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Baseball Instruction/Slide rule
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Question
I coach in a youth baseball league ( 8 to 12 yrs) and we have the slide or avoid rule. The one situation that we cannot find in the rule book or agree on is when the throw to the catcher takes the catcher into the base line in front of the runner. The ball and runner arrive at the same time. Who has the right of way? Some say the runner citing 7.06 (b) note 2. Some say the fielder has the right to catch the ball citing rule 7.11
Would love to get your thoughts. Our primary concern is adopting a rule that is fair but safe.
Regards, Steve Carreiro
Steve,
It depends on what set of rules you are following. Many organizations now require the fielder to be in secure possession of the ball prior to blocking access to a bag. Without knowing your organization, I would not be able to give a clear ruling.
However, there is a time where the ball and runner get there at the same time. In this instance you might have a train wreck (everyone doing what they were suppose to be doing). Honestly, this is a tough judgement call that would be hard to even rule on in person, let alone through an E-Mail.
I hope this has helped.
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Answers by Expert:
Martin Hoover
Expertise
Questions regarding the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball and Softball. Questions regarding the history and organization of Little League Baseball at local, state, regional, and international levels. Advise regarding certain operational procedures and recommendations to Local League representatives.
Experience
Volunteer Little League Umpire since 2000; 2003 Little League, Junior League, Senior League and Big League Softball European Regional Umpire; 2005 Little League Softball Western Regional Umpire; Member- Hesperia National(Hesperia, CA) Little League Board of Directors(2003-2004); President- Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors(2005-Present); 2007 Junior Softball Western Regional Umpire
Organizations
Little League Baseball, Inc is the main operational center. I fall under Little League Western Region, and California District 49. I currently serve as President of the Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors.
Education/Credentials
Western Regional Junior Umpire School(2000)(Named Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Region Area); Instructor - Little League Baseball Western Regional Outreach Clinics
Awards and Honors
Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Regional Area(2000)
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