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The onus to avoide the collision is on the runner because the runner has the job of watching where s/he is going and the fielder the ball. If the fielder is obstructing the plate the runner goes around or stops and gets the plate on the obs. There is no reason for the collision unless the catcher makes a sudden change in direction, to ever allow an intentional collision is to invite a lawsuit.
My pre game always included that "I want a clean game, keep all hitting below the belt". Usually gets a puzzled look the first time but they then pay attention and use it on their players in the dugout. Why the rule? A broken leg from a slid makes it hard to walk for a few months, a broken back from a torso to torso collision makes it hard to walk ever again.
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