running home

Question
8th grade fastpitch softball--was told by umpire that a girl running home "must" slide if there is any chance of a play being made. Person telling me this was an Athletic Director for a local school and said the rule was added 4-5 years ago. Our girls were called out just because they did not slide at home, regardless if there was a play or not. Fact or fiction?

Answer
Hi Harold,


FACT.....well maybe, the thing you need to know is if this is a "local" exception to ASA rules.  Some local leagues have IMHO the severely misguided notion that they need a "must slide" rule.

FICTION....sure could be if they are saying this is an ASA rule.  No major national org has a must slide rule.

Mark