, that impedes the.
If unsure whether the act warrants an obstruction call, give the play a second or two to develop before making the ruling. In addition, however, for obstruction to be called, the base runner must, in fact, be hindered. The only time that a fielder is not obligated to get out of the way of a baserunner is when the fielder is fielding a hit ball or in possession of the ball. Basically, the case book interprets or elaborates on the basic rules and in essence have the same effect as rules when applied to particular sections for which they are intended.
When the obstruction occurs, the umpire shall call or signal obstruction. If obstruction occurs, the play is immediately called dead and all runners advance one base, or to the bases they would have reached, in the umpires judgment, if there had been no obstruction. Interference can be committed by the team at the plate or the team in the field, as well as by players not even in the game at the time, an umpire, a fan, or another individual not associated with the team. Make the right callmajor league baseballs official rules.
The infield shall be graded so that the base lines and home plate are level. Sometimes players caught in a rundown will hunt a fielder without the ball to draw an obstruction call. The 2014 revision to the official baseball rules, in renumbering the rules, has disposed of the timehonored type a and type b obstruction. Elliot hopkins, mld, caa, editor nfhs publications to maintain the sound traditions of this sport, encourage sportsmanship and minimize the inherent risk of injury, the national federation of state high school associations writes playing rules for varsity competition. Become a part of the largest baseball rules community in the world.
I use it to umpire little league, and it covers everything you need to know in good detail. Major league baseball added language after a 2003 obstruction call involving miguel cabrera and the nfl eventually went back and revised the tuck rule more than a decade after it was most. As with several other calls in baseball, the ruling is a judgment call made by the umpire, and opinions can vary on whether or not obstruction should or shouldnt be called in different situations. The act of blocking the plate accounted for most of the physical contact in major league baseball prior to the 2014 season, when it was outlawed except when the catcher already has possession of the ball by the rules of baseball, a runner has the right to an unobstructed path to a base. Apr 18, 2017 the major league baseball rule book covers almost every imaginable situation that can occur in a game, including situations in which a batter or runner comes in contact with a batted ball. Knowing who has the right of way will help you decide between an obstruction or interference call. According to the official rule book, obstruction is defined as the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner. Obr 2016 spanish national federation of state high school associations nfhs, or fed. Jun 25, 2008 runner interference with a batted or thrown ball. Obstruction asa ruling does the runner automatically. All portions of this particular page and the pages of the official major league rules book are sole property of major league baseball and have been reproduced without any alteration by baseball almanac who first obtained the written permission of the office of the commissioner. If the defensive player blocks a base before having clear possession of the ball, the umpire shall call obstruction, the ball shall be dead immediately and the runner involved shall be. Any case of obstruction falls into one of two categories generally called type a and type b, after the subsection of rule.
Baserunners are generally permitted to run from base to base without being physically blocked or hindered by a fielder. Important notes 1 the playing rules committee, at its december 2014 meeting, voted to. The distance from home base to the nearest fence, stand or other obstruction on fair territory shall be 250 feet or more. They will be incorporated into the rules book for the 2019 and 2020 seasons. And believe me even coaches confuse these terms too.
According to david smith, baseball historian and founder of retrosheet, as of october 20, the 2004 and 20 games described above were the only games that ever ended on an obstruction call. The rule against obstruction was first formalized as part of the 1856 version of the national association of base ball players rules. The runner is safe and a delayed dead ball is signaled. Obstruction and interference are rule violations that occur in the field of play, typically involving base runners. Requests for baseball rule interpretations or explanations should be directed to the state association responsible for the high school baseball program in your state. Some folks call it the buster posey rule since his injury was the catalyst leading to the rule. Whether the runner is out or allowed to advanced to the next base usually depends on the umpires determination of whether contact with the ball was avoidable.
Here is a discussion of the obstruction rule differences, by level of play that delves into a core baseball philosophy. Obstruction in high school baseball nfhs baseball umpires. When a catcher and batterrunner going to first base have contact when the catcher is fielding the ball, there is generally no violation. The rule is in place to prevent a pitcher from deceiving the baserunners. Part dto include additional situations when spectator interference may be. Get free access to baseball forums, rules analysis and exclusive email content from current and former major league baseball players and umpires. Religious headgear that is consistent with baseball canada safety and. I have updated to current numbers and sections in contrasting color. According to their official rule book, obstruction is when a defensive player affects or prevents a batter from swinging at a pitched ball or hinders the progress of a runner. A balk is an illegal act by the pitcher when one or more runners are on base. It may be that the mother in the stands had been watching baseball under mlb rules, which state. Link is to portal where you can purchase print or ebook versions. For 2015 the obr book was completely revised and reorganized. Obstruction is the act of a fielder obstructing a runner when not in the act of.
Washington nationals shortstop trea turner was called out on a controversial interference call in game 6 of the 2019 world series vs. Obstruction is the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner. Get free access to baseball forums, rules analysis and exclusive email content from current. High school rules nfhs baseball rules book treat obstruction differently from. We want to bring you the most uptodate, informative and exciting baseball information. The major league baseball rule book covers almost every imaginable situation that can occur in a game, including situations in which a batter or runner comes in contact with a batted ball. Rich marazzi also deciphers an obstruction call that was made during the may, 2016 white soxrangers game in arlington. An umpire must award one base when obstruction is called. There is one circumstance where these two rarities become a reality. If the runners goes beyond his base path, obstruction should not be called. Oct 27, 20 the umpire shall then call time and impose such penalties, if any, as in his judgment will nullify the act of obstruction. Only the obstructed runner in the field of play time.