What must be true for a runner to be called out on a tag?

What must be true for a runner to be called out on a tag?

• A. They must be on a base
• B. The fielder must have both feet on the ground
• C. The fielder must possess the ball during the tag
• D. The runner must be attempting to advance

Answer: (C)

For a runner to be called out on a tag, it is essential that the fielder possesses the ball during the act of tagging. This requirement is fundamental to the rules of softball and baseball. When a fielder tags a runner, they must have control of the ball and then touch the runner or any part of their body with the ball. This means that without the ball securely in the fielder's possession at the moment of the tag, the tag is not considered valid, and therefore the runner cannot be called out. The other aspects, such as whether the runner is on a base or attempting to advance, do not affect the basic requirement of possession for an out in this situation. The fielder's foot position is also irrelevant when it comes to the tag being acknowledged legally, as the critical factor is the fielder's control of the ball at the moment of contact with the runner. Thus, having the ball is the key element that determines the legitimacy of the tag and the subsequent call of an out.

For a runner to be called out on a tag, it is essential that the fielder possesses the ball during the act of tagging. This requirement is fundamental to the rules of softball and baseball. When a fielder tags a runner, they must have control of the ball and then touch the runner or any part of their body with the ball. This means that without the ball securely in the fielder's possession at the moment of the tag, the tag is not considered valid, and therefore the runner cannot be called out.

The other aspects, such as whether the runner is on a base or attempting to advance, do not affect the basic requirement of possession for an out in this situation. The fielder's foot position is also irrelevant when it comes to the tag being acknowledged legally, as the critical factor is the fielder's control of the ball at the moment of contact with the runner. Thus, having the ball is the key element that determines the legitimacy of the tag and the subsequent call of an out.