Can a catcher block the plate without the ball in softball?
Can a catcher block the plate without the ball in softball?
If the catcher is blocking the plate without possession of the ball and the runner makes contact with the catcher before touching the plate, obstruction should be called and the runner is awarded home plate.
Is the catcher allowed to block the plate in Little League?
Runners are not required to slide, and catchers in possession of the ball are allowed to block the plate.
What is the obstruction rule in softball?
The Amateur Softball Association of American sets the universal rules for softball in the United States. 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.
Can the catcher straddle home plate?
When awaiting the throw, the catcher does not set up to the side of the plate, nor does he straddle the plate. In most youth leagues, and also in high school play, it is illegal for the catcher to block the plate before he has the baseball in his possession.
What to do if a catcher is blocking the plate?
If a catcher blocks the plate without possession of the ball, the runner will be safe. However, a catcher may block the plate to field a throw if the umpire determines he could not have otherwise fielded it and thus contact with the runner could not have been avoided.
What is catcher obstruction?
Catcher’s Interference: How the Umpire Should Make the Call. How To Legally Confuse the Defense. Not So Simple: Catcher’s Interference. Obstruction is When a Fielder Without the Ball Obstructs a Runner. Pitched Lodged in Umpire’s Equipment.
Can you block the plate?
The catcher is not permitted to block the runner’s path to the plate unless he is in possession of the ball, though blocking the path of the runner in a legitimate attempt to receive a throw is not considered a violation. The runner can be ruled safe if the umpire determines the catcher violated this rule.
Can a catcher block home plate?
Is it catcher’s interference or obstruction?
The definition of defensive interference is very simple – just 18 words: “Defensive interference is an act by a fielder which hinders or prevents a batter from hitting a pitch.” The rule specifies “fielder” but in reality the catcher is the culprit in 99.9% of cases, which is why it’s known as catcher’s interference.
What is catcher’s interference rule as?
This rule covers those situations where the catcher interferes with the batter’s attempt to hit the ball. However, if the catcher interferes with the batter prior to the pitch being delivered, time should be called and no penalty assessed.
What is considered blocking the plate?
In baseball, blocking the plate is a technique performed by a catcher to prevent a runner from scoring. 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.
Does the catcher have to be behind the plate?
Unlike the other fielders, the catcher and pitcher must start every play in a designated area. The catcher must be behind home plate in the catcher’s box, while the pitcher must be on the pitcher’s mound, with one foot in contact with the pitcher’s rubber.
What is obstruction at home plate?
Type 1 (type A) Obstruction: Happens when a base runner is impeded while a play is being made on him. For example, if a catcher without possession of the ball blocks the plate, preventing a runner from having unimpeded access to the plate, this is obstruction.
What is the rule on catcher’s interference?
Rule 6.08 (c) This rule covers those situations where the catcher interferes with the batter’s attempt to hit the ball. However, if the catcher interferes with the batter prior to the pitch being delivered, time should be called and no penalty assessed.
Is catcher’s interference a plate appearance?
Yes, a catcher’s interference does count as a plate appearance in baseball (but it does not count as an official at bat). Catcher’s interference is consider a delayed dead ball situation. Catcher’s interference describes a scenario in which the catcher’s actions interfere with the batter’s attempt to hit the ball.
How far behind the plate should a catcher be?
Positioning: It is important to make sure that your catching proteges understand proper positioning behind the plate. They should be in a comfortable crouch on the balls of their feet with their legs shoulder width apart and crouch approximately two feet behind the plate.
What is the obstruction rule?
Official Baseball Rule 2.00 defines obstruction 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.
Where is catcher suppose to stand to not block plate?
Rule differences by level
- A runner may not run out of a direct line to the plate in order to initiate contact with the catcher, or any player, covering the plate.
- The catcher may not block the pathway of a runner attempting to score unless he has possession of the ball.
- All calls will be based on the umpire’s judgment.
What’s the difference between obstruction and interference in softball?
One key distinction between interference and obstruction: Interference is defined as a violation of either the offense or the defense; obstruction can only be committed by the defense.
Can a catcher block the plate in high school?
Although the rule gives catchers the right to block the without the ball, it puts them in harms way. Under NFHS rules a catcher must allow access to the plate if he does not have possession of the ball. It may not be the access the runner wants but the plate should not be totally blocked.
What happens if you block the plate in baseball?
Blocking the plate. 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.
What happens if the catcher blocks the runner in baseball?
The catcher may not block the pathway of a runner attempting to score unless he has possession of the ball. If the catcher blocks the runner before he has the ball, the umpire may call the runner safe. All calls will be based on the umpire’s judgment.
What are the rules for sliding in softball?
Rule differences by level. Runners are not required to slide, and catchers in possession of the ball are allowed to block the plate. However, runners who do slide and catchers who provide the runner with a lane will never be found in violation of the rule.
What happens if you block a base in softball?
If the defensive player has the ball, she is allowed to block the base or base path to apply the tag for an out. Once obstruction occurs, the umpire allows play to continue but immediately declares obstruction and signals for a delayed dead ball.