Base Runner Obstruction

Question
12-U ASA tournament; Runners at 1st & 2nd with 2 outs. My hitter hits a grounder to the shortstop who is playing deep and nearly on the grass. The runner on 2nd gets her jump from the pitch and on the hit is off for 3rd. The short stop fields the ball but bobbles it and can't make the throw due to the fielding error. There was no contact between runner & fielder nor did the runner touch the hit ball. The home plate ump calls the runner from second out claiming runner obstruction. Said the runner created a distraction. No contact, verbal or physical and the ball was never touched. Keep in mind the shortstop was playing deep & the runner never strayed from the base line. Blown call?

Answer
Hi Walt,

I would not have any interference on a runner who is simply advancing to another base and the ball passes in front, jumps over or behind her.  She must make some "act" to cause the interference such as intentionally distracting or blocking the defender's vision.

This is a no call, btw, the offense interferes and the defense obstructs, if the umpire used the word offensive obstruction they would be incorrect on that also.

Mark