What is the ruling when a fielding attempt causes a collision with a runner before possessing the ball?

The correct ruling in this scenario is obstruction if the runner is short of the base. When a fielder attempts to make a play on the ball and a collision occurs with a runner before the fielder has possession of the ball, the primary question is whether the fielder was in the way of the runner's path and whether the runner was impeded in their ability to advance due to the fielder's positioning.

In this case, if the runner is still short of the base, the fielder's attempt to make a play can be deemed obstructive. Obstruction occurs when a defensive player is not in possession of the ball and is in the way of a runner's path, preventing them from advancing, especially if the runner is trying to reach a base. The rule is designed to protect the runner and ensure they have a fair chance to complete their advancement without being unfairly hindered by a defensive player's actions.

If the runner had already passed the base or was in the process of touching it, the ruling might differ, as the runner would have more rights to their path at that point. Understanding this context is crucial for making accurate rulings during the game, emphasizing the protective nature of the obstruction rule for runners still trying to reach their bases