ASA 8-7-E.

The runner is out . . .

E. When anyone other than another runner physically assists the runner while the ball is in play.

Effect – Section 7 A–E. The ball is in play and the runner is out. In . . . E, the runner passing <b>or assisting</b> is called out. [My bold.]

Shouldn't it say "the runner passing or <i>being assisted</i> is called out"? A runner <i>can</i> assist another runner. And can a runner who's been put out assist a runner who has not been put out?

We got to discuss this very same thing with Merle Butler at a clinic this past weekend. (Buddah do you remember?)

7-A-E Should read being assisted. I seem to remember a thread, or maybe just a post about that sometime last summer.

Now, when anyone other than another runner....that runner is out. Once a runner is put out, s/he is no longer a runner, thus the put-out (ex)runner becomes anyone other than another runner, and by assisting will cause runner to be out!

Or simply to answer last question, no.

What if a defensive player helps up a runner after she falls ? Sounds like an easy out. Brian

That defensive player "hole" in the rule has existed for a long time. I think everyone simply ignores it.

Covered by 10-1.L