Batter/runner steps on white bag only, beating the throw from an infielder.Is this an appeal play by the defense or an out call by the umpire due to not stepping on the orange bag?
Automatic OUT call by the umpire ... This is NOT an appeal call situation ...
Is this an SSUSA rule? I was shown an ASA rule stating it was an appeal play. Not sure how old the rule book was.
Please see SSUSA 2026-27 Rulebook §8.4(1) • BATTER-RUNNER REACHING FIRST BASE on page 47 ...
"..A double bag shall be used at first base, the double portion of the bag being in foul territory abutting first base. If there is a play on a batter-runner going to first base, the batter-runner must touch some portion of the double bag extending into foul territory. He will be called out if he fails to do so, except if, in the umpire's judgment, the batter-runner is avoiding a collision. The batter-runner simultaneously touching both portions of the double bag is permitted. This is NOT an appeal play.."
hitnrun, I know that was an appeal play in SSUSA long ago. Dave could talk more to that timeline. Having officiated USA Softball (formerly ASA) for a very long time, I like the appeal at 1B. Of course we can call Time before any player could appeal it. Most players don’t know that rule anyway and never had anyone appeal it. Umpires get into enough trouble anyway on their own. So I like it to keep umpires out of trouble. That being said, I will call that by the rules of the association that I am working. I am there to enforce the rules not judge them. The NSA jewelry rule was maybe the worst rule ever. We were to automatically eject a player if saw jewelry on them. It definitely created some very emotional situations, but it was the rule.
