FED - Force Play Slide Rule

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by jicecone

A runner can stay upright as long as he makes no attempt to alter the play.

Be careful here: the rule sets a much higher standard that what you suggest. The relevant rule for interference when a runner does not slide is 8-4-2(b):

Originally Posted by rule book

(Any runner is out for interference when he ...) does not legally slide and causes illegal contact and/or illegally alters the actions of a fielder in the immediate act of making a play

Here are 3 distinct standards:

1. Runner must make no attempt to alter the play.
2. Runner must attempt to avoid altering the play.
3. Runner must avoid altering the play.

The first two concern what the runner is trying to do. The rule says nothing about what the runner is trying to do. If he makes illegal contact or illegally alters the play, then he is guilty of interference, whether he was attempting to alter the play or attempting to avoid the fielder.

In other words, the third standard applies: he must successfully avoid altering the play.

Bob referred to the definition of an illegal slide. Here it is:

Originally Posted by rule book

ART. 2 . . . A slide is illegal if:
a. the runner uses a rolling, cross-body or pop-up slide into the fielder, or
b. the runner’s raised leg is higher than the fielder’s knee when the fielder is
in a standing position, or
c. the runner goes beyond the base and then makes contact with or alters the
play of the fielder, or
d. the runner slashes or kicks the fielder with either leg, or
e. the runner tries to injure the fielder, or
f. the runner, on a force play, does not slide on the ground and in a direct line
between the two bases.

Bob pointed out that clause (c) refers to making contact; clause (f) does not, nor does it even refer to altering the play.