In a situation where the catcher obstructs the batter by catching a pitch before it reaches the plate, what is the umpire's ruling?

When a catcher obstructs a batter by catching a pitch before it reaches the plate, the umpire's ruling is that the batter is awarded first base. This decision is based on the principle of preventing the catcher from interfering with the batter's opportunity to hit the ball. Consequently, all runners are also required to return to their original bases since the play is ruled as dead due to the obstruction. This ensures that the rules are upheld, and the batter is granted the opportunity to safely reach first base without penalty.

In this situation, choosing this option highlights the enforcement of player safety and the conduct of play in accordance with NCAA Softball rules, emphasizing the catcher’s role and the proper response to obstruction.