When does contact turn into a crash?

[DaveASA/FED]

Ok, using wording from a post on Runner runs over catcher Dakota listed there are 3 catagories us umpires have to place the "collision" into

1) contact (no call)
2) crash (interference)
3) flagrant crash (eject)

I know this is a HTBT type of situation, but I am looking for what you all use to determine what makes the contact turn into a crash and then what you would consider a flagrant act worthy of an ejection. I have seen some hard contact that was perfectly legal, so what do you all use to determine a crash has occurred....even then what knocks it into the flagrant crash catagory. Again I know it is a HTBT but just trying to get an idea of where you all draw the line, what types of activity do you look for to move from 1 to 2 and then from 2 to 3.

[Dakota]

Well, first of all, no tag can be made without contact. There are a number of aspects that should (IMO) be considered.

Did the runner have opportunity to avoid the contact?
Did the fielder move into the runner's path?
Did the runner alter her path in order to contact the fielder?
Was the contact violent?
Did the runner show intent (lowering shoulder, swatting at the glove, etc.)?
Was the contact the result of a muffed catch?

[wadeintothem]

I think level of play must be considered as well.

16-18A/Gold and mens A-C.. which is what I usually work for tournies.. mostly anything is intentional. They know what they are doing.. or in the alternative SHOULD know what they are doing and you can more easily determine if something is malicious enough to warrant ejection.

Whereas, the water is muddy at 10U and rec league or lower levels of play.

Im not saying the qualifiers arent there (lowering shoulder is of course #1).. but its easier to hold a player accountable who probably does know, but definately should know.

For this OP, the age group along makes me want to just say DB-Out.

If that was a Mens FP player running over a catcher, hes gone - Im not going to wonder if it is malicious, because it IS malicious do it at all. He knows it is and furthermore everyone is then and there on notice I'm not tolerating that crap.