An Odd Play at The Plate

[Stu Clary]

Hello. Softball official here, with a baseball question.

I was a spectator at my son's high school (JV) game. There was a play in the game that resulted in some heated debate and one coach being dumped. I believe the umpire got it right, but I could see why a coach would at least want to have a discussion with the official. My son was not involved with the play in question.

R1 on third, no outs. Fly ball to shallow/medium left. Runner tags up and attempts to score. F2 comes out from behind the plate, strattling 3B line. Ball beats runner, but F2 drops the ball. A momment later, R1 collides (everyone - coaches from both teams and umpire - agree not malicious) with F2. After collision, R1 steps on plate and is ruled safe.

DC coach calls time, wants runner ruled out for "not sliding" at home. Umpire rules incidental contact (I'm thinking OBS, but thats just me and beside the point). DC doesn't know when to stop, assistant coach gets promoted.

Other parents know that I umpire, ask my opinion. As usual, my answer is that softball and baseball have different rules. Again, I think the umpire got it right. Do those of you here that call Fed games agree? Is there a "must slide" rule? Thanks.