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Major League Baseball to ban home plate collisions

Major League Baseball plans to ban plays like this one between Alex Avila and David Ross during the 2013 ALCS. (Mark Cunningham/Getty Images)

Major League Baseball plans to ban home plate collisions like this one between Alex Avila and David Ross during the 2013 ALCS. (Mark Cunningham/Getty Images)

The Major League Baseball Rules Committee has voted to ban collisions at home plate, subject to the expected approval of the MLB Players Association.

The rule, a response to recent concussion studies and serious injuries to catchers such as Buster Posey in 2011, will force base runners to slide into home plate.

It could be implemented in time for the 2014 season with MLBPA approval. If the players vote against the measure, MLB can unilaterally put the rule into effect for the 2015 season.

CORCORAN: Another reminder why home plate collisions should be banned

The rule, which must still be defined and finalized prior to a vote, will also prohibit catchers from blocking the plate, similar to players making tags at a base.