Runner Interference or not?

[Guest LThompson]

Fastpitch softball Question is the next scenario runner interference or not?

Runner on 2nd base. Ball hit to shortstop and the runner on 2nd while running seems to hesitate just for a second right in front of the fielder while fielding the ball but the runner does not make contact with fielder or the ball even though the runner is as close to the fielder as runner can get without making contact with fielder. The fielder boots the ball. Is this interference or no because they didn’t make contact?

[Senor Azul]

The following play is from the 2019 NCAA Softball Case Book but I think this would be true for any level of softball.

A.R. 12-55. The batter hits a typical ground ball to the second baseman, but the runner from first base noticeably slows down or stops in order to time running in front of the fielder just as the batted ball is about to be fielded. The runner does not make contact but attempts to distract the fielder by being near the fielder as she fields the ball. Can interference occur without physical contact such as this play?

RULING: Merely running in front of the fielder fielding the ball does not usually constitute interference; however, it could if the defense was prevented from making the play. Note: Contact is not required for interference to occur. For example, if a runner runs straight into a base and the fielder who fielded the ball is unable to throw the ball because the runner is screening the receiver. (Rule 12.17.2.1.5.2)

[LMSANS]

Contact is not required. This is a judgement call by the umpire.