Interference?
 

Hi All,

I have a question. Scenario

R1 at 1st. Batter hits ball to F6. F6 throws force to F4 at 2nd. R1 is running directly towards 2nd and bumps F4 which breaks up the double play.

Is R1 required to slide to avoid contact?

Ruling was that R1 was out on Force, BR was out on interference by R1.

Thanks
Steve

No. Never. That would require a "must slide" rule, which any organization is not going to do for liability reasons.

In the scenario you presented, interference is a possibility, though without all of the information it is impossible to say that definitively. Did the natural motion of the runner and the defender carry them into each other, causing the "bump." Was the contact on the part of the runner diliberate? How soon after being retired did the contact occur? This is really a HTBT call, but by supplying more of this info, we might be able to make a better, more educated guess.

The runner is NOT required to slide.

Having said that, the call, resulting in a double play was correct.

I think we need a bit more info (at least I do, anyway). Did F4 throw to 1st, or did he/she eat the ball after contact was made by R1?

Please explain why you are so definite with this statement.

Because I believe it to be a correct statement.

USSSA Rule 9 section E
On a force play at any base, the runner or retired runner fails to execute a legal slide, or does not attempt to avoid the fielder on the play.

USSSA Rule 9 section 18h (note 1)

If, in the judgement of the umpire, a runner interferes in any way and prevents a double play anywhere, two shall be declared out.

I guess an association would help as well for the OP...