Missed base

Question
In a recent U12 ASA game our player hit a ball that went through the gap into left center and she ended up with a double. After play completion the homeplate umpire ruled our b/r out for missing first base. There was a two man blue crew and after consultation, the first base umpire said he did not see her miss the base, but the homeplate umpire stuck by his original ruling and she was out. My understanding of the rule is that this is an "appeal play" by the defense and not an automatic call by the umpire. Your opinion along with the rule book #'s for future reference would be greatly appreciated.

Thank,
Jim

Answer
Hi Jim,

Under strict ASA rules this is an appeal play... 8-7-g.  The umpire should not rule w/out a defensive appeal.

The base umpire doesn't have much to do on this play but one of them is watching the runner touch 1st and should have had the definitive ruling had there been a proper appeal.

This is protestable as a mis-application of the playing rules.

Mark