ASA Mens Slow Pitch Softball

Question
I was wondering if you could help me out with this explanation I got from an umpire on a call at home. I was the runner and rounded 3rd on a hit and there was a play at the plate, my foot hit the plate right as the catcher tagged me in the chest. I thought I beat the throw anyway and the umpire called me out due to the fact that the tie never goes to the runner. I was obviously pretty upset and asked him where he had heard that b/c I have always heard if there is a tie it goes to the runner and he responded by simply saying that he went to school for this stuff and I should shut up. Can you help me out here and tell me if this is indeed a rule. How would you call a play if you honestly thought the runner did hit the base at the same time as the tag was applied?

Answer
Hi Dustin,

"How would you call a play if you honestly thought the runner did hit the base at the same time as the tag was applied?"

Dustin you're asking me to do sometime on a public forum that for almost 20 yrs and thousands of plays I've denied I've ever seen, a tie (keeps me out of trouble).  I'm not going to do it......however I will help you out.

ASA 8-7-B.  The runner is out.... When the ball is live and while the runner is not in contact with a base, the runner is legally touched with the ball in the hand(s) of a fielder

Now IMO the key here is "not in contact with a base"  You state the umpire felt you contacted the base just as the tag was applied....correct?  If so you were not tagged while not in contact w/ a base..correct?  If so I have to give a "SAFE" (with the sell).  I think most senior experienced umpires give you that call.

Now I'm not going to get into a pissin' match about schools but I think if I stated this "that the tie never goes to the runner." at my next school, 1) I would be taken off the "list" and 2) they would want to see how my rehab was going before they put me back on, and 3) I'd still be running laps for Bernie (never mind)

Mark