slide rule in fast pitch

Question
Can the catcher block the plate without having the ball in possesion?
If a runner is running home and the ball is coming into home plate but offline to the catcher, catcher has to reach for ball but trys to block plate and ball hits her glove then goes to the backstop. Does the runner have to slide or can she avoid any contact and run in standing?

Answer
Bernie,

No the catcher cannot block the plate if the ball is not in her possession. However, if she is in the process of receiving a thrown ball then it is not obstruction.

As for your second question. The runner should ALWAYS slide if their is even a remote chance that a play at home can occur.

Thanks for your question.

Jesse