[QUOTE=TwoBits]
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Originally Posted by PeteBooth
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The complete rule is:
USSSA Rule 8.04D: Whenever a tag play is evident, runners must slide, go aroundor seek to avoid contact with the fielder and/or catcher.
My interpretation and the way it should be explained to coaches is that a runner has three choices:
1) Slide
2) Go around
3) Seek to avoid contact
It's not a runner "must slide" every time.
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I do not like the wording "seek to avoid contact"
Baseball contrary to popular belief IS a contact sport. The rule is vague and can cause all kinds of problems the way it is worded.
Also, suppose a runner comes in standing up when a play is evident. Is that act alone reason to call the out. As I mentioned even though a tag play is evident doesn't mean the runner has the three choices you gave. If the ball gets away or the throw is off line why does the runner have to slide, Go around or seek to avoid contact.
Whenever a league puts in it's own "house rule" beware.
USSSA should have simply adopted the FED/NCAA rule as WRITTEN without adding their own nuances to it.
Pete Booth