Little League Baseball: Infield Interference & Obstruction Rules

Question
Martin, in little league I instruct the infielders to stay off the running line if there is a runner on the bag, several coaches have disputed this with me and I belive its interference if the runner has to run around the players in order to advance.....also basemen standing on the bag when there is no play to the bag...slowing runners to a stop

Answer
Craig,

This would be considered obstruction, both in the base path and on a base with no ball.  However, if the fielder is in the process of fielding a ball, and runs into the running lane, it is up to the runner to alter their path as to not interfere with the fielder.

I hope they tread carefully with the players in the running lane.

I hope this has helped.  Should you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

-Martin Hoover