In NFHS baseball, spectator interference is which kind of penalty relative to on-field interference or obstruction?

• A. Spectator interference is treated the same as on-field interference.
• B. It is not a penalty.
• C. Spectator interference is a separate penalty from on-field interference or obstruction.
• D. It always results in an automatic out.

Answer: (C)

Spectator interference is a separate penalty from on-field interference or obstruction. This distinction matters because it comes from external interference by spectators, not from actions by players on the field, so the umpire uses its own remedy rather than the penalties that apply to fielders. When a spectator interferes with a live ball, the ball is dead and the offense is awarded bases as appropriate for the situation, rather than automatically getting an out or being treated as on-field interference. In short, it’s its own category with its own treatment.