contact at the plate - must slide?

[Ran.D]

Keep running into this again and again

ASA 16U fastpitch If I remember the rule correctly, it states Runner is out when "She remains upright and crashes in to the defender in posssesion of, or about to receive the throw." Contact determined to be malicious; she's ejected.

Okay, what determines a crash? Isn't this a judgement call by PU?

Situation last night- runner coming home, doesn't slide, but stops when she touches the plate. Play was closer than necessary (because she stopped), but the ball is missed by the catcher, who was standing on top of the plate. There was minor contact between runner and catcher.

PU allowed the run, he was right on top of the play. Then........BU gets involved (without being asked-he's head of our association) after coach says "she's gotta slide" and calls the out.

A discussion followed:
BU - she was about to receive the throw
Coach (me) -there was not a crash, catcher missed the ball
BU - She's out
Coach (me) - who's call is this??
PU - Whatever BU says
Defensive coach - Gotta slide, Gotta slide

What are guidelines here? Fact is, some girls won't slide (this was a big kid with bad knees). If they don't slide, should any contact be considered a "crash" and an out.

In Fed, doesn't the catcher have to actually be in possession of the ball to block the plate.