Runner Interference on Double Play

Question
Context: Church League Slow Pitch Softball

Scenario: Runner at first, ball hit to short stop.  Short stop tags second way ahead of the runner moving from first to second and short stop attempts to turn the double play.

What is the the runner's responsibility after clearly being out?  Stay in the baseline? Move towards outfield to avoid the throw? Duck & cover?  Please note in our league, 'taking out' the short stop on a close play at second would not be allowed.  

In this case of last night's play, it was no where near close,so the runner slid 5' short of the bag to avoid the throwing line to first. The short stop was adamant that the runner should have to veer off into the outfield to avoid the throw.

Thanks in advance for any clarification you have on this matter, and helping keeping the right spirit in the church league.

Sincerely,
Rob

Answer
Hi Rob,

I think this is very easy BUT for some reason there's always an argument usually by the defense on this play.

The runner that is put out must not do any ACT to cause interference.  There is no "get out of the way rule", written or unwritten that a good umpire looks for, it is the "act"

If they move into the infield or out into the outfield and the defense positions themselves and their throw there, it is interference, they committed an "act", intent is not a factor.

As we all know they cannot simply disappear. The runner can continue on their path toward the base they were going to, mindful not to commit an act, such as throwing up their arms, ect.  Should they be hit by a throw while in that position it is not interference.

The defense can and should move their throw inside or outside of that position.

Hope this helps,

Mark