Running Out A Bunt

Question
In our 10-U girls fastpitch league (ASA rules) we have seen an increase in bunting.  With that has come some questionable running toward first base.  In many cases the girls are (i) inside the base path the entire way and (ii) only touching the white portion of first base.  Are both of these potentially infractions and the girls out?

Running inside the base path would seem to be interference in a number of cases (girls have been hit in the back by throws to first).  Touching only the white portion of first base would seem to be the same as missing the base entirely.  What is the correct call here?  Any special "appeal" required?

Thanks

Answer
HI Tom,

"Whenever a play is being made" the runner must use the colored portion of the base and the defense the white.  There are some exceptions to this such as an errant throw drawing the defense into foul territory.

If they touch only the white portion in the above situation it is an appeal play by the defense and must be made before the runner returns to the base.  They would then be out.

A runner can run outside the 3' lane but if they interfere with a throw to 1st base they would be out.  No appeal is necessary as interference is an immediate umpire call.  

However if the throw is coming from the foul side of the base and the defense is using the colored portion of the bag a b-r can run outside the 3' lane and would not be out if hit by the throw.

They can also legally run outside the 3' lane to avoid a fielder fielding the ball.

Mark