Force Out Play

jggilliam · #1 (**permalink**) Wed Aug 25, 2004, 12:30am

We had this happen in a adult co-ed slow pitch game this week and I was just wondering what the correct call is. It wasn't a big deal in the game, but I am just curious for future reference. My question is, on a force play, if the fielder has control of the ball, does the ball or foot have to touch the base or can any part of the fielder's body, including the glove, touch the base for the runner to be out? The play that occured was at second, with F4 fielding the ball in front of the bag, and then reaching back to the bag and touching it with her glove while the ball was in her other hand. I know that it is one of those things that doesn't occur to often and I was just wondering about the rule. By the way, we were playing USSSA, but that probably doesn't matter on a rule like this one. I checked my ASA rule book but could not find it. Any responses would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

SC Ump · #2 (**permalink**) Wed Aug 25, 2004, 05:59am

It's in those rulebooks, but just perhaps not in the wording you expected. All the rulebooks state similarly:

For a legal "tag" (not what you asked about), the runner must be tagged with the ball or with the hand or glove holding the ball.

In a "force" play (your situation), the fielder need only touch the base while in possession of the ball.

In your play, the fielder had possession of the ball (in the bare hand) and touched the base (with the glove) so this would have been an out if it were done prior to the runner reaching the base.

Dakota · #3 (**permalink**) Wed Aug 25, 2004, 10:47am

Good instructors will use memorable situations to drive home the point. Here is how this rule is sometimes taught in rule clinics...

Fielder fields the ball, trips and falls, she retains possession of the ball and her pony tail touches the base before the runner gets there.

OUT.

whiskers_ump · #4 (**permalink**) Wed Aug 25, 2004, 12:20pm

AHA, THE PONY TAIL THING AGAIN.

jggilliam · #5 (**permalink**) Wed Aug 25, 2004, 06:12pm

Thanks for the responses. I thought that was the way it was supposed to be, but just wanted to make sure.

#6 (**permalink**) Thu Aug 26, 2004, 10:24am

That must be a long ponytail with a mind of its own!

Steve M · #7 (**permalink**) Thu Aug 26, 2004, 10:55am

Quote:

Originally posted by Ref Ump Welsch
That must be a long ponytail with a mind of its own!

Hey. 30 years ago, I had one of those long pony tails,

bellnier · #8 (**permalink**) Thu Sep 02, 2004, 08:46am

Does this work both ways? BR trips on way to first and her(his) ponytail touches bag before F3 catches ball...is BR safe?

#9 (**permalink**) Thu Sep 02, 2004, 11:46am

SAFE! Hey coach, don't think about arguing this one! (speaking of the runner being safe or out with his/her ponytail)

whiskers_ump · #10 (**permalink**) Fri Sep 03, 2004, 12:01am

Quote:

Originally posted by bellnier
Does this work both ways? BR trips on way to first and her(his) ponytail touches bag before F3 catches ball...is BR safe?

But of course.