It is true that one of the books (USSSA) reverses (and another, NSA, goes ambiguous) on the runner (as compared to the batter-runner). But, the preponderence of the rules say the defense must act before the offense gets to the base. No, the book doesn't use the words "tie goes to the runner," but the words used have the same meaning.
And as far as "no such thing as a tie..." the human mind has a lower time limit under which it cannot tell which happened first. I think you would have to consider this a tie. While you may attempt to force your mind to decide one happened first, you will be telling it to "make stuff up" and
may begin to include information not relevant (such as "shouldn't have been that close," "that fielder made a good play," or "man, that runner is fast.") By allowing the reading of the rule to guide you, you don't have to do any of that.
I'm sorry, I'm going to have to go with "
BUSTED" on this myth.
Rule citations are below. I don't happen to have an NFHS rule book handy. If anyone would like...
BTW, these are all fast pitch versions. OBR says the tie goes to the defense. Maybe slow pitch does too?
ASA (2008):
8.2.B (batter-runner is out) When after hitting a fair ball the batter-runner is put out
prior to reaching first base.
8.7.c (runner is out) When, on a force play, a fielder contacts the base while holding the ball, or tags the runner
before the runner reaches the base.
NCAA (2010):
(batter runner is out)
12.4.1 When she hits a fair ball and is legally put out
before reaching first base.
(runner is out)
12.9.1.1 Contacts the base while holding the ball;
12.9.1.2 Touches the ball to the base; or
12.9.1.3 Tags the runner
before she reaches the base.
NSA (2005): 8.7.b
When after a fair ball is hit, the ball is held by a fielder touching 1st base with any part of his/her person,
before the batter-baserunner touches 1st base.
8.8.c (ambigous on the runner... hmm, this reads like you could do it while the runner is on the base.
)
When, on a force out, a fielder tags him/her with the ball or tags the base.
ISA (2008):
7.2.h When, after a fair ball, a fielder holds the ball on first base
before the batter-runner touches or passes that base.
7.8.c When, on a force play, a fielder contacts the base while holding the ball, touches the ball to the base or tags the runner
before the runner reaches the base.
USSSA (2008): 8.17.c
If, after a third strike or a fair hit, any fielder, while holding the ball, touches the batterrunner before the batter-runner touches first base; or if any fielder, while holding the ball securely in a hand, touches first base or
touches first base with the ball before the batter-runner touches first base.
however, 8.18.M does reverse at the other bases:
He fails to reach the next base
before a fielder either tags runner out; or holds the ball while touching such base, after runner has been forced from the base occupied because the batter became a runner.
WFC (2009):
7.2.b (batter-runner) When after hitting a fair ball the batter-runner is legally put out
prior to reaching first base.
7.8.c (runner) When, on a force play, a fielder contacts the base while holding the ball, touches the ball to the base or tags the runner
before the runner reaches the base.
AFA (2008): 12.7.a
When, on a force play, a fielder (1) contacts the base while holding the ball, (2) touches the ball to the base or (3) tags the runner
before she reaches the base.
USFA (2009)... ha ha ha... I guess the myth applies because there's no definition at all; you're just supposed to know this.
IFA
11.3.1 (batter-runner is out when: ) She hits a fair ball and is legally put out
before reaching first base
11.7.1 (base runner is out: ) When on a force play, a fielder:
a) Contacts the base while holding the ball;
b) Touches the ball to the base; or
c) Tags the runner
before she reaches the base.
PONY (2010)
9.7.d (batter-runner is out) When, after a fair ball is hit, the ball is held by a fielder touching first base with any part of her person
before the batter-baserunner touches first base.
9.8.c (runner is out) When, on a force-out, a fielder tags her with the ball or holds the ball on the base to which the baserunner is forced to advance
before the runner reaches the base.
DIXIE YOUTH (2006)
8:07.b (batter/baserunner is out) When after a fair ball, the ball is held by a fielder touching first base with any part of her person
before the batter/baserunner touches first base.
8:08.c (baserunner is out) When on a force-out a fielder tags her with the ball or holds the ball on the base to which the baserunner is forced to advance
before the baserunner reaches the base.