play at home

Question
I have read previous post on this but would like to make the question a little more in depth.  The situation is like this.  A runner is going home and the ball is thrown to the catcher.  The catcher is standing in the baseline before the ball reaches him.  As he catches the ball he is blocking the plate not giving the runner a lane.  Now I agree with the fact that the runner can not plow into the catcher trying to make him drop the ball but is the catcher still able to block home plate.  If this is allowed why not call the runner out if the ball gets there first. The runner can not leave the base line to avoid the tag or he is out and if he runs into the catcher he is ejected.  What is he to do?

Answer
OK now when you say blocking the plate. Is the catcher standing or on his knees? If he is standing there is no way he is blocking the plate without giving the runner a lane. The runner is allowed to go as far out as he needs to to avoid a tag at home. The lane maybe at the back corner of the plate but he may have a lane. You have to practice kids to know when to go out and slide and reach back and touch the plate with his hand. If you have anymore questions please let me know. Thanks