Catcher interference is a situation in baseball where the catcher or any other fielder interferes with the batters attempt to hit the ball. If this happens, the batter is awarded first base. If first base was already occupied at the time of the interference, the runners advance only if forced. The umpire will allow the play to continue if the outcome of the play may be more desirable than the interference. In that case, the offensive manager can elect to accept the outcome of the play over the interference. If the batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batsman, or otherwise, and all runners advance at least one base, the play proceeds without reference to catcher’s interference. Catchers interference is considered a delayed dead ball situation, much like a balk. If the interference is accepted, the batter is awarded first base without liability to be put out. The catcher is charged with an error, but the batter is not considered to have reached on an error and is not charged with a time at-bat.