The Greater Nashua Men's Evangelical Softball League
	We play to win others

In order to foster fellowship and avoid injury during the games, there are several rules we have asked coaches to regularly emphasize with their teams and ask the players to learn and apply. These are:

1. Interference by runners, particularly at second base during a double play attempt and at home plate. Our Bylaws state in Rule 5d that
   
   "Runners must not interfere with the defense. On force plays, you must either GO DOWN, GO OUT, or GIVE UP."
   
   This is simply an emphasis of ASA Rule 8.J.4.a. From a practical perspective, this means that a player running into second who is forced out by the ball arriving at second base has to avoid interfering with any subsequent play attempted by the fielder at second. Continuing running toward second or standing in the basepath are both generally considered interference! Simply ducking may or may not be considered interference with a throw to first based on the judgement of the umpire (ducking as a way to avoid inteference is not recommended). Running out of the basepath or sliding are recommended. Whatever you do, don't run into a fielder! Sliding towards the bag is always acceptable.
   
   Likewise, on a play at the plate, the runner must not run into the fielder (typically the catcher). Intentionally running into or over the catcher is grounds for ejection. The runner may either slide or run around the fielder.



2. Obstruction by fielders, particularly by the catcher at home plate. Fielders are not allowed to obstruct the runners progress once a play has been made on the batted ball (i.e. once the ball is touched by a fielder or passes an infielder other than the pitcher) unless the fielder is holding the ball. What this means is that a fielder receiving a throw may not in any way block home plate or a base or a basepath unless the fielder is holding the ball.
   
   Where this rule is often broken is catchers at home plate. Catchers, you may not stand on home plate or anywhere that could impede a runner from scoring unless you are holding the ball. Note that prior to the 2004 ASA rule changes, fielders were allowed to block the plate or a base if they had the ball or were about to receive the ball. This has been changed as of the 2004 season so that you may only block the plate or a base if you are actually holding the ball. Note that this does not mean that players may run into catchers who are not holding the ball. See the first point above. If a catcher illegally obstructs the plate, then the umpire by rule is required to give the runner at least the base to which he was going. Therefore, there is never a reason for a runner to intentionally run into a catcher. Additionally, our Bylaws make it clear that it is primarily the responsibility of the runner to avoid the fielder in a possible collision situation where a fielder is attempting a play.

These two areas (inteference by runners and obstruction by fielders) have been problematic both for our League and for our umpires over the years. Coaches, you can help by making sure all your players understand what is expected of them and the necessity of avoiding collisions which all too often end up in injury.