Obstruction/interference/"malicious" contact non-ruling (NFHS)...

[jcwells]

Here's the situation; 1 out, R2. B1 hits single to center, F8 makes play on ball, throws to plate to make a play on R2 heading for home. F2 is set up for throw near plate, in fair territory, exposing rear half of plate for R2. Ball arrives on target to a crouching F2, but a few milliseconds late, as R2 slides into F2 and plate. R2 spikes F2 directly in the cup, while touching front half of the plate to score. I don't believe that the spiking was intentional, but R2 clearly did not make any attempt to avoid contact, by sliding towards the open back half of the plate. PU rules R2 safe, no call on the contact.

I've seen a number of similar no calls, on both runners and fielders, on this issue during the HS season. I'm particularly annoyed about this here in Colorado, since it was specifically brought up as a point of emphasis this year.

I'm looking forward to reading the viewpoints of the experts on this!

Cheers...

John