Interference and obstruction in slow-pitch softball are among the most misunderstood rules in softball. Any time a fielder appears to be in the way of a baserunner or a baserunner gets in the way of a fielder, many players, coaches, managers and fans believe it is a case of interference or obstruction. However, the rules regarding interference and obstruction are quite specific and often require the umpire to make a judgment.
Interference
The fielder's right to make a play on the ball is absolute, whether the ball is hit or thrown. If the fielder drifts into the baseline to make a play, the baserunner must change her path to avoid contact with the fielder. If a baserunner or batter-runner gets in the way of a fielder making a play and prevents the fielder from catching a ball or making a proper throw, the umpire will call the offending player out. If the umpire believes the action--called interference--has prevented a double play, the umpire can rule a double play. No baserunner may get in the way of a defensive player who is involved in making a play. Contact does not have to occur for it to be interference; for example, a baserunner who waves her arms to prevent a fielder from making a throw has committed interference.
Obstruction
If a fielder gets in the way of a baserunner, the umpire may call obstruction. However, since a baserunner is not allowed to get in the way of a fielder making a play, the only way obstruction can occur is if the contact is initiated by a fielder not directly involved in the play. For example, a runner at first base may try to advance to third base on a hit to right field. After touching second base, she turns toward third and continues at full speed. She collides with the shortstop who is standing in the baseline but is not involved in the play. The shortstop's responsibility is to get out of the baserunner's way. If the runner returns to second base or is tagged out at third base, the umpire can award one or two bases to the runner because of obstruction.
Incidental Contact
In some cases, there can be contact between a fielder and a baserunner and no call will be made. Even though softball is a limited-contact sport, the umpire will not make a call if neither party acted intentionally in causing the contact. For example, a runner may slide into third base in an attempt to beat a throw from the outfield. As the runner slides, the throw bounces away from the third baseman. The runner then starts for home plate as the third baseman chases the ball. The two players get tangled up, and the runner falls. She gets up, runs toward home plate but is tagged out. No call of obstruction or interference is made because the contact between the runner and fielder was incidental and unintentional. The runner would be awarded home plate if the umpire determines the fielder tripped her intentionally.
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