ASA Girls Fastpitch - 1B-man blocking 1B

Question
After the batter hits the ball, a throw to 1B ends up pulling the first baseman into the runner's path.  The first baseman is blocking both the white and the orange 1B.  What is the runner to do?  Does the first baseman need to make sure she isn't blocking both bases?  What is the runner to do?  Is this ever obstruction? One of my players had this happen and then asked me what the rule is and I didn't know how to answer, so I appreciate your input.  

Thanks in Advance,
Coach Doug

Answer
Hi Coach,

This is very difficult w/out seeing the individual play...it can be obstruction if F3 does not have control of the ball (about to receive the ball doesn't count)and impedes the b-r.  It can be nothing if the defense, the offense and the ball all arrive at the same time.

This is really what the umpire sees and their judgment of all the elements involved at the time of the play.

SN: In tournie play I instruct my umpires to watch closely for obstruction on this play. IMO it's not called often enough.

Mark