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Originally Posted by bwbuddy
Is there a mandatory ASA fast-pitch "must-slide" rule for a runner coming home (or any other base)? If not, are local jurisdictions allowed to add a mandatory "must-slide" rule?
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No, and yes.
If a local jurisdiction, (or any jurisdiction) mandates a "must slide" rule, they are asking for trouble. Sliding can result in injuries. If a runner was following a mandated rule to slide and was thusly injured, (and I've seen broken legs, ankles, and one foot almost completely torn off!) the league or jurisdiction could be liable for the injury.
The ruling is that a runner cannot crash into a fielder who has the ball waiting to apply a tag. The ASA interp is that a runner MAY slide, jump over, go around, or return to the previous base (home excluded), when a fielder is attempting to tag. This however will not give the right for a runner to deliberately crash into one who does not have the ball.
If you have access to an ASA rule book, read POE 14.