Which statement best describes interference in NFHS baseball?

Which statement best describes interference in NFHS baseball?

• A. A ball that results in interference on the batter
• B. An act by a batter, runner, coach, or spectator that hinders a fielder from making a play.
• C. A strikeout on a foul tip
• D. An obstruction because of a fielder

Answer: (B)

Interference occurs when someone other than the fielder—such as the batter, a baserunner, a coach, or even a spectator—does something that hinders the fielder from making a play on a batted ball. The key is that the hindrance comes from an outside actor and stops the fielder from completing the play. When interference happens, the ball is dead at the moment of interference, and the umpire applies the appropriate base awards for the offense. This is different from obstruction, which is when a fielder hinders a runner.

Interference occurs when someone other than the fielder—such as the batter, a baserunner, a coach, or even a spectator—does something that hinders the fielder from making a play on a batted ball. The key is that the hindrance comes from an outside actor and stops the fielder from completing the play. When interference happens, the ball is dead at the moment of interference, and the umpire applies the appropriate base awards for the offense. This is different from obstruction, which is when a fielder hinders a runner.