Ump called runner safe - then OUT!

Question
This is a question in regards to slow pitch softball regulated by the USSSA. With two outs and a runner on second, player X hit a ball through the infield and into left field. Player X rounds third, beats the tag at home, and the umpire behind home plate signals "safe" with his arms. The pitcher on defense then yells at the catcher, "he didn't touch home plate or the red back, tag him!" After the catcher gathers his barrings, the catcher tags the runner who crossed home plate (now halfway walking to the dugout) and is then called "Out" by the same umpire at home plate that called him safe.

I couldn't find this in the rule book. Would you mind helping me out on this one so that if he is indeed safe, I can point it out and protest the game?

Thanks,
Ken Phan


Answer
Hi Ken

I assume the mechanic in utrip is the same as ASA

What the umpire did was absolutely correct, when a player misses a base or hp by rule they are assumed to have touched it unless the defense appeals...so the mechanic is in this case for the PU is to hesitate slightly (waiting for an appeal by the catcher either tagging the runner or hp and stating the appeal) and then call the runner safe if there is no immediate appeal...now if the defense appeals a little later as happened here the out is had by either touching the plate or tagging the runner and stating they missed the base.

Just a sn, if your player had entered the team area (left live ball territory) they are prohibited by rule to return and touch the plate.

Sorry no protest here, plus remember any protest of a rules interp must be made at the time of the play.

Mark