Dead ball - Why?
 

ASA (Fast pitch) Rule set.
Always wondered why the two rules below result in a DEAD BALL.
Looking for any rationale, opinions, scenarios, etc for justification.
(I apologize in advance if this has been thoroughly discussed in a previous thread)

Rule 8-2-D: Batter-Runner is Out
Batter-runner fails to advance to 1st base and enters the team area after:
1)batted fair ball, 2) base on balls, 3) drop 3rd strike, 4) catcher obs
EFFECT - Section 2D-H - ball is dead & runners return

Rule 8-7-U: Runner is Out
Runner abandons a base and enters team area or leaves live ball territory
EFFECT - Ball is dead; runner is out; other runners return

IMO the defense could be denied the opportunity to make a play on other base runners if the plays mentioned above are called DEAD.

Runner passing another runner - Live ball out, play on
Coach assisting a runner - Live ball out, play on
Wondering why the two rules above aren't live ball outs as well?
(I won't mention the Dead ball scenario of a runner missing home and being assisted....which could be added to the inquiry above)

Any thoughts?

I think the key part of the enforcement here is that the runners are returned to their bases in 8-2-d and 8-7-u. That is not a part of the penalty in the live-ball out examples. It's probably best to kill the play if the runners are to be returned to their bases, since no legal advancement would be possible under the rule, and they would only be at jeopardy of being put out if the ball was live and they did advance (almost like a reversal of obstruction).

Maybe to avoid an issue where the fielder chases the BR into dead ball territory, or other plays being made on runners where fielders think they are force outs when they would actually be tag outs?- just guessing.

Couldn't tell you and I agree. There was a proposal to change to change the rule, but was pretty much ignored by the committees, including that of the umpires

Completely agree. Just like ASA and others say that it is BR Interference for the BR to step back toward home plate to avoid or delay a tag. That's NOT interference, as interference is defined. It can also royally screw the defense on a bunt play with R3 on third.