Softball Base Running Rule: 3-Foot Rule Explained

Question
RUNNER TO HOME MISSES THE PLATE AND CATCHER MISSES TAG. RUNNER STARTS BACK BUT CIRCUMVENTS THE TAG BY HOOKING AROUND THE CATCHER BY AT LEAST 4-5 FEET AND TOUCHES HOME BEFORE HE IS TAGGED OUT.

IS HE SAFE OR OUT BECAUSE HE VIOLATED THE 3 FOOT RULE IN GETTING BACK TO HOME PLATE !

Answer
Hi Frank,

The basepath is a direct line between the base and the runner's position at the time a defensive player is attempting to tag (or about to attempt to tag) a runner.

A runner has 3' on either side of the basepath. It applies to all bases. So if in the umpire's judgement he violated the 3' he would be out for being out of the basepath.

Mark

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