Referee Magazine Case Plays

[bbsbvb83]

I just subscribed to Referee and noticed two problems with the CASEPLAYS section on page 28 of the June, 2013 issue. (I only umpire softball games played under NFHS rules.)

SITUATION # 1: Fast pitch. B1, the pitcher, hits a double in the second inning. B1 is replaced by courtesy runner S1. After a pitch to B2, team B points out that courtesy runner S1 is the same player who ran as the courtesy runner for the catcher.

RULING # 1: In ASA, NFHS, and USSSA, the same courtesy runner may not run for both the pitcher and the catcher at any time during the game. S1 is an illegal substitute and is disqualified, but can be replaced by a legal substitute, the pitcher, or a legal courtesy runner. Teams are not allowed to use courtesy runners in NCAA (ASA 4-3a-c, 8-10A[3]; NFHS 3-4-1c, 8-9-1; USSSA FP 5-7 Pen., 8-3A).

Under NFHS rules, the illegal substitute should be declared out and restricted to the bench. Do any of the other rules sets allow the illegal sub to be replaced by a different player on the bases?

SITUATION # 2: R1 is on first base and takes off on a hit-and-run. R1 touches second and is on her way to third as F8 makes a diving catch for the first out of the inning. F8 jumps to her feet and overthrows the ball into the first-base bench area. R1 is halfway between second and third as the ball leaves F8's hand. During the dead ball as the umpire awards the runner additional bases, R1 attempts to return to tag up at first base.

RULING # 2: R1 is awarded two bases to third base, but she never tagged up and cannot return to touch a base if she is on a base beyond the base she left too soon when the ball becomes dead. If the defensive coach appeals she never tagged up, R1 is out. Stopping the runner and pointing out she cannot return during the dead ball advantages the defense into making an appeal they might not have noticed (ASA 8-7F, 8-7I[3], R/S 1; NFHS 8-3-2 Effect, 8-4-3f Except. 2; NCAA 7.1.1.3, 12.28, 12.28.4.3; USSSA FP 9-1B, 9-3A, 9-6A, USSSA SP Rule 3-Appeal play, 8-5T Effect; 8-12D).

Under NFHS rules, would it not be correct to award R1 home if she was between second base and third base when the ball left F8's hand?