catcher

Question
QUESTION: If a ball is hit to the outfield and the runner is coming home is a catcher only allowed to block the plate when he has control of the ball? what if the throw is in the air and the catcher is waiting for it and is blocking the plate. is that allowed?

Thanks

ANSWER: Sara,

It depends on the ruleset being used. Some rules require a fielder to have possession of the ball before they can prevent access to bag, while others require the play to be "imminent."

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Pony rules are being used. thanks

Answer
Sara,

In reading PONY's rules, it appears they use the MLB's rulebook in most cases, and I did not find an exception for obstruction in the PONY rule book I looked through. Therefore, the MLB rule is that a play must be "imminent" for the catcher to block the plate. In most interpretations, "imminent" is defined as the ball being within the infield and going toward the plate for the play.

With that said, there's a very strong possibility either PONY or the local organization has a different rule.