What is the ruling if R1 slides directly at a fielder during an apparent double play?

In this scenario, if a runner slides directly at a fielder during an apparent double play, the appropriate ruling is that the runner should be called out without penalties. This is based on the rules of softball, which emphasize player safety and protect fielders from dangerous collisions. When a runner slides in a manner that could unnecessarily cause harm or impede the fielder’s ability to make a play, the umpire may rule the runner out regardless of the outcome at the base.

Additionally, the intention behind this ruling is to promote fair play and discourage aggressive and potentially unsafe actions that could lead to injury. By calling the runner out, it reinforces the fact that players should slide properly and in a way that respects the safety of others on the field. This decision does not involve additional penalties like ejection unless there are egregious circumstances.

The other options do not align with the established rules regarding plays involving sliding into fielders during double play attempts. For example, the assumption that a runner is always ejected is incorrect as ejections are reserved for significant rule violations beyond just sliding into a fielder. Similarly, being safe at second base or awarded first base would contradict the safety regulations that govern how runners must interact with fielders.