The Playing Field
A. COMMITMENT LINE – A commitment line thirty (30) feet from the scoring line or scoring plate will be used. Once a runner’s foot touches the ground on or past this line, the runner is committed to advancing to the scoring line or scoring plate and can no longer be tagged out.
EFFECT: Tag of the runner by a defensive player will not be allowed. The runner will be called safe; the ball remains LIVE; and the runner is not required to cross the scoring line or touch the scoring plate. NOTE: if a runner re-crosses the commitment line for any reason to return to third base, he will be declared out, and the ball remains LIVE. (2017-18 SSUSA Rules 8.8)
B. All bases are 70 feet in distance in all directions.
C. FIRST BASE/DOUBLE BAG – A double bag of equal size totaling (15” x 30”) shall be used at first base. The double portion of the bag shall be orange in color and be in foul territory abutting the original. If there is a play on a batter/runner going to first base, the batter/runner must touch the orange portion of the double bag extending into foul territory. The batter/runner will be called out if he fails to do so.
Exception: If in the umpire’s judgment, the batter/runner is attempting to avoid a collision. On any force out attempt from the foul side of first base, the defense and the batter/runner may use either the white or orange portion of the base. On an errant throw pulling the defense off the white portion of the base into foul ground, the defense and batter/runner can use either the white or orange color portion. When the defensive player uses the foul portion of the double base, the batter/runner can run in fair territory when the throw is coming from the foul side of the base, and if hit by the thrown ball, it is not interference. If intentional interference is ruled, the batter/runner is out. This is not an appealable play.
D. Once the batter/runner reaches first base safely, the double base shall be treated as one base. The runner may use any portion. (See Rule 11.E for more detail)