19. COLLISION AVOIDANCE:
We all have to get up the next day and go to work, school or whatever so, Simply put, it is the responsibility of the base runner to either slide or avoid physical contact with a defender at all times. Some physical contact is not avoidable however on some plays however if in the judgment of the umpire the contact was aggressive in nature or flagrant penalties will apply along with possible suspension.

(A) When there is a collision between a runner and a fielder who is clearly in possession of the ball, the umpire shall judge:

1. Whether the collision by the runner was avoidable (could the runner have reached the base without colliding) or unavoidable (the runner's path to the base was blocked) OR

2. Whether the runner actually was attempting to reach the base (plate) or attempting to dislodge the ball from the fielder.

(B) If in the umpire's judgment, the collision by the runner was flagrant, the runner shall be declared out and also ejected from the game. The ball shall be declared dead. Any base runners ahead of the play shall be entitled to any base they are moving to at the time of the ball being declared dead. Any base runner behind the play must return to his original base.

C) If in the option of the umpire the defensive player was in the process of attempting a double play, the double play will be called weather or not it was actually made.

(D) If the defensive player blocks the base (plate) or base line clearly without possession of the ball, or is not in the immediate act of catching the ball, obstruction shall be called. If the runner makes a flagrant collision, he shall be declared safe on the obstruction call, but will be subject to ejection. The ball shall be declared dead.

This rule is a judgment call by the umpire and cannot be protested.