What constitutes a Tag?

[johnnyg08]

After the botched squeeze attempt in Boston (2008), it appears as though the NCAA did make some clarifications to their rules...at least this is the first time I saw it. This is the 2nd year of a two year rule cycle in NCAA where it appears as though they aren't changing or writing any "new" rules this year. If that's incorrect, please post below.

I wanted to take a moment to clarify what defines a tag in FED, NCAA, and OBR. Please review and comment if necessary. Thanks.

FED: 2010 FED rules p. 19

ART. 4 . . . A tag out is the put out of a runner, including the batter-runner, who is not in contact with his base when touched with a live ball, or with the glove or hand when the live ball is held securely therein by a fielder. The ball is not considered as having been securely held if it is juggled or dropped after the touching, unless the runner deliberately knocks the ball from the hand of the fielder (8-4-2h2).

NCAA p. 39

Tag

SECTION 74. The action of a fielder in touching a base with any part of the body while holding the ball securely and firmly in the hand or glove or touching a runner with the ball or with the glove while holding the ball securely and firmly in that hand or glove.

Clarification in the 2010 NCAA preseason guide:

There was some dispute at several different levels of baseball concerning what constitutes a complete tag in light of a controversial MLB play in the 2008 playoffs.

In the NCAA, a tag is defined in Rule 2-74 to be: “The action of a fielder in touching a base with any part of the body while holding the ball securely and firmly in the hand or glove or touching a runner with the ball or with the glove while holding the ball securely and firmly in that hand or glove.”

As an interpretation, the fielder shall maintain or regain control of his body and if he drops the ball due to his lack of body control or lack of control of the ball, it is not a tag. A voluntary release is substantive proof of complete control.

OBR

Tag: A TAG is the action of a fielder in touching a base with his body while holding the ball securely and firmly in his hand or glove; or touching a runner with the ball, or with his hand or glove holding the ball, while holding the ball securely and firmly in his hand or glove.

From JEA:

When tagging a runner; a player must have secure possession of the ball in the hand which touches the runner, or, have secure possession of the ball in the glove which touches the runner.
In establishing the validity of secure possession at the time of a tag, the umpire should determine that the player held the ball long enough and did not juggle the ball or momentarily lose possession before gaining full control and touching the runner. Unlike a catch, a legal tag is based on the status of the ball at the time the runner or base is touched and not on the final proof of possession.