NCAA 6-3 Delayed Dead Ball—Runners Return or Advance
Delayed Dead Ball—Runners Return or Advance
SECTION 3. The ball becomes dead and base runners return when:
a. The plate umpire interferes with the catcher’s attempt to throw anywhere; Note: The interference shall be disregarded if the catcher’s throw retires the runner.
b. The batter interferes with the catcher’s attempt to throw out a runner who is attempting to advance.
PENALTIES for b.—(1) The batter is out (see 7-11-f ); (2) If the batter strikes out, the runner is also out; and (3) If the catcher makes a play and the runner attempting to advance is put out and the batter does not strike out, the batter is not out and the interference is disregarded. The ball remains live and other runners may advance. If there is an attempt by the catcher to throw and the attempt is aborted due to any illegal action by the offense, the ball becomes dead immediately, the batter is out and all runners return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch.
c. The batter-runner is obstructed after safely reaching first base. The umpire shall call, “That’s obstruction,” but shall allow the play to continue until all play has ceased. Award bases, if any, that will nullify the act of obstruction.
d. Batter-runner is obstructed before reaching first base. There are three situations to consider: 1) Batter-runner is obstructed on a ground ball to an infielder.
PENALTY—The ball is dead and the batter-runner is awarded first base.
2) Batter-runner is obstructed on an infield line drive or pop-up.
PENALTY—Umpire calls, “That’s obstruction,” but leaves the ball in play. If the ball is caught, the batter is out. If the ball is dropped, award bases.
3) Batter-runner is obstructed on a ball hit to the outfield.
PENALTY—The umpire shall point and call “That’s obstruction.” The umpire shall let the play continue until all play has ceased, call time and award any bases that are justified in Rule 2, if any. If a runner(s) advances beyond what the umpire would have granted and is put out, the runner(s) is out.
