Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Illini_Ref
I am saying that "slide or avoid contact" would be better wording for ALL rule sets that have similar language. More black and white for the umpire that way. If you make contact (not initiated by the fielder) and are not sliding, you are out.
|
Okay, Illini_Ref; read your post again slowly! In order for your "slide or avoid contact" explanation to work, you must also add a "must slide" statement! Why? Because in your explanation,
Quote:
|
If you make contact (not initiated by the fielder) and are not sliding, you are out.
|
. Of course, if you say that a runner "must slide" then you must determine "when" a runner has to slide. After that, you must evolve the discussion to "how" a runner has to slide - feet first, head first, pop-up, body block, cross body, rolling - the list ca go on and on! And after all that, you have to figure out the penalties for each of the violations!
Simply put, none of the 3 rule sets (OBR, NCAA & FED) dare to put a runner in the dirt for any reason. The spin offs (LL, Babe Ruth) also do not force a runner into the dirt. Only idiotic "local rule" jerks try force players to slide thinking that it will do something (what I still haven't figured out in over 40 years) to help the game!
The best advice I can give you is simple, work within the rule set's definition for FPSR, illegal slide, or malicious contact. There you will find the proper instructions for when a runner should get down (runner's choice) and whether said slide will be accepted. To do otherwise is just asking for trouble!
Regards