What is obstruction and what is awarded to the runner?

Definition (WBSC Official Rules of Softball 2026-2029, rule 5.1 definitions). Obstruction is the act of a defensive player or team member who hinders or prevents a batter from striking at or hitting a pitched ball, or a fielder who impedes in any way the progress of a batter-runner or runner who is legally running the bases while the fielder is:

1. not in possession of the ball;
2. not in the act of fielding a batted ball;
3. making a fake tag without the ball;
4. in possession of the ball and pushing a runner off a base; or
5. in possession of the ball but not in the act of making a play on the batter-runner or runner.

Award (rule 5.10.2). A delayed dead ball is signalled and the ball stays live until the end of the play. The obstructed runner, and each other runner affected, is awarded the base or bases they would have reached, in the umpire's judgment, had there been no obstruction. If the umpire feels there is justification, a defensive player making a fake play may be ejected. If the obstructed runner is put out before reaching that base, a dead ball is called and the awards are made. An obstructed runner may not be called out between the two bases where they were obstructed, with the exceptions listed in rule 5.10.2 d) (for example an act of interference after the obstruction is ruled, or a legal appeal for a missed base).