Tag out

[LDS]

USSSA - 14's - 

On a tag play, if while applying a tag and the ball pops out of the fielders glove, is the runner still out if the fielder recatches the ball before it hits the ground.

I saw this happen last week and the umpire for that game said that as long as the fielder regains control of the ball before it hits the ground the runner is still out regardless if

he is tagged again or not.  I would have said the fielder did not have control of the ball, so runner is safe.  What is the rule on that?

[flyingron]

The tag must be made with the glove or the hand securely possessing the ball.   If he's juggling the ball, he's not securely possessing it nor if the act of makign the tag dislodges it.   There's no rule as to how long after the tag is made he must retain possession, just that he holds it long enough to show he has complete control.

Of course, if he catches it after the bobble and touches the runner again before the runner is back on the bag, it's still out.

[jimurrayalterego]

2 hours ago, LDS said:

USSSA - 14's - 

On a tag play, if while applying a tag and the ball pops out of the fielders glove, is the runner still out if the fielder recatches the ball before it hits the ground.

I saw this happen last week and the umpire for that game said that as long as the fielder regains control of the ball before it hits the ground the runner is still out regardless if

he is tagged again or not.  I would have said the fielder did not have control of the ball, so runner is safe.  What is the rule on that?

Since you asked for the rule it's in OBR Definitions:

"A TAG is the action of a fielder in touching a base with his body while holding the ball securely and firmly in his hand or glove; or touching a runner with the ball, or with his hand or glove holding the ball (not including hanging laces alone), while holding the ball securely and firmly in his hand or glove. It is not a tag, however, if simultaneously or immediately following his touching a base or touching a runner, the fielder drops the ball. In establishing the validity of the tag, the fielder shall hold the ball long enough to prove that he has complete control of the ball. If the fielder has made a tag and drops the ball while in the act of making a throw following the tag, the tag shall be adjudged to have been made. For purposes of this definition any jewelry being worn by a player (e.g., necklaces, bracelets, etc.) shall not constitute a part of the player’s body."

As an umpire you should aspire to reading the rules (over a long period of time) as opposed to thinking that listening to the guys training you will suffice. Knowledge of the rule wording allows you to use succinct answers to a coach's question or protest.  In this case, "I didn't have him securely holding the ball, he immediately dropped it."