Appeal play question (ASA)
 

Hello, I have a question about appeal plays using the ASA rule set.

The Rules Supplement states:

"On an appeal play, the force out is determined when the appeal is made, not when the infraction occurs."

Can somebody clarify this with an example?

Thanks!

It means that at the time of the appeal, the force must still be in effect. If at any time during the play upon which the appeal is being made and the force is removed by a trailing R/BR being retired. The appeal does not constitute a "force" out, but a timing play.

Example play.

R1 on 3rd, R2 on 1st, one out. B4 singles to right; R1 scores, R2 misses 2nd on the way to 3rd, throw to 3rd cut off and B4 is tagged out attempting to stretch to 2nd. Defense appeals R2 missed 2nd.

Ruling; at the time of the infraction, R2 was forced to 2nd, but at the time of the appeal, since the trailing runner has been retired, it is no longer a force out. The 3rd out appeal is therefore a timing play, and the run stands.