10 and u girls softball - asa

Question
I understand on an overthrow that a runner gets 2 bases at the time of the throw..  However, If a runner is on first with no outs and upon the crack of the bat they are running to 2nd, but the line drive is caught - the runner races back to tag but before she gets there, the ball is thrown out of play.. Does she touch 1st and go to second-or gets third? Isnt the purpose of tagging up to regain possession of the base..  Don't they lose the possession upon a fly ball until they tag up.. therefore the 2 bases would be the return to tag up and 2nd...  Many people think they still get 3 as the time of the throw they feel you never lose possession of the bag???  thanx  

Answer
Hi John R,

The award on an overthrow is always 2 bases from the last base touched at the time of the throw.  The last base touched in this case is 1st so the runner would get 3rd.

There is no rule about "possession" of a base, we use the word "occupy", but in this case since the runner is not forced they continue to occupy and be legally entitled to 1st.  They "occupy" a base until they legally advance to another base, are forced or put out.

Let's put this out there as an example of the overthrow award...R1 at 1st, long fly ball and R1 is running at the crack.  He touches 2nd and heads to 3rd when the ball is caught and now thrown (the outfielder has a rocket)to 1st.  R1 realizes he left early and heads back to 1st, but the ball goes over f3 head and is thrown out of play.  The award is home because the last base touched at the time of the throw was 2nd (he was between 2nd and 3rd).  R1 must of course re-touch 1st and then take the award or they would be out on appeal.

OK? if not write me back

Mark