Obstruction Differences Across Rulebooks
Review of Definition of Obstruction
The definition of obstruction is generally consistent across rulebooks: a fielder, without possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding it, impedes the progress of a runner. However, each ruleset handles the penalties and awards for obstruction differently.
In USSSA softball, obstruction is defined as: "the act of the defensive team member that hinders or impedes a batter’s attempt to make contact with a pitched ball, or that impedes the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally running bases, unless the fielder is in possession of the ball or is making the initial play on a batted ball. The act may be intentional or unintentional, physical or verbal."
One nice thing about USSSA's definition is that it explicitly includes verbal obstruction which exists in other rulesets but is not always spelled out. Additionally, where other rulebooks call it "catcher's interference", USSSA call it "catcher's obstruction" when the catcher hinders the batter's attempt to hit the ball (a subtle difference in wording).
In OBR, obstruction is defined as: "the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner."
In NFHS baseball, obstruction is defined as: "an act (intentional or unintentional, as well as physical or verbal) by a fielder, any member of the defensive team or its team personnel that hinders a runner or changes the pattern of play as in 5-1-3 and 8-3-2; or when a catcher or fielder hinders a batter as in 5-1-2b, 8-1-1e, 8-3-1c and 8-3-2. When obstruction occurs, the ball becomes dead at the end of playing action and the umpire has the authority to determine which base or bases shall be awarded then runners according to the rule violated."
Penalties and Awards
As mentioned in the rule explanation for obstruction (linked below), the penalties and awards for obstruction vary by ruleset. In OBR, there are two types of obstruction: Type A (a.k.a. Type 1) and Type B (a.k.a. Type 2). Type A obstruction is an immediate dead ball with a one base award (or more if deemed appropriate by the umpire), while Type B obstruction is a delayed dead ball with the number of bases awarded being in the umpire's judgment (sometimes no bases are awarded). In NFHS and USSSA, all obstruction is treated as a delayed dead ball situation.
In OBR Type A obstruction occurs when a play is being made on the obstructed runner (see linked rule explanation below for more details). Type B obstruction occurs when no play is being made on the obstructed runner. USSSA and NFHS do not distinguish between types of obstruction; all obstruction is treated as delayed dead ball situations similar to OBR Type B obstruction.
If you are used to OBR, the main difference to keep in mind when playing NFHS or USSSA is that there are no immediate dead ball obstruction calls. All obstruction calls are delayed dead ball situations where the umpire must use his/her judgment to determine the appropriate base awards (if any) based on the obstruction.
If you are used to NFHS, the main difference to keep in mind when playing OBR is that there are immediate dead ball obstruction calls (Type A) when a play is being made on the obstructed runner. In these situations, the obstructed runner is awarded at least one base (or more if deemed appropriate by the umpire).
Handling Confusion
These differences can be confusing, not just for parents and players, but also for experienced umpires who are used to one ruleset and have to adjust to another. Here are some tips to help manage the confusion:
1. As a coach, ensure you clairfy what ruleset is being used before the game starts. This ensures you, your opponents, and the umpire(s) are all on the same page.
2. As a coach, let your players know which ruleset is being used after the plate conference. This will help players adjust their expectations accordingly. It may also change your game plan (there are some trick plays you can use under OBR Type A obstruction that you can't use under NFHS/USSSA).
3. As a parent or player, ask your coach which ruleset is being used if you are unsure. While your league should use the same ruleset all year, umpires aren't perfect and sometimes fly by the seat of their pants.
4. As an umpire, ask the coaches what ruleset is being used during the plate conference. While you may already know, it takes the libability off you if there is confusion later in the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all high school leagues use NFHS rules?▼
No. Some leagues, especially private school leagues, have moved to OBR or NCAA based rules (with adaptations).
What do I do, as a coach, if the umpire believes we are playing under a different ruleset?▼
There are two options. First, always politely clarify what you believe the ruleset should be. If the umpire insists on a differentr ruleset, you could contact your athletic director for immediate help before the game starts. But this may frustrate a pompous umpire. Another options is to play by the rules the umpire insists on, and make sure your players know the key differences.