Softball Rule Clarification: Runner's Path Around the Catcher & Home Plate

Question
u16 fp softball: We had an unusual play at the plate that could
use some clarifying. Catcher, blocking home plate with the ball in her glove, awaits the runner from 3rd. Instead of sliding, the runner runs AROUND the catcher (catcher spins with the glove trying to tag her), and tags home plate BEHIND the catcher. Runner had clearly run outside the batters box lines during this play. Umpire calls SAFE. Does the 3ft base path include a the radius around the plate too?

Answer
Hi Wil,

A runner does have 3' on either side of the base path to try to avoid a tag.  This applies anywhere the base path is established.

Since the batter's box is 3' wide I would say (w/out seeing the play and where the base path was established) it is  possible the runner was out of the base path.

It seems the umpire that saw the play thought otherwise.

Mark