Slide rule

Question
I coach in a youth baseball league ( 8 to 12 yrs) and we have the slide or avoid rule.  The one situation that we cannot find in the rule book or agree on is when the throw to the catcher takes the catcher into the base line in front of the runner.  The ball and runner arrive at the same time.  Who has the right of way?  Some say the runner citing 7.06 (b) note 2.   Some say the fielder has the right to catch the ball citing rule 7.11
Would love to get your thoughts.  Our primary concern is adopting a rule that is fair but safe.
Regards,  Steve Carreiro

Answer
Steve,

It depends on what set of rules you are following.  Many organizations now require the fielder to be in secure possession of the ball prior to blocking access to a bag.  Without knowing your organization, I would not be able to give a clear ruling.

However, there is a time where the ball and runner get there at the same time.  In this instance you might have a train wreck (everyone doing what they were suppose to be doing).  Honestly, this is a tough judgement call that would be hard to even rule on in person, let alone through an E-Mail.

I hope this has helped.