Just checking..

[Steve M]

Originally posted by rharrell

My daughter catches for her HS team and a travel team (which I coach) and this is a sore subject with me. She has been injured in several collisions at the plate while holding the ball. Fortunately, none have been serious.

No....there is not a must slide rule, but personally I think umpires could do more to protect the catcher. If a runner comes in standing up, or even worse lowering a shoulder, there should at least be a strong warning if not an ejection.

Too many umpires don't want the controversy and catchers pay the price.

My daughter was crashed into twice in one game by the same player. Both plays were close outs, but both throws were high. Had the runner got down she would have been safe both times. The player was obviously overly aggressive, but never received a warning.

The GHSA rule changes regarding obstruction (defender has to have possession of the ball instead of in the process of recieving the ball) has some coaches encouraging players to
bump or nudge defenders that may be blocking the base, instead of focusing on critical sliding and baserunning skills.

Some preventive umpiring could go a long way in this situation.

RHarrell
Like Andy said - if a runner lowers a shoulder, dead ball, unsportsmanlike, bye. That's an offensive move as opposed to a defensive covering of some part of the body. Crash, push, whatever - I've tossed players for that and that's the right and appropriate thing to do.

Andy - You had me worried when you started with "It can't be obstruction..." but clarified it with the assumption that the runner did not alter her course or speed. whew.

Back to RH - That's not just a Georgia rule (assuming that GHSA is Georgia's scholastic sports group) - that's a national rule for Fed (NFHS). It's a good rule - it's the right rule. It's been a "point of emphasis" for Fed. I'm sure my namesake in Georgia will see this one & say something - listen to him. He's in a position to affect how some of the Georgia umps call - I think.