Local Rule question

[wrigleywannabe]

WE did away with our slide rule a few years ago, in part, because of a case in a HS game where a runner slide and was injured, I believe a broken leg or something similar.

The family sued. I don't know the ins and outs of it, but they won.

More or less, it was a case where he slid only because of the rule stating he had to on a close play.

I'm assuming the court ruled the rule was too vague and resulted in the injury

The other part we dumped it was because there is so much variety between umps in what is close and not close.

I once saw a runner cross home plate as the ball is bouncing through the circle. The catcher had taken a couple steps up in front of the plate to clear out of the way.

It was obvious there was no play, yet the umpire called her out.

Our rule now says that runners must make an attempt to avoid a collision. That can be sliding, trying to go around, pulling up, etc.

It's worked out without any issues at all for three years or so.