Is there such a thing as umpire obstruction?

[Dabears17]

12u rec game. USA/ASA rule set, single umpire. Runner on 1st and 2nd. Hit to outfield.

Umpire goes up 3B line to 'holding area' in foul territory. Runner from 2nd has to alter path to run around umpire. Ball beats runner to plate, luckily for umpire, our catcher misses the tag.

1) What would the ruling be if the runner had been tagged out?

2) What made play even more interesting is path runner took to avoid umpire made the straightest path to home through where the discarded bat had landed, slowing her down slightly.

Thanks!

 

[Ajaywill]

To answer the title question.....No

1) What would the ruling be if the runner had been tagged out?

Out

 

[Sparky Guy]

The umpire is considered part of the field. That's why so many people want to treat them like dirt.