Slo-Pitch Softball - Orange Base

Question
Batter hits ground ball to third baseman and runs to first.  (1) The ball goes through the third baseman into left field.  The runner touches the orange base and continues up the right field line.  The coach yells for him to go to second, which he does, from his place down the left field line.  The other team claims he did not touch the WHITE base before advancing and therefore should be out.  The appeal is made and the umpire rules him safe at second base.
(2) Same scenario except the play is in front of the runner (lets say at the second baseman) and runs to first, touches orange and then goes to second.

The opposing team claims there was NO PLAY at first and therefore the runner HAS to touch the white base.

Answer
Hi Steve,

On a ball hit to the outfield w/ no play on the b-r, the b-r may touch either the white or colored portion, so the umpire was correct.

The double base is a safety rule by intent and spirit.  It is not a "gotcha" rule and I would never enforce it as such.

mark