Richvee

The question is, and FED has never told us as far as I know, what call do you make on the obstructed runner if he’s tagged out at the base he’s automatically protected to? We’re not supposed to call time because other runners may be moving. Do we call him out and fix it later? Do we call him safe? Do we say nothing? My thoughts are, on the bases, call him safe, point to the base. Something like “Safe here on obstruction”. By rule, the play stays alive. Maybe the defense now makes a play on the BR advancing to 2B. If they do, if you called r1 out and want to fix it later, you have deprived him of trying for home on the throw to 2B. I say “On the bases”, because at home it really doesn’t matter. Just don’t kill it. The obstructed runner has nowhere else to go.

Off topic, but since you brought it up...Helped at a training clinic yesterday. I was well aware of a few female cadets, and the fact that some are learning both softball and baseball. The amount of times I caught myself using him, the guy, he while referring to coaches, players, and umpires was horrifying...Even though I was aware and trying not to.

I was just coming back to say perhaps I spoke too soon. Lagging, but hopefully it doesn't fall back to unbearable like it was

Show him a video or pics of a mechanic he needs to correct? His velo on the last two batters? Plenty other things

Yes. way better since yesterday.

I would allow it. I think I’d “monitor “ the conference. Make sure that’s all they’re using the phone for. Getting direction from leadership/ association/state is probably a good idea. If for no other reason than the same “rule” applies at every game. Thinking it through, it’s probably a better idea for the coach to get a ruling from the state and if approved have the approval on hand in case “that guy” is umpiring who wants to make it an issue.

I have to admit. The Gold was my first “real” CP when I graduated to big boy ball. Yeah, I looked like a linebacker. But it served me well for a long time. Do I like my Cobalt more? You bet. But I really can’t complain with the protection and years of use I got out of the Gold. Maybe I was lucky.

I feel the same. BU has this stuff at 1b unless PU has F/F down the FR line when what’s going on at 1B is right in front of him. . I just don’t want to muddy the waters say this is the case for 60 foot mechanics, because it’s been a long time, and I really don’t remember if they’re different.

I. Ant tell you how many times an inning has ended and I’m jogging back to my between innings spot on short RF, only to get there, turn around and see the handshake line forming. Not a big deal. I rarely know the score or inning if there’s no scoreboard.

I’m noticing more and more umpires using them. The more I see them, the less the round shape or large size looks odd. I helped out at a clinic today, and some of the guys had older bags. They look so small. Like little man purses. 😁

I ordered a set in January’23 so I’ve used them for two years now. I love them. They will keep balls dry for a while, but like any bag, once they get too wet, nothing works. The volume and ease of getting a hand in and out makes them the best bags I’ve ever used. That said, two years in, and as I’m putting all my gear together this spring, I noticed they are beginning to fade. They don’t look bad yet, but if I fold over a piece there’s a big difference in the color of the two sides. They have seen a lot of games. But it’s looking like three years of heavy use and they’ll be faded to the point where I’ll buy another set.

I understand the wording of the rule and how it’s adjudicated. I just think when the bases are run like Machado did in the playoffs, he chose that route for one reason. To hinder a play on him running to second. I get it. Legal by rule and interp. And that’s how I would call it. But in my heart of hearts, we all know why he chose that route, and it was to hinder. It just seems to go against the rules of fair play IMO. (And I know what opinions are like). And I certainly can’t call interference on someone because I think differently than the rule

Just like MLB tightened up what obstruction “in the act of fielding” actually is, I think they should tighten up what “intentionally interfering with a throw” really is.

With his head in his phone.

First. Thanks for the compliment. I have nothing to add to @Replacematt and @BigBlue4u ‘s answers. I’ve been frequenting a site/ app called “RefMasters” where some top college and some pro umpires participate and we’ve been talking interference/obstruction lately. A growing theme I’ve noticed is MLB, and D1 umpires will often say plays like some of these that can either be interference or obstruction or nothing, really have no “right answer”. That could be seen either way, as @BigBlue4u alluded to. Sell what you have, and be able to explain it to the coach that’s going to ask you about it in rule book terms. Shameless plug for RefMasters. It’s worth at least a look.

I’ve never been told by an evaluator or assignor about my glasses. And agree it does not matter. That doesn't mean there aren’t coaches that look at you a little different walking on to a field with an old, metal frame with sizable lenses in there, compared to walking out there with a pair of clear lenses in an Oakley Flak. Perception is reality.

I've got obstruction also. In all codes. Even if you're considering interference on a fielder fielding a throw, he can't be obstructing the runner like that. No different than F4 taking a SB tag play and blocking 2B. It's not going to be interference if R1 contacts him before he has the ball.

There's timing, and then there's the point where you forgot to make a call.

Ha! A “what we do on the shadows” reference. I thought my wife and I weee the only ones who watch that. 🤣

Is it just me or is this site running excruciatingly slow? I feel like it’s 1998 and I’m on AOL dialup. 🤷‍♂️

and this is why a pair of Oakley Rx for umpiring is the way to go. Keep your dress eyewear looking good. Get that umpire pair, and enjoy the nice boost to your umpire expenses for your tax returns. 💰👍

I used "normal" glasses for years. If they're fitted right, and not sliding off your head under normal wear, they should be fine "as is" under a mask. Practice. Put on your hat, glasses, mask and practice taking it off. If the glasses are sliding, get a strap. If you decide on "umpire" glasses. Oakley Flak 2.0 XL are my recommendation. Not only the look, but the optics in the Oakley lenses are second to none. Lens options are endless. Clear, Prizm sun,Polarized sun, transitions. Whatever you choose, an anti reflective coating is a must IMO. I love the Flak 2.0, and, for higher level ball, the look gives off a better impression than "Blind umpire needs glasses"

In my very limited 3 man games as U1, I haven’t been hit, but have already dodged my fair share. I’ve also been told to move back up the line. But that look from only 8 feet or so is so much better.

More will follow. I would bet they will be the norm in NCAA soon enough.

NFHS 8-2-6 appeal procedures and guidelines b. Live ball……or by tagging the runner committing the violation if the runner is still on the playing field. and d. May Not Return- A runner may not return to touch a missed base if; 2. The runner has left the field of play