Expert: Andrew Mullins - 3/23/2009

Question
I coach 10 and under baseball. Our local recreation department does not have a must slide rule at home plate. We play under NHSF rules. Is it legal to run over the catcher at home plate, with or without the ball, if the runner can tag the plate. In other words the catcher is not blocking the entire plate or is straddled the plate so that the runner could easily slide to the plate safely. At what point if any can you run over the catcher. If it is not legal what should happen to the runner. If the answer has a rule in NHSF I would love to know the number so I can site it. I can't stand to see kids run over at the plate.  

Answer
#1...No one has a "must slide rule" in any level, it does not exist.

#2...You can never "legally run over the catcher".....

There can be a crash though & have nothing.  If the runner attacks in any way, lowers shoulder, head first, hands out, etc. then he can be called out & ejected.  The catcher must have & control the ball at the time of the contact...If the catcher does not have the ball & he is in the baseline or on/over the base, then he is obstructing & the runner has free reign to the plate.

See NFHS Rule 8-3-1C Catcher's Obstruction.....

Please feel free to call me @ 423.605.3035 if needed....


Thanks, Andy

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