Correct, the rule speaks about positioning prior the pitch. Once the ball is hit the runner can go pretty much wherever they want. Functionally it is no different than a runner going halfway on a fly ball.I asked about this during umpire training this year (USSSA) because someone did it in a game last year. The trainers said that it would be legal. However, I know it is illegal in baseball and fast pitch softball. In USSSA rulebook, Rule 8. 5. R, it says that base runners are out "When he positions himself behind, and not in contact with, the base to get a running start." but apparently if it is after the ball has been hit, it must be ok?
What is the base path? The base path and the base line are two separate things. The base path is a path three feet on either side of a direct line from where the runner is when a fielder attempts to tag them, the last base touched or assumed to have touched and the next base. If there is no tag attempt there is no base path. If a runner wants to touch second base, continue out and touch the left field foul pole and then run to third base it would be perfectly legal if no one is attempting to tag them.I don't know the rules, I'm also not an umpire... but If you're behind the bag.... are you also not on the base path??? Unless you're backing up on the base path and there for having to round the base as well...
Are you willing to post or PM me with what state you're clinic was in and whom the instructor was? If they are correct I want to make sure they get the praise and if it's incorrect I'd like to see it fixed.I asked about this during umpire training this year (USSSA) because someone did it in a game last year. The trainers said that it would be legal. However, I know it is illegal in baseball and fast pitch softball. In USSSA rulebook, Rule 8. 5. R, it says that base runners are out "When he positions himself behind, and not in contact with, the base to get a running start." but apparently if it is after the ball has been hit, it must be ok?
Bretman, would you post a rule on why it is illegal.. remember the runner sets up like this after the ball has been hitThis is illegal in every baseball and softball rule set I’m aware of. In twenty five years of umpiring I’ve seen this happen exactly zero times. It’s one of those calls that’s so rare an inexperienced umpire might not even be aware of it.
I understand 8.7V .. I don't believe this rule pertains to the OP .. this is for a runner being off the base BEFORE the pitch or after the ball has been released by the pitcher but BEFORE the ball is batted, touches the ground, or reaches home plate.USA 8.7.V
"The runner is out ... when a runner is positioned behind and not in contact with a base to get a running start on any fly ball."
And, to address the discussion above, you cannot have a fly ball until after the ball is batted, so this rule must apply after the ball is hit. Further, USA 8.7.R governs maintaining contact with the base until the ball is batted, touches the ground, or reaches home plate.