What must a coach do if they choose to decline an obstruction penalty after R2 scores on a fly ball?

When a coach decides to decline an obstruction penalty after a runner has scored, it is essential for the coach to inform the umpire before the next pitch. This is because the decision to decline the penalty needs to be clearly communicated to avoid any confusion regarding the play that just occurred.

Declining an obstruction penalty may impact how the game continues, and notifying the umpire promptly ensures that the game can proceed without misunderstanding about the call. This protocol preserves the integrity of the game, maintains the flow of play, and ensures that all participants are aware of the decisions that have been made, as the rules require that any rulings or options exercised by the coach be made known immediately.

In contrast, waiting until the end of the inning or after the next pitch would not align with the required procedure for declaring a decision regarding an obstruction penalty, as it could lead to complications in maintaining the correct game state. Similarly, notifying the opposing team first is not required and could create unnecessary distractions or disputes.