Expert: Dennis Girardi - 10/7/2008

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

ANSWER: Hi Sandra,
Most leagues don't have rules against these things, but you would have to ask the league commissioner for the house rules. There is NOT a rule against sliding feet first into home, thou. Sliding into home head first is always dangerous when the catcher has all that hard equipment. I would suggest not to do this.
Good Luck.
Dennis

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

QUESTION: Does that mean that the Little League organization permits head-first sliding to home base, but that local leagues can use their own discretion as far as whether or not they permit it? If the national LL permits it, do you know why? I know all LL are required to use breakaway bases now, but even before that rule, kids under 12 were also banned from head-first sliding since the 90's. Do you think requiring both is overkill?

Answer
Hey Sandra,
It's all about safety. Some leagues demand that the pitcher wear a helmet while pitching. It all depends on the league officials. Someone gets hurt and they change the house rules.. That's the way of the laws. It may be overkill to some, until it's your kid that gets hurt when some airhead slides head first and someone gets hurt.
Good Luck !
Dennis