Live ball appeal. ASA senior slow pitch

Question
I have a specific situation to address, but would like to preface the situation with a general query on live ball appeals.  It seems to me that the ASA rule book is less than specific on live ball appeal procedure.  For example, if a runner missing second was observed only by the umpire, a routine return of the ball from the outfield to F4 standing on the base would meet the stated criteria, but surely would not suffice as an appeal unless intent was indicated.  Similarly, it is not unusual for a batter runner to overstep first ahead of a throw caught by F3 on the base, but the runner would not be called out unless intent to appeal was indicated.  Contrarily, when a runner leaves a base early, umpires routinely declare an out if a throw to the base arrives ahead of the returning runner.  So, does a live ball appeal require stated or clearly implied intent?

The situation:  I am a volunteer umpire for senior slow pitch using ASA rules.  R1 on 3rd, R2 on 2nd.  B3 hits a double.  R1 reaches and touches home plate.  R2 crosses but does not touch home plate.  No play is made and safe calls are implied but not stated.  The ball is returned to F1.  Time has not yet been called.  A player in the dugout (not the manager) noted the missed base and calls for F1 to throw to F2, which he does.  The dugout player tells F2 to step on the plate, which he does, concurrently asking 搘hat are we doing?? No player on the field ever stated an appeal, or even indicated an understanding of the intent to appeal, let alone which runner.  F2 returned the ball to F1, time was called and play continued.  Do you see any valid live ball appeal here?  I did not, but it could be argued that the requirements of an appeal as described in the rules were met.

Answer
Hi John,

In ASA we do not allow or call "unintentional" appeals either live or dead.  Your 1st 2 examples are just that, since by rule a runner is assumed to have touched a base they have passed, we don't call it w/out a verbal appeal

It is common in softball when a runner leaves early to see the ball thrown back to the base and the runner called out w/out a verbal appeal.  We really should have one but in some cases it obvious to all, the offense, defense and umpires what's going on. ie R1 on 1st, leaves at the crack, F6 snags the ld and snap throws to 1st as R1 is hustling to get back.  Everybody knows....I just call the out.

In your situation a live ball appeal must be made by a player with the ball tagging the runner or touching the base.  As the PU here I need to know what if any appeal is being made and on who.  In your situation I would need a verbal from F2 for the appeal.  Again the runner is assumed to have touched the base and unless F2 says something, I've got nothing.

In ASA play an appeal either live (any player with the ball, touching or tagging)or dead (any infielder)cannot come from the dugout.  I understand this is different from some other org.s

Mark