As described, I'd probably have nothing except a "tag out."

An earlier post from you indicated that there was (by definition) something illegal. If so, then call interference, and return the other runners.

So the runner accidently gets his cleat caught and in the middle of the accident decides that he will wipe out the catcher.

Well answer the questions and make a decision just like every other umpire has to.

"1) Was the player trying to dislodge the ball or,

2) Was the player trying to injure the other player?"

You have to be the judge. If it looks like he tripped on his feet and plowed the catcher for it then don't eject for MC. If he looks like he plowed the catcher with intent to injure then eject.

I don't see how anyone could call what Pete Rose did to Ray Fosse anything but malicious. That is as good a textbook example as you will ever see.

Back to subject of post. In NC we eject for 6 things, as prescribed by the state. Fighting, taunting, obscene gestures, disrespectfully addressing an umpire, profanity directed at an official or opponent, and biting (recently added, geez..). All other things that call for ejections in the rule book will be restrictions to the dugout for players and coaches. You could get restricted and then ejected, if while in the dugout commit one of the 6 things that will get you ejected. If a player is ejected for one of the 6 things it is not our responsibility any longer, he must leave the dugout and stands area. There is generally an administrator at the game, AD or assistant, principal or assistant, and/or a police officer or sheriff's deputy. There are severe penalties for ejections (suspensions, fines for coaches, etc.), not so much for restrictions. There is no such thing as ejected player who can't leave because he will be unattended.

I have had restrictions before but never ejected for one of the 6 things, never head to. I have only been in one game where one occured, my partner ejected the coach for profanity directed at an official. Game ended in forfeit because the ejected coach had no assistant. Get on the bus Gus...

So you do not eject for MC???? Does your state not allow protest or is that SC?

That's SC. I grew up in NC; when friends want to make fun of me, they always get it confused with SC... I can't see how.

You could never lose a protest for not calling OR calling MC. It's pure judgment on the part of the umpire.

Coach: That's malicious contact.
Umpire: No, it wasn't.

End of story.

Now, if you call malicious contact and do NOT eject (it was malicious but was an "accident"), that's a different story. It's always nice to not put words into the coach's protest. See above.

Many states do not allow protests, including Ohio.

SC is the only state I know of that does not allow appeals (they kept the old FED rule).

MC is not one of the 6 things that get you ejected and subsequently suspended for games (min 2). It is restriction to the dugout only (and of course that means you are through for the day), along with all the other things that rule book says eject for but state want's restriction.

You're right. Appeals, not protests.