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