OK...Can anyone tell me exactly whether a runner has to slide or not? On page 55 of the Rules Book it says that a runner is never required to slide, but if a runner elects to slide, the slide must be legal. Case Play 8.4.2 Situation T on page 69 says a runner is required to legally slide or legally attempt to avoid a fielder. My understanding is that he does not have to slide but if he does it must be legal. If he does not slide he cannot interfere with the fielders attempt to field the ball. My example is a play at the plate where the catcher is up the 3rd base line a few steps on his knees waiting for a ball being thrown in from the outfield. The runner arrives before the ball does so as long as he does not interfere with the catcher he does not have to slide correct?

A runner never has to slide. If he choses to slide, it must be a legal slide. If the runner choses not to slide then he must avoid contact.

I don't even have to read past the first sentence. Ldub is correct.

His last two sentences are correct also.:D