(1) A runner attempting
to score may not deviate from his direct pathway to the plate in order to
initiate contact with the catcher (or other player covering home plate). If, in
the judgment of the Umpire, a runner attempting to score initiates contact with
the catcher (or other player covering home plate) in such a manner, the Umpire
shall declare the runner out (even if the player covering home plate loses
possession of the ball). In such circumstances, the Umpire shall call the ball
dead, and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the
time of the collision.[/B]
Rule 7.13 Comment: The failure by the runner to make an effort
to touch the plate, the runner's lowering of the shoulder, or the runner's
pushing through with his hands, elbows or arms, would support a determination
that the runner deviated from the pathway in order to initiate contact with the
catcher in violation of Rule 7.13. If the runner slides into the plate in an
appropriate manner, he shall not be adjudged to have violated Rule 7.13. A
slide shall be deemed appropriate, in the case of a feet first slide, if the
runner's buttocks and legs should hit the ground before contact with the
catcher. In the case of a head first slide, a runner shall be deemed to have
slid appropriately if his body should hit the ground before contact with the
catcher.
(2) Unless the catcher
is in possession of the ball, the catcher cannot block the pathway of the
runner as he is attempting to score. If, in the judgment of the Umpire, the
catcher without possession of the ball blocks the pathway of the runner, the
Umpire shall call or signal the runner safe. Notwithstanding the above, it
shall not be considered a violation of this Rule 7.13 if the catcher blocks the
pathway of the runner in order to field a throw, and the Umpire determines that
the catcher could not have fielded the ball without blocking the pathway of the
runner and that contact with the runner was unavoidable
