Catchers Obstruction

NFHS Rule 8-1-1(e)

OBR Rule ?  You Make the Call

NFHS Rule 8-1-1(e)

NFHS 8-1-1 (e) A batter becomes a runner with the right to attempt to score by advancing to first, second, third and home bases in the listed order when:

(e) the catcher or any other defensive player obstructs him. The coach or captain of the team at bat, after being informed by the umpire-in-chief of the obstruction, shall indicate whether or not he elects to decline the obstruction penalty and accept the resulting play. Such election shall be made before the next pitch (legal or illegal), before the award of an intentional base on balls, or before the infielders leave the diamond. Obstruction of the batter is ignored if the batter-runner reaches first and all other runners advance at least one base.

  1. Any runner attempting to advance (i.e., steal or squeeze) on a catcher’s obstruction of the batter shall be awarded the base he is attempting. If a runner is not attempting to advance on the catcher’s obstruction, he shall not be entitled to the next base, if not forced to advance because of the batter being awarded first base. If obstruction is enforced, all other runners on the play will return to base occupied at time of the pitch. The batter is awarded first base, if he did not reach base.
  2. If obstruction is not enforced, all other runners advance at their own risk.