Protest, how to do it correctly

Question
Mark,

I would really appreciate you spelling out just exactly how the different appeals are made.  I keep reading about "live ball"  and "dead  ball" appeals.  

Where I am most confused is a play where a dead ball appeal could be made.  Time is called, ball is in the pitcher's hand.  We think the the runner at 3b didn't tag up.  When the pitcher appeals, does she have to throw to 3rd  and have the player tag the base or just ask blue for a ruling?

Thanks and anymore that you can add would be great.

Regards,

Brad

Answer
Hi Brad,

A live ball appeal of a missed base or base left too soon is made obviously while the ball is still alive.  It must be made by the fielder in possession of the ball either touching the base or tagging the runner if they are still on the field of play.

In your example most commonly the ball is thrown to F5 at 3rd who touches the base, "blue, 16 left early" that is a live ball appeal.

In ASA play a dead ball appeal is made after time is called and can be made by any infielder, inc pitcher and catcher with or without the ball, "blue, 16 left 3rd early", that is a dead ball appeal.  The ball need not be thrown to the base.

In NFHS or NCAA play any fielder or coach may make a dead ball appeal.

Mark