Obstruction call?

[poppyfor3]

R2 and R3, no outs. Batter singles to right. R3 jogs to home and catcher has plate blocked. R3 simply goes around touches home plate on first base side. Called obstruction and catcher turns to look at me, quizically. R2 heads home and throw is off line. No play. Thinking later, should the call be made in this EXACT situation since no penalty will be awarded and may confuse everyone involved (12-13 year olds). At this level (local ball), and this age group, was I right or is there something better?

[Aging_Arbiter]

Preventative umpiring? Maybe by calling that, little Johnny went back to the dugout and asked his coach what the heck obstruction is (since the coach probably didn't teach that). Maybe the next time out, the coach will ask, or will have told little Johnny what he did wrong.

[carolinablue]

Last time I did a LL minors game, I called an IFF that resulted in a lot of confusion because nobody knew the rule. I had people tell me they don't call that in LL and all kinds of stupid stuff.

A couple of days later I did a game with the same two teams and they apologized because thay all went home and actually got the rulebook out and read the rules and learned something.

I say call it by the rules because your probably the only one who knows them. Maybe by doing so, somebody will learn something and you won't have to deal with them later.

[mstaylor]

I agree, announce it. It is a type B obstruction possibility and it lets everyone know that you have it. If you don't and it comes into play, then you have to announce at the end of thr play and looks bad.

[willv28]

Good job, that's exactly how you should call it when type B OBS happens. Everyone never learns the rules because the first time someone calls it correctly, everyone's confused, then they just give up on it and let it go. Lots of umpires take short cuts. Sure in LL they're doing this after work, on their time and for usually nothing, except maybe a burger or dog after the game so there's little incentive for some.

[Umpire in Chief]

I agree to call it if we as a collective do things like this more frequently (hopefully) people will learn, but also it will make it easier when you have to call it in a more tense situation.

[poppyfor3]

Thanks, guys. The "play" was so relaxed, I was the only one watching. Called it anyway--just because it was what it was. Later, I'm thinking was I an OOO? Your responses were dead on. Another bullet in my gun of knowledge.

[Aging_Arbiter]

Just be careful where you point that gun.........and when you pull the trigger!

[MCLEOD36]

I like the announcement by MS. If not, it could bite you later when someone (ie crafty coach or parent) goes, you didnt announce it for the other one, but this one you did. Announcing and sticking out your right arm, is just good mechanics at any level.....