Going into second base

Question
In slow pitch softball, what is the rule about sliding or getting out of the way (when going to second base) when the defensive team is attempting to make a double play.  This question comes up all the time.  I know the rule used to be that you had to go down (or at least that's what they always told us).  It seems to me that I heard that the rule changed a few years ago.  Does the person going to second base have to slide or get out of the way.  I'm pretty sure that if there is any contact made between the runner and the defensive player during the throw, the runner going to first is automatically out.  What is your take on this situation?

Answer
Hi Joell,

There has never been an ASA rule that you have to slide.  Some local leagues do have it though.

We must realize the runner cannot simply disappear but at the same time the fielder must be allowed to make a play.  They (the runner) need to get out of the way of the throw,  this is a judgement call and I would have to see it but most of the time a runner remaining upright and in the base line hit by a thrown ball going to 1st would be called for interference.

A sliding runner is a little different as they have to be close enough to the base to slide and their ability to stay out of the ball's path is limited.  Again this is something I would have to see but if it the ball is thrown into their body I would probably not have interference, if their hand hit the ball I probably would.

Contact alone does not dictate the b-r being out.  It must be an attempt to break up the double play or the runner interfering after being put out.

Mark