Michigan-Iowa play at the plate.

[chapmaja]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

"Just prior to the ball arriving, the catcher slides over in front of the runner"

In NCAA rules (and OBR) a fielder (including the catcher) is permitted to move if he needs to be there to field the ball. Doing so does not create any rule violation.

" the runner never had an opportunity to avoid the catcher sliding over in front of him. "

No such requirement in NCAA rules.

There is a collision rule but you did not post anything describing the contact so I can't comment on any possible violation of it.

Actually I did post about a collision, in so far as I said that a "Just prior to the ball arriving, the catcher slides over in front of the runner and a collision occurs. The ball never appears to be in possession of the catcher and rolls away. The Iowa catcher has to leave the game with a possible concussion."

I think this implies pretty well that a substantial collision occurred on the play if it forced the catcher to leave with what is being described as a possible concussion.

I have found a replay of the play from MgoBlue.com

U-M Bests No. 19 Iowa, Moves to Saturday Action in B1G Tourney

Unfortunately this replay doesn't do a good job showing what happened at the plate.