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ASA Rule Change 2003
Rule 8, Sec. 5-G EFFECT:
Add to effect following sub-section G to read: G. When the ball is in play and is overthrown (beyond the boundary lines) or is blocked. EFFECT:All runners will be awarded two bases, and the award will be governed by the position of the runners when the ball left the fielders hand. Runners may return to touch a missed base or base left too soon. If two runners are between the same bases, the award is based on the position of the lead runner. Once a base runner advances to and passes the next awarded base, the runner may no longer return to touch any missed base or any base left too soon.
COMMENTS:A dead ball should be called and allow runners the opportunity to complete their base running responsibilities. Returning to touch a missed base or one left too soon must occur prior to an award. Once the umpire awards base(s), and if a runner reaches the first base of the award, and then for any reason, retreats to a previous base missed or left too soon, this would be an illegal act, and the defense could appeal. The umpire would rule the runner out.
With the rule change there appears to be little or no difference to the Fed rule (don't have a fed book). As I see it when the ball goes out of play the umpire calls "dead ball" and gives the runner the opportunity to retag bases, if the runner does not make any running attempt or asks for the award then the umpire awards bases. Now that bases have been awarded if the runner is at or past the 1st awarded base or goes to an awarded base and then attempts to retouch a previous (awarded or not)base then it would be an appeal play and the umpire would rule the runner out. So in the original post the defense jumped the gun and is SOL. If, however, the coach keeps it's mouth shut and runner starts for home or asks what does she get the plate ump awards her home. If she then retreats towards 2nd the defense can appeal and the runner is out, or if she goes directly to home then the defense appeals 2nd, out. Jim
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