16" softball rules questions for umpires- needing a cited rule?

Question

1st and 3rd one out. Batter hits fly ball to the OF who makes the catch(2 outs).Runner on third tags and scores.Runner on first tags and slides into 2nd safely, but defense believes runner at 1st left early and appeals play(ball is still live as time is not called) throws ball to first and touches base.Umpire says the runner is out at first and the run does not count because it was a continuous double play. This was the third out of the inning.Before play starts in the next inning I protest the call and the game. Is there a specific rule to prove that this run counts? Everything I have read is borderline! If we win this protest what is the situation and how will the game be restarted? Must both teams play with the same lineups etc.? Thanks for your help. Also I have heard that the run scores because the ball is live during the appeals process also because there was no force play as the batted ball was caught.

Answer 1

Run scores.

I'm gonna assume you are playing ASA ball. I am not aware of any other sanctions playing 16" ball, may be, I'm just not aware of it.

If it is ASA, and you have access to a rule book, read the POE (point of emphasis) # 1 K; Tag Ups. It reads this way;

If a runner leaves a base too soon an a caught fly ball and returns in an attempt to retag, this is considered a time play and not a force out. If the appeal is the third out, all runs scored by runners in advance of the appealed runner and scored ahead of the legal appeal would count.

If a proper live ball appeal was made in your case, which it appears it was, the runner who left too soon would be the third out but it can not be a "continous double play". It was an appeal at 1B, and there was no force in play.

Look at it this way, the runner from first was not forced to run or to vacate 1B. When the ball it put in play by the batter the runner has every right to be off the bag. He may be tagged if off the bag also (well duh, but keep that in mind here). If in your case, the runner at 3B (R1) scored on this play the same way, and the runner from 1B (R2) was off the bag yet was TAGGED sliding into 2B, what have you got? It would still be a timing play, and the run would score.

I think you have a good shot at winning the protest. The game should be re-played from the point of the disputed RULE INTERPRETATION, not disputed call, (yes there is a difference). In your case the umpire mis-applied a playing rule, that is protestable. The protest committe will have to agree with you still, but they should. LIne-ups will stay they same, any rostered players absent from the first start of the game are eligble to be subbed in for the completion. Good Luck, hope this helps.

Answer 2

put this question where it belongs in the Other Sports category.