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what are the rules when the play is at home, for the runner and the catcher? Situation: We had player running home to score, the catcher came down the third base line about 4 to 5 feet from the plate and stood on the baseline. He did not have the ball. Our player attempted to slide in but did not make the plate as he was too far out. Once the slide was made, the catcher got the ball, tagged our player in the face and busted his lip. I thought the catcher could not crowd the plate unless he had the ball.

Sounds like umpire should have called defensive interference and awarded the base. But umpire has final ruling on the matter.

It really depends on the rule set your are using. Most youth rules have some provision about this modifying MLB rules. Most of them have some variation of a rule that states a runner must either slide, go around or go back to avoid a fielder. If these rules are in place and the catcher was in the act of catching the ball then there might not be obstruction (umpire judgement). The runner could have gone around (or at least attempted to go around).

Contrary to popular belief, there are very few rule sets that are used at a national level that require a slide at a base.

Thank you for the replies. Everytime one of our players crossed the plate safely the catcher would either hit them or push them and they never put a stop to that. I guess his next step was to start busting lips. Why not he got away with everything else. So sad to see coaches teach their players to be bullies. They encouraged every hit and push and even the busted lip.