catchers interference

Question
Scott,read your answer regarding catcher interference, in our game obstruction was called, swing hit glove, and coach given option of first base or take the play. There were runners on second and third. Coach took the base and umpire also moved both runners resulting in a run. We cannot find that in NSA rules, what do you say?

Answer
Hi Keith,
Thank you for your catcher's obstruction question.  I hope that I didn't use the term "catcher's interference" in one of my past answers, as that term isn't quite correct!

I was very pleased and thankful to NSA that they have their rules on line for all the world to see and use.  It made researching your question a snap.  Here is NSA's catcher's obstruction rule, 8-2-f,1-3:
"When the catcher or any other fielder obstructs or hinders the batter from striking at or hitting a pitched ball:
1. The umpire shall signal, "Delayed dead ball".
2. The offensive team manager has the option of taking the base awarded the batter for catcher obstruction, or he may take the result of the play.
3. If the batter reaches 1st base safely and all other runners advance at least one base on the batted ball, catcher obstruction is canceled and no other options are given."

http://www.playnsa.com/uploads/2011RuleBook11.pdf

Your umpire started off on the right foot when they ruled catcher's obstruction when the batter swung and hit the catcher's glove.  Then they correctly offered the offensive coach the option of the result of the play (which I have to think was just a clumsy swing and a strike, since the bat hit the catcher's glove) OR awarding the batter 1B.  Naturally, the coach took the award, which would have loaded the bases for him.  But the umpire was too generous in their award when they advanced the runners who were on 2B and 3B, too.  See number 2 in the obstruction rule I included.  There's no mention of advancing unforced runners.  Only runners who were forced to advance when the batter was awarded 1B would be allowed to advance.  This rule misinterpretation by Blue was "protestable" by the defense before the next pitch.

Scott Kelly