When is a runner out for leaving early, the running lane or crashing into a fielder?
Rule- USA
- NFHS
- High school softball
- High school (grades 9-12)
- Fastpitch
- NFHS rules
- 2027 season
- Umpires
Leaving too soon (8-7-18): a runner must keep contact with her base until the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. If she leaves early, the ball is dead, "no pitch" is declared and the runner is out.
Running lane (8-2-6): the batter-runner is out for interference if she's outside the three-foot lane and interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first. She's outside the lane if either foot last contacted the ground completely outside it.
Crashing (8-7-14): a runner who remains on her feet and crashes into a defensive player is out. Malicious contact supersedes obstruction.
Running the bases in reverse (8-3-6): a runner who runs the bases in reverse order to confuse the fielders or make a travesty of the game is out, and the ball is dead.
Added 21 Oct 2026