I'm trying to codify "adjusted" rules for a new modified league. This league, like the few other modified leagues in operation around here, does not allow stealing, but they permit the runner to leave on release. They want to know how to handle a runner who is off base after the pitch.

One league plays that the defense can "appeal" the runner who is off the base after a pitch. For example, Abel on 1B can leave on the release, but if F2 throws to F3 and F3 steps on 1B before Abel gets back, Abel is out. No tag is required. However, if F2 throws the ball away into right field, neither Abel nor any other runners can advance.

Another league plays that Abel must be tagged but can advance after safely retouching 1B. However, they don't know (!) whether runners on other bases can advance.

Yet another league plays that runners can leave on release but are not liable to be put out after the pitch. The ball is dead if it isn't hit.

Apparently in official modified there is stealing just as in FP. But I'm not confident of that, since the book seems to give modified short shrift.

Anyone have any experience in this area?

Mike Rowe probably knows the SP rules better most and I
am sure he will be around sometimes today.

Modified is given minimal description in the ASA rulebook for a simple reason. All rules are identical to fastpitch, with the sole exception of the pitching rules (which are ... well, modified).

Runners can steal, advance on all live balls, etc., all like fastpitch.

I worked a few Modified Pitch tourneys
when I lived back in CNY. I thought it was a
fun game-- lots of action like Slo-Pitch, but
with stealing/bunting like Fast Pitch.
I don't know why any league would rule
no stealing; I think it would take away from
the intended action in the game.

Having worked modiefied since I first started umpiring softball over 20+ years ago, I have seen a lot of variations.
Some good, some bad.

I have worked with a modified league locally that truly enjoys the game, pure recreation (which makes it nice)
This local league, doesn't allow stealing but the batter can be off teh base on the pitch.
They use the simple rule of just go back to the bag.
Their resoning is that if you can't steal, you can't get caught in a rundown or be picked off.

They have tried with the pickoff, ie get back to the bag before the baseman tags you but they decided they didn't like it.

Keep it simple and you will have more fun

<i>This local league, doesn't allow stealing but the <u>batter can be off the base on the pitch.</u></i>

Hope s/he is or they would be out if they hit the ball
while in contact. (funning, natch) (I know it would
not be a base, but a plate) Had to correct that before
Mike did...:D

[QUOTE]Originally posted by whiskers_ump

Quote:

Hope s/he is or they would be out if they hit the ball while in contact. (funning, natch) (I know it would not be a base, but a plate) Had to correct that before Mike did...:D

Ok, Ok, so I wrote it wrong but you knew what I meant.
sheesh, been a whole long day of this kind of gotcha!
I think I should have stayed in bed today.