[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by Matthew F

What I'm not sure about, is do we, as umpires, permit the runner to retouch the bases back to 1B if they are on (or past) a subsequent base when the ball became dead? Since its not legal, I tend to believe you don't permit it. But if you stop the runner from returning, you clue in the "clueless defense" to the runner's error.

As umpires we are not PERMITTING anything. We are simply making base awards. It's then up to the DEFENSE to KNOW the rule and make a valid appeal.

It goes something like this assume FED rules.

B1 hits a gapper, misses first, rounds second base when he/she realizes it. While B1 is either on second base or between second and third the ball goes into DBT.

The call

1. TIME
2. You Home

Now the runner upon receiving the base awards from the umpire touches and re-touches the bases properly HOWEVER,

At the time the ball went into DBT he was on or beyond a succeeding base.

Now at this point it's up to the Defense to appeal. In FED even though the ball is dead, the coach or defensive team can appeal. However, if no appeal is made score the run.

In Summary: Even though the runner illegally corrected his/her mistake we as umpires say nothing. Simply award the proper bases. It's now up to the defense to initiate a proper appeal.

Pete Booth