guarding 1st base in asa high school softball
Question
Dr. Ambrose, Can a first baseperson stand directly over 1st base covering the area phyiscally so that a runner can not get back to base without hitting first baseperson. girls softball
Answer
Hi Gregg,
Unless they have the ball or are in the act of fielding a batted ball the answer is no.
If they are not in the act of fielding a batted ball or not in possession of the ball and they impede the runner legally running the bases, we have obstruction. There need not be contact for obstruction, so I would counsel you for safety not to have the runner crash into f3.
Memorize this....POE 36 "If a defensive player is blocking the base or basepath without the ball, this is obstruction." and if it happens discuss it with the umpire.
Mark
asa rules on overrunning first base
Batter-Runner overrunning First