player interference with runner

Question
in coed softball.. hear is the story..im a guy im on second the hitter hits a flare to right field right when it is hit i take off for 3rd knowing it wont be caught and knowing there right fielder has a good arm and with my speed im going to try to score.as i hit 3rd im getting the stop sign so i glance to right field and decide im going to score as i get about 2 or 3 steps off 3rd i bump into the 3rd basemen who is not even in the play we both fall down i try to go back to 3rd but get tagged out! i felt i should be awarded home or atleast get to go back to 3rd what is the rule on this? THANK YOU

Answer
Hi Kyle,

Defensive players obstruct and offensive players interfere in softball.  

Obstruction is the act of a defensive player not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding a batted ball  that impedes a runner legally running the bases.

Based on your facts, you were obstructed and are now protected between the bases you were obstructed, you cannot be called out between those bases. You should have been awarded the base you would have reached in the umpires judgment had you not been obstructed.  This sounds like 3rd, home would be the other possibility, but I didn't see it.


Mark