A runner trying to advance to a base must either slide or attempt to go around a fielder, if that fielder has the ball in his possession. A runner colliding into a defensive player, in an intentional attempt to jar the ball loose, will be called out and ejected from the game.
It is the judgment of the umpire as to whether a collision intentionally violates this rule. This is not a “must slide” rule but rather a no collision rule.
The restrictions on sliding are as follows;
Mustang and Bronco players must slide feet first into every base. Headfirst slides will be an automatic out, with no ejection from the game. Players may dive, headfirst, back to any base on an attempted pickoff move.
Pony and Colt players can slide headfirst into any base except home plate. Headfirst slides into home will be an automatic out, with no ejection from the game.
Defensive players cannot block the base path or a base without possession of the ball. The right of way belongs to the runner. If contact is made, the runner will be awarded the base.
All judgment calls will be made by the umpires, not by managers, coaches or parents.
