OFFICIAL BASEBALL RULES

Rule 6.01(f ) (5.08) Coach and Umpire InterferenceIf a thrown ball accidentally touches a base coach, or a pitched orthrown ball touches an umpire, the ball is alive and in play.However, if the coach interferes with a thrown ball, the runner isout.Rule 6.01(f) Comment (Rule 2.00 (Interference)(c)) andComment): Umpire’s interference occurs (1) when a plateumpire hinders, impedes or prevents a catcher’s throw attemptingto prevent a stolen base or retire a runner on a pick-offplay; or (2) when a fair ball touches an umpire on fair territorybefore passing a fielder. Umpire interference may also occurwhen an umpire interferes with a catcher returning the ball tothe pitcher.(g)(7.07) Interference With Squeeze Play or Stealof HomeIf, with a runner on third base and trying to score by means of asqueeze play or a steal, the catcher or any other fielder steps on, orin front of home base without possession of the ball, or touches thebatter or his bat, the pitcher shall be charged with a balk, the battershall be awarded first base on the interference and the ball is dead.(h)(7.06) ObstructionWhen obstruction occurs, the umpire shall call or signal“Obstruction.”(1) If a play is being made on the obstructed runner, or if thebatter-runner is obstructed before he touches first base,the ball is dead and all runners shall advance, without liabilityto be put out, to the bases they would have reached,in the umpire’s judgment, if there had been no obstruction.The obstructed runner shall be awarded at least onebase beyond the base he had last legally touched beforethe obstruction. Any preceding runners, forced toadvance by the award of bases as the penalty for obstruction,shall advance without liability to be put out.Rule 6.01(h )(1) Comment (Rule 7.06(a ) Comment ): When aplay is being made on an obstructed runner, the umpire shall67