BASE RUNNING WHEN FORCED

Question
Hi Mark
Playing under ISF Rules when you are forced to advance due to a fair hit ball are you permitted in a run down situation to reverse your direction. For example runners on 1 & 2, ground ball fielded by 3rd base. The 3rd base advances towards the runner on 2nd with a view to tag and throw to 2nd for a double play. The runners then mid distance between 3 & 2 then changes direction and turns towards 2nd. It is my understanding that this is not permitted and this runner is automatically out, thus allowing the fielder to throw to 2nd for the force-out double play.
Rule 8 Sec 9 s states that you may not base run in the reverse direction. I believe you may run the bases in reverse order if returning to base after a caught fly ball but you otherwise may not.
Can you please verify the run-down situation on a force.
Thank you
Paul  

Answer
Hi Paul,

I'm am not an ISF umpire, I believe ASA rules are very similar but I cannot promise they are the same.  I do not have 8-9-s in my book, 8-9 xxx deals with senior play in my book.

Under ASA there is not a problem here.  A runner that is forced from a base can retreat, sidestep, (within the 3' boundry), stand still, ect. to avoid a tag.  You have a force at 3rd and a force at 2nd (w/ a tag w/ them on the base) should they retreat to 2nd but in-between you have a tag out.  They are not required to move to a base in a straight or constant line.  Under ASA this is just smart base running in order to help avoid a dp.

Under ASA only retreat in face of a tag is an out between home and 1st for the b-r.

Mark