The obstruction call can be one of the most controversial calls in a game and requires college umpires to have a thorough knowledge of the rules related to this call. An obstruction call can change the complexity and even the outcome of a game, as it has the potential to award bases which may result in game-winning runs to score.
Obstruction – Warnings, Additional Awards and Ejection
The obstruction rule in college softball is more complicated than in any other code. Obstruction in all softball codes involve the effect/penalty of base awards for the obstructed runner and any other runners affected by the obstruction. When obstruction is committed in a college softball game, there is the possibility of additional effects involving warnings, additional one-base awards after a
Obstruction between bases
Obstruction often happens when the runner is between two bases. It can happen when a runner is advancing normally to the next base, is rounding a base, getting caught in a rundown, on a pickoff attempt, or returning to a base after a caught fly ball. This article will discuss only the parts of the obstruction rule which cover the
Verbal and Visual obstruction
The college rule book states that there does not need to be physical conduct for an obstruction call. Visual obstruction is specifically cited in three rules. The rule book is not as clear with respect to verbal obstruction, as there is no specific rule which specifically lists this as a form of obstruction. There is one interference rule and one