The right no-call?

[Big Slick]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

I would have handled it differently.

Once the runner passes the base, we should hesitate slightly to give the defense time to make any appeal, then call the runner safe if no appeal is made.

I'm going to disagree. Why hesitate? There are two (possible) calls at first base. The first is the play on the batter-runner at first. Did the defense retire the runner? If not, signal safe. That includes if the runner a) beats the throw to the bag, b) if the fielder is pulled from the bag, c) beats the throw but misses the base (as the runner is assumed to have missed the base), d) did not touch the colored portion if obliged to (treated the same as C). You rule on that action. By rule the runner is safe; that is something to convey with a signal. (note: look what happened in the OP when a signal wasn't given)

Then you might have an appeal in which to rule. Handle that when the defense executes a proper live ball appeal. The problem (and this is where Dave's "hesitation" comes in) arises in FP vs. SP. In the former, we do not call "time" when action has stopped, there is a constant "flow" (if you will). In the latter, we do call "time" when the action has ceased and the ball is in the infield. Where that could cause problems is your timing through the game is to call "time" before the BR starts to return to first. Then you "hesitate" the one time when the BR missed the base/used the white portion. That slight hesitation could mean something to an observant defense.

Note: Missing home without a tag is a different situation due to there being a tag rather than a force play at first. Two different situations, two different mechanics.