Essentially the new rule is that if a player is sliding at a defensive player and not the bag, then interference is called.
These are not adopted by Softball Canada but can be used as general guidelines to whether there was “intent” for interference. If a player is sliding towards a player not within reach of the base, instead of at the base, there is likely intent to interfere..
Here are the changed rules:
NCAA:
Sliding Out of Baseline
12.13.5 The runner shall not slide out of the baseline nor slide outside her reach of the base she is attempting to slide into in order to slide directly at the fielder
– Runner is out and ejected; return baserunners on base back to last base legally touched
MLB:
Rule 6.01(j) – Sliding to Bases on Double Play Attempts
a slide to break up a double play will have to include a bona fide attempt to reach and remain on the base. Contact with the fielder is permissible, but the runner cannot change his path to initiate contact or engage in a “roll block.”
As stated in the rule, a player performs a bona fide slide when he:
■ Begins his slide (makes contact with the ground) before reaching the base.
■ Is able and tries to reach the base with his hand or foot.
■ Is able and tries to remain on the base (except home plate) after completion of the slide.
■ Slides within reach of the base without changing his pathway for the purpose of initiating contact with a fielder.
If the umpire determines that the runner violated this Rule 6.01(j), the umpire shall declare both the runner and batter-runner out.
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What do you all think? Does this change the game to drastically? Does it make the umpire’s job any easier?