8U rules conundrum

[AtlUmpSteve]

I'm with YoungUmp on this one. Here's the parallel; suppose the ball became dead because it was thrown out of play, instead of because the pitcher controlled it.

Wouldn't you allow the runner to return to a base left early during the dead ball, THEN award bases (home in this case, because she was more than half-way)? So, isn't this the same play (just a different creating the dead ball)?

Now, some will argue that her position wasn't a legal advancement; we hear that all the time as a supposed reason to change an award. But this rule, just like the awarded bases, relates to the player's position, without granting merit to the legality of that position.

So, I have a legal return to 3rd during the dead ball, negating that possible appeal; and a proper award back to home, under their local rule. If the defense wishes to appeal the miss of home on her return, I would honor that appeal, call fer out, and negate the run.