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I'm not sure that "must slide" rules, which are dangerous, are made to reduce obstruction, as opposed to collisions. And to have a rule that is defined by the ball being on the way, which the runner often can't see, is really poor. The result is probably that the runners often slide when they don't have to, increasing the likelihood of injury. That also increases the temptation to fake tag or at least fake a catch. YUK!
As said, there is an obstruction rule in all books I know, which if properly observed prevents a lot more collisions
and injuries than sliding.
Do I get this right?
This rule only covers throws, so on a fly to an infielder when the runner is trying to get back to the base, no slide is required even if the fielder is standing on the base.
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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.
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