NCAA Collision Rule at home plate

[dash_riprock]

It's pretty clear as written - not much left to interpretation.

If the runner is making a legitimate attempt to touch the plate (umpire judgment), colliding with the catcher is legal, even if the runner does not slide (no force).

If the runner is attempting to dislodge the ball (umpire judgment), or went out of his way to contact the catcher (umpire judgment), the runner is ejected and also out, unless he scored before the contact.

BTW: The collision rule applies only when the fielder clearly has possession of the ball.

Search ncaa.org for the video. I don't recall seeing one, but I wouldn't be surprised if one existed.

[johnnyg08]

Okay, so the "in the act of fielding the ball" doesn't apply to NCAA? Or is there some gray area there? A.R. 4b...then we have OBS?

[dash_riprock]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

Okay, so the "in the act of fielding the ball" doesn't apply to NCAA? Or is there some gray area there? A.R. 4b...then we have OBS?

Correct. No gray area. If a fielder who does not have the ball blocks the base (obstructs the runner), and the runner maliciously contacts the fielder (umpire judgment), he is ejected, but he scores on the OBS (unlike FED).

[bossman72]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

Correct. No gray area. If a fielder who does not have the ball blocks the base (obstructs the runner), and the runner maliciously contacts the fielder (umpire judgment), he is ejected, but he scores on the OBS (unlike FED).

Additionally, the ball is still dead.

[jicecone]

More specifically, how do you interpret the train wreck?

How do you interpret "made an attempt to avoid contact?"

Take a look at the runner as he is coming in. Usually he will make some type movement Eg: lower his shoulder, bring up his arm or elbow to brace for impact or punish the catcher. Sometimes it is tough to tell but I tend to favor the catcher. Did he try and run through the catcher? Look for these things. Does the runner barrel down on the catcher or initate a slide before he gets to the catcher? Was the catcher the agressor?

Contact does not mean it is malicious contact because two people are both trying to be in the same place , at the same time.

You have to experience this a few times to get it correct and even then there is always the fine line between what you see and what others think you should have seen.

Now beyond that, it quite clear what the interp is.

[SanDiegoSteve]

The rule is actually written quite nicely and uses good old common sense, which should be able to be applied universally across rule codes in practice.

[Umpmazza]

Here is a video ..go to the 2.36 mark..

YouTube - NCAA Umpiring Bulletin #1 - March 1, 2005

[youngump]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

It's pretty clear as written - not much left to interpretation.

If the runner is making a legitimate attempt to touch the plate (umpire judgment), colliding with the catcher is legal, even if the runner does not slide (no force).

If the runner is attempting to dislodge the ball (umpire judgment), or went out of his way to contact the catcher (umpire judgment), the runner is ejected and also out, unless he scored before the contact.

BTW: The collision rule applies only when the fielder clearly has possession of the ball.

Search ncaa.org for the video. I don't recall seeing one, but I wouldn't be surprised if one existed.

Per the posted rule a runner who attempts to dislodge the ball but does not make malicious contact is out for interference but not ejected.
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[dash_riprock]

Originally Posted by youngump

Per the posted rule a runner who attempts to dislodge the ball but does not make malicious contact is out for interference but not ejected.

Good catch. Thanks.