Proper Appeals

Question
QUESTION: This question is basically two-fold involving when and if a coach can make a live ball appeal and what to do if his appeal is inappropriately done.  That is he does not either have the authority to make such an appeal or that he does it improperly.

The second part is involves a difference of opinion between me and my league administrator.  He is of the belief that an appeal for a missed base can be made without saying a word to an umpire simply by intentionally or uninten-tionally touching a base that has been missed.  My beliefis that a runner missing a base is presumed safe once it is passed.  There are a host of problems I see unless intentionality and clarity are applied within the appeal process.

Given his authority over me I will likely submit to his opinion but I strongly disagree with it.

ANSWER: Hi Brad,

a live ball appeal can only be made by a defensive player in possession of the ball contacting the base missed or left too early or tagging the runner not in contact with that base.  The coach can certainly instruct "Beka, R1 missed 2nd base...." but it has no authority as far as the appeal goes, Beka must make it as directed above.

#2 in softball a runner is presumed to have touched the base once they pass it, a live or dead ball appeal must be made by telling us what the appeal is.

Mark

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I believe I understand you second response to be in support of my stance.  A fielder can not simply step on a base that has been missed by a runner and attain an out.  Instead they could:
1.  Step on the base while telling the umpire the reason.
2.  Tag the runner who has missed a base and tell the umpire.
3.  With a dead ball and without tag the runner or base being necessary simply tell the umpire.

Did I leave anything out or misinterpret anything you said?

Thanks for the response.

Answer
Hi Brad,

1 correct
2 correct
3 correct , in ASA any infielder can make the appeal, in Fed play any infielder or coach.

Before I get letters there are some situations by common sense need no verbal,... R1 on 1st, off at the crack, long fly ball, caught, r1 at 3rd is now heading back to 1st....everyone knows they left early...possession by f3...just call the out.

On the other side, triple by B1, misses 2nd and is standing on 3rd, ball comes back to the infield and F4 catches the ball, crosses 2nd and relays the ball to the pitcher...no call w/out an appeal.

Mark