Base path and three foot limit

Question
Dr. Mark,

I understand that base runners must stay within three feet of a direct line from where they are when a play is being made on them to the base they are running to and that this has not relation to the baselines.  How is that three feet judged?  Does any part of there body going outside the three foot limit mean they should be called out?  Can their entire body except for their hand be outside the three foot limit?  I can imagine a runner's body being more like 4 for 4.5 feet from the base path, but they are keeping one hand extended so it is less than three feet.  How would most umpires handle this?  Are the rules even specific on how to judge the three feet limit?  To me it looks like a rule that could use some clarification.  How do you call it?  

I am curious because I would like to teach my team how to avoid an easy tag instead of just running into the tag.  

Thanks in advance.  You have an awesome service.  I am learning a lot from all the old questions and answers.  


Coach Doug

Answer
Hi Douglas,

It's a judgment call on the 3' and based on the rule, "the runner runs" if the feet are outside the 3' requirement I have an out.  I don't care where the rest of the body is.

THE RUNNER IS OUT.
A. When running to any base in regular or reverse order and the runner runs
more than three feet from the base path to avoid being touched by the ball
in the hand(s)of a fielder.

Mark