Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 10/7/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi Brian,
I would like to know if head-first sliding is permitted in Little League for children over the age of 12? If so, is sliding into home plate allowed?

ANSWER: Sandra,

Sliding is allowed in Little League, including sliding into home plate.  What isn't allowed to trying to collide with a fielder with the intent to knock a ball free (even at home plate).  Actually, this is not allowed by rule even at the major league level, but the rule is basically ignored.  However, in Little League, the runner should be automatically called out if they go after a fielder.

Conversely, a fielder is not allowed in the basepath if they don't have the ball.  They can't set up in front of home plate and try and block the plate until they have a ball in their hand or glove.  If they are in the way and don't have a ball, the runner is automatically awarded the base.

Hope this helps!

Brian

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Brian,
Thanks for your quick response! But I'd like some clarification-I'm not sure I fully understand your answer. LL rule 7.08(a)(4) says that any runner is out when the runner slides head first while advancing. It also says it applies to baseball and softball programs for ages 12 and under only. I read something that said the head-first slide was banned for this age group after the 1995 season.
Did your answer just refer only to those over 12 years old, or does it refer to all LL players and I am not understanding how the rule is applied? I'm fairly new to baseball rules so either would not surprise me, I'm just trying to figure this all out.
Thanks so much for your help!!

Answer
Sandra,

I don't have an up to date Little League rulebook, but my answer was in reference to players over the age of 12.  It may be that the rule has been changed and that head first sliding is now disallowed for the older leagues.

I know that in high school, head first sliding is not banned.  Also legion ball, Babe Ruth, etc.

The remainder of my answer (blocking the plate and agressively going after fielders) is identical to the major league rulebook for all leagues as far as I'm aware.

Hope this hleps!

Brian