PEIBUA Newsletter

The April 2026 edition of the PEI Baseball Umpires Association Newsletter is now available.

This month’s update includes:
• 2026 umpire certification clinic dates
• PEIBUA Umpire Academy and National Umpire Clinic details
• A look at PEI’s first turf baseball field
• Highlights from the first clinic of the season
• A quick rule refresher on obstruction

Umpire’s Corner: The Rule Refresher

Focus of the Month: Understanding Obstruction

Welcome back! We hope you all had a relaxing winter break. With the ball season fast approaching, it’s time to sharpen our skills and review the rules that keep the game fair and safe. This month, we are diving into Obstruction—a rule that can be challenging to enforce but is vital for game management.

What is Obstruction?

Obstruction occurs when a fielder, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding it, impedes the progress of a runner.

💡 Pro Tip: Contact is not required! If a runner has to deviate from their path to avoid a fielder who doesn't have the ball, it is still obstruction.

Know Your Types

There are two distinct types of obstruction that umpires must be prepared to call:

Type 1: Obstruction During a Play

This occurs when a runner is obstructed while a play is actively being made on them.

• The Penalty: The runner is automatically awarded one base beyond their last touched base.
• The Procedure:
1. Call “Time” immediately.
2. Point at the violation and say: “That’s obstruction!”
3. Award the appropriate base(s).
• Important Note: Even if the runner is returning to a base when obstructed, they are still awarded the next base.

Type 2: Obstruction Away from the Play

This occurs when obstruction happens, but no immediate play is being made on that runner.

• The Penalty: The runner is awarded the base the umpire determines they would have reached had the obstruction not occurred.
• The Procedure:
1. Point at the violation and call: “That’s obstruction!”
2. Allow the play to continue until finished.
3. Call "Time" and enforce the obstruction.
• Important Note: If a runner attempts to advance to a base beyond what the umpire would have awarded, they can still be tagged out.

Closing Thoughts

Obstruction calls can get complicated, but mastering this rule is instrumental—especially during high-stakes moments in the bottom of the 7th inning.

We’ll see you on the ballfield before you know it!