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Originally Posted by BretMan
Has the runner, by sliding past home plate, effectively "overrun" her protection from being put out?
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I am not aware of "official" softball interpretations that cover this.
What I have been taught, and what I have always understood is the way to call it, is by classifying the runners actions after missing the base as being "active" or "inactive".
If the runner missed home and is actively trying to return and touch it, then she is still protected.
If the runner missed home and then started toward the dugout, basically disengaging from the play, then she is no longer protected and would be out on appeal.
The above active/inactive classification is how I've been taught to handle whether (a) the defensive player with the ball could make a live ball appeal by just touching the base, or (b) the defensive player needs to physically tag the player attempting to return to a base.
I state that not to hijack the tread to discuss appeals (and realizing others here disagree with me on this interpretation.) I state the above in that it relates to your scenario in that a player that perhaps slide past home and immediately attempted to return to it, probably would not have been in that situation if they had not been obstructed. However, if they are walking away and disengaged from the play, I believe they could be out on appeal.
JMHO
Good Question!