The USSSA rule is typical of a mis-written and mis-interpreted rule. This is because the writers of the rule had no gramatacl training and the readers are just as stupid. *
Here's the rule:** note no reference to TwoBits is intended other than that he was the author of the post with the rule. ***
Quote:
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Originally Posted by TwoBits
USSSA Rule 8.04D: Whenever a tag play is evident, runners must slide, go around or seek to avoid contact with the fielder and/or catcher. Attempting to jump, leap, or dive over a the fielder and/or catcher is not an act of avoiding contact. Malicious contact shall supersede all obstruction penalties. PENALTY: Runner shall be called out and may be ejected from the game at the umpres discretion. COMMENT: When enforcing this rule, the umpire should judge the runner's intent. If the umpire adjudges that the contact was unintentional, then the runer shall only be called out. If the umpire adjudges that the contact was intentional and/or malicious, then the runner shall be called out and ejected from the game.
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Maybe it would be better if it were written as follows:
- Whenever a tag play is evident, runners must seek to avoid contact with the fielder and/or catcher. This may be accomplished by (but not limited to) sliding or going around the fielder and/or catcher. Malicious contact shall supersede all obstruction penalties. PENALTY: Runner shall be called out and may be ejected from the game at the umpres discretion. COMMENT: When enforcing this rule, the umpire should judge the runner's intent. If the umpire adjudges that the contact was unintentional, then the runer shall only be called out. If the umpire adjudges that the contact was intentional and/or malicious, then the runner shall be called out and ejected from the game.
Now, not even a coach could call this a "must slide" rule.
Ooops! I just realized that I am expecting coaches to be intelligent! Forget the whole thing!