I invite you to check out the most recent 7innings podcast that the ESPN softball announcers do weekly. Actually the “True Blue” umpire special was a bonus episode where they talked to the coordinator of officials (also former umpire) for I believe 4 or 5 conferences Christie Cornwell. She does an awesome job of explaining what the umpires are going through and their lack of reps, the # of umpires she lost at the beginning of the season, etc. She also goes very in-depth on obstruction and what they are looking for and puts things in laymen’s terms. It was a fascinating listen!!

Also encourage you to check out the podcast in general because I’ve listened from day one a couple years ago when they started it and absolutely love it!! Might get a little silly at times, but they are insightful, fair and funny at the same time.