ASA rules for interference

Question
Hi Dr. Ambrose...we play in a church league governed by ASA rules.  Here's the sitation: runner on 1st, no outs.  Batter hits a ground ball to short who flips to second for the force. When the second baseman threw to first attempting the double play, he struck the advancing runner in the head (fortunately, he was ok).   I should note here that the advancing runner was not waving his arms or anything like that which, obviously, would clearly constitute interference.  Would this be AUTOMATIC interference on the part of the runner, resulting in the batter being called out, as well?  I suppose it comes down to this...1. does ASA say the fielder has a right to throw on a direct line to first base regardless of the oncoming runner? or.. 2. does ASA say the oncoming runner has a right to run to the base on a direct line regardless of the fielder? Perhaps both have that right but it's "run at your own risk"?  Can you please shed some light on this?  I searched on the web for some ASA guidance on this and couldn't find much.  Thanks very much.

Answer
Hi lynn.

first we must understand the runner cannot simply disappear, however they must vacate any space needed for the defense to execute a play.

In almost all cases here we have interference by a runner already out and the runner closest to home would also be out.

Just to answer your questions

"does ASA say the fielder has a right to throw on a direct line to first base regardless of the oncoming runner"  yes

"does ASA say the oncoming runner has a right to run to the base on a direct line regardless of the fielder"  no, the runner is already out

Perhaps both have that right but it's "run at your own risk"? " No the runner must vacate any space needed for the defense to execute a play.

Mark