ASA Slow pitch

Question
In a situation where a tag is required at homeplate for the out, can the catcher block the base BEFORE the ball gets to the catcher. I understand that a runner must slide in this situation, but I do not believe that a base can be blocked before the defensive player has the ball.

Answer
Hi Scott,

No the catcher (or any other defensive player) cannot block the base w/out having control of the ball.

ASA RS36. OBSTRUCTION.
Obstruction is the act of a fielder:
A. Not in possession of the ball, or
B. Not in the act of fielding a batted ball,
which impedes the progress of a batter-runner or runner who is legally
running the bases.
If a defensive player is blocking the base or base path without the ball,
they are impeding the progress of the runner and this is obstruction.
In past years, coaches taught their players to block the base, catch
the ball and make the tag. Now defensive players must catch the ball, block the base and then make the tag.

Plus no major national org has a "must slide" rule, either you have a unnecessary local rule for that or you are mistaken about the rule.

Mark