Interference/Collision

Question
Hello again Dr. Mark -

I tried to find the answer buried in your archives, but cannot find it how it relates to this situation.  Girls Modified game (ASA) bottom of 7th, 2 out (of course!).  Ball grounded about 3-4 feet off the 1st base side of second base.  2nd baseman fields the ball in the "basepath".  Here's where it gets confusing: there was a mild collision immediately after the ball was fielded.  The 2nd baseman scooped the ball and was trying to come up for the tag.  She was immediately bumped out of the way before she could get the ball and glove up to the runner allowing the runner to take the remaining 1-2 steps to 2nd base.  It really was a bang-bang play.  Interference was not called.  The Umpire stated that the impact took place after the fielding play was made.  

Is this a judgement call? At what point does the runner ALLOW the fielder to make the play and then continue to the base? Clearly if she let her complete the fielding and stand to ready herself, she would have been out. (The runner did not alter her path, it was full speed to the base).  I guess what I'm asking is that since the fielder had possession of the ball, be it for a split second, does the interference call go away?

Let me know if I confused you.  I appreciate your time.

I fear that in the future, teams will need experts such as yourself on each bench to clarify these games!  Some of these parents and coaches get nuts!!  I'm in for a long ride with 3 daughters on 6 different teams!

Mike

Answer
Hi Mike,

Interference is always a judgment call.

INTERFERENCE.
Interference is the act of an offensive player or team member that impedes,
hinders or confuses a defensive player attempting to execute a play.

In this case I would have interference as F4 was hindered from executing a play.

Mark