interference/in baseline going to first

Question
This instance happened last night at our daughter's 12u tournament game. I believe we follow the ASA Ohio rules. Here is what happened: my daughter ran to first on the third strike rule and was hit in the back of the head/helmet by the catcher throwing the ball to the first baseman, right before she reached the base. Umpire called her out for being in the baseline. Makes absolutely no sense to me. How else do you get to first base? Apparently others have agreed that it is the rule, but seriously? In my opinion, the rule should be that the first baseman needs to be off to the side of the base to catch the ball so that the ball is not thrown in the path of the runner. Yes, there was a safety bag also.

Answer
Hi Kara,

There already is a solution to the situation and your DD violated it and that's why she was called out.  Half way to 1st begins the 3' lane with the outside line the foul line that meets the outside edge of 1st base and the inside line in foul territory.  The normal 1st base is completely in fair territory outside of the 3' lane.

The runner in a play such as this must stay within the 3' lane and is protected there from an interference call if the throw hits her.  Outside of the lane gives a direct throw to the catcher to 1st w/out hitting the b-r.  If the b-r interferes with F3 being able to take a throw because she is outside the 3' lane they are out for interference.

Mark