That's why it's a stupid rule. Let them play. If it was just that the out had to be a "simulated force" and no tags, that would eliminate most collisions. Besides, it handicaps team that actually have a usable catcher.
A second part of that "rule" I've seen is that the runner is out if they touch the plate. Most can't get it that it only applies when there is a play being made. No one gets it that with one umpire, no one is watching if there is a play elsewhere. And that rule, if it is for collision avoidance, implies that catchers are only 17 inches wide. If you have to have that nonsense, make it a rule against using the full width of the normal basepath, three feet on either side of the foul line.
Then we've seen the point of no return line. What is the use of that, besides removing any judgement by the runner?
__________________
Officiating takes more than OJT.
It's not our jobs to invent rulings to fit our personal idea of what should and should not be.
|