Force out vs tag out

Question
Hi Dr. Ambrose ?my question is: 1 out ?runner on 1st ?Batter hits sharp one hopper to first baseman ?runner on first is in contact with the bag ?batter-runner has not reached 1st base. If first baseman tags runner while runner is still in contact with 1st base, and then touches 1st base, is this a double play? For sake of rules ?although I believe most softball and baseball alike would share this fundamental rule ?we can choose ASA softball for this scenario. I know this situation would be a rarity but it came up in conversation over this past weekend during my softball league. My belief is that the rules clearly indicate that although a runner may be a FORCE OUT, that the runner CANNOT be TAGGED out while in contact with any base, UNLESS that base becomes OCCUPIED by a runner/batter-runner who is ENTITLED to that base. Therefore, since the batter-runner is entitled to 1st base, UNTIL he/she touches 1st base, the runner starting on 1st base cannot be tagged OUT. I am hoping you can provide some clarification. Appreciate your time.

Answer
Hi Joe,

Actually this is a fairly common play.

"My belief is that the rules clearly indicate that although a runner may be a FORCE OUT, that the runner CANNOT be TAGGED out while in contact with any base, UNLESS that base becomes OCCUPIED by a runner/batter-runner who is ENTITLED to that base."  

Sorry  that is absolutely incorrect!  The rules say no such thing.

"Therefore, since the batter-runner is entitled to 1st base, UNTIL he/she touches 1st base, the runner starting on 1st base cannot be tagged OUT."

Also incorrect the runner is NOT entitled to stay there, in fact the rules state they must vacate.

FORCE OUT: Is an out which may be made only when a runner loses the right to the
base that the runner is occupying because the batter becomes a batter-runner,
and before the batter-runner or a trailing runner has been put out.

As soon as the batter becomes a b-r any runner forced by that action loses the legal right to occupy that base.....

8-3B. When a runner or batter-runner acquires the right to a base by touching it
before being put out, the runner or batter-runner is entitled to hold that base
until legally touching the next consecutive base or is forced to vacate it for
a trailing runner.

8-7
C. When, on a force play, a fielder contacts the base while holding the ball, or
tags the runner before the runner reaches the base.

So pick up ground ball, tag the runner on base, then touch the base, double play!!!

mark