Quote:
Originally posted by bob jenkins
The FED rule on this is clear -- the runner must be tagged if he attempts to return to home before the appeal. See 8.2.2N
Someone who has a BRD handy can look to see if the OBR rule is any different. 
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Section 462 pg281 BRD 2005. FED: The runner must be tagged if trying to return OR the defense touches the plate during continuing action on proper appeal. So it seems that tagging the player or making a live ball appeal is discretionary upon the official, wether they feel the runner is returning or not. Unless the runner enters the dugout.
"I believe" it is implied that in OBR up until the runner enters the dugout, action is considered "unrelaxed" as some are saying here, and the runner must be tagged. The appeal for an out in OBR can only happen after the runner enters the dugout.