There are two rules that govern rounding first base. The first one applies in both softball and baseball. The second applies only in softball.

Softball & Baseball

A runner can over run 1st base in any direction. They can run and turn to the right, or into foul territory, or they can turn left and into fair territory. Once the runner turns, in order to be safe, they must return to 1st base almost immediately. It is the umpire’s judgment if the runner made an attempt to 2nd base. If in the umpire’s judgment the runner did make an attempt to go to 2nd, then they can be tagged out. If in the umpires judgment there was no attempt and they return to 1st base and are tagged in fair territory they are safe.

Softball Look Back rule (As written in rule book)

The look back rule will be in effect when the ball is live, the batter-runner has touched 1st base or has been declared out, and the pitcher has possession of the ball within the pitchers circle.

The runner(s) may stop once, but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base.
Once the runner stops at the base for any reason, she will be declared out if she leaves the base.

Responsibilities of batter-runner after completing a turn at bat, and while the pitcher has the ball within the 16 foot pitching circle, including a base on balls or a dropped 3rd strike or as follows:

a. Batter-runner who rounds 1st base towards 2nd base may stop, but then must immediately, without stopping, return to 1st or attempt to advance to 2nd base.

b. A batter-runner who over runs 1st base towards right field, turns left and immediately stops, must then return non-stop to 1st or attempt to advance to 2nd base.

c. A batter-runner who over runs 1st base towards right field, turns left and moves directly towards 2nd base and stops is committed to 2nd and must attempt to advance non-stop to 2nd base.

d. A batter-runner who over runs 1st base towards right field, turns left and moves back towards the infield in any direction except directly towards 2nd base is committed to 1st and must return to 1st base.

e. A batter-runner who over runs 1st base towards right field, turns right, is committed to 1st base and must return to 1st base.

The penalty for these rules is that there is a no pitch is called, the runner who violated is out and all other runners return.

Exception: the runner will not be declared out if a play is made on another runner (a fake throw is considered a play), the pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the 16 foot circle, or the pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter.

 To ask Anzo, e-mail to info@siskiyouyouth.com