Safe or out at home?

[MTR]

I have no issue with the defense being tipped off. If there's no call to be made then none should be. But a runner who misses a base is not safe.
Besides the offense would be tipped off as well by the non-call.

Actually, in all rule sets, the runner is safe. By rule, a runner who passes a base has touched that base for the purpose of the rules.

The umpire's mechanic was absolutely correct.

[Coach11]

Agreed guys....sorry...Im not argueing the rule book. I'm just stating my opinion as to how it should be handled.
I've seen it handled both ways....with non-calls as well as the "soft" safe call. Seen it at first base as well. Runner on 3rd...perfect bunt....no play at 1B without risking runner coming home, but batter-runner misses the bag running through. No call by 1B ump....runner scurries back as defense finally decides to throw to 1st.

[Imperial SB Dad]

So wait, by this logic an umpire should signal safe for every base passed by every runner.

If not, then why are the mechanics different for a runner passing home plate?

[Comp]

Generally speaking, a runner missing a base does not involve the ball being involved. No ball, no call to make, so no signal. If there is a play that is made, there has to be a call, either safe or out. Again, by rule, once the runner has passed the base, they are assumed to have touched it and if a play was made, there is a call to be made, in this case, the catcher bobbled the ball, runner passed the base, is assumed by rules to have touched it, safe. Now defense properly appeals that she missed, runner is out.

For reference the same applies for plays at any base. Batter beating out a throw to first base by 1/2 step, but misses the bag. The runner is assumed to have touched the bag, they beat the throw, they get a safe signal until properly appealed by the defense.

[MTR]

So wait, by this logic an umpire should signal safe for every base passed by every runner.

If not, then why are the mechanics different for a runner passing home plate?

No, they should not and no, they are not.

[T00 boo-coo]

Our girl gave up on the play once he called her safe. So do you re-touch the plate every time you are called safe just to be sure?

[HugoTafurst]

Our girl gave up on the play once he called her safe. So do you re-touch the plate every time you are called safe just to be sure?

No, when called safe, you only go back and touch the base is when you have missed it.

As has been said, you are presumed to have touched the base once you've passed it and you ARE safe, unless the defense notices that you MISSED the base and APPEALS.

Please don't tell me that it is not reasonable for the runner to know if they touched the base or not -

[Jalamander]

So wait, by this logic an umpire should signal safe for every base passed by every runner.

If not, then why are the mechanics different for a runner passing home plate?

This is from the 2008/2009 Fed Softball Umpires Manual governing most high school ball.
Page 32. Plate Mechanics - Appeal at the Plate.
“If a runner misses home plate and the catcher misses the tag, the umpire should hesitate slightly to allow the players to finish the play, either the runner reaches to tag the plate or the catcher reaches to tag the runner. If no tag is made, the umpire should declare the runner SAFE. If a proper appeal play is made by the fielder, by either touching the runner or the plate with the ball prior to the runner touching the plate, the umpire should then declare the runner OUT.
There are two reasons why we advocate this procedure: 1) We do not want to tip either team that the play may not be over, and 2) a runner is assumed SAFE until put out. If proper appeal is not made, the runner is SAFE.”

[shockcoach]

For reference the same applies for plays at any base. Batter beating out a throw to first base by 1/2 step, but misses the bag. The runner is assumed to have touched the bag, they beat the throw, they get a safe signal until properly appealed by the defense.

If BR misses the bag and the ball then comes to F3, who is touching the bag, this should be a force. If F3's foot is not on the bag, then a safe call should be made until a live appeal is made.

[SnocatzDad]

For reference the same applies for plays at any base. Batter beating out a throw to first base by 1/2 step, but misses the bag. The runner is assumed to have touched the bag, they beat the throw, they get a safe signal until properly appealed by the defense.

If BR misses the bag and the ball then comes to F3, who is touching the bag, this should be a force. If F3's foot is not on the bag, then a safe call should be made until a live appeal is made.

I don't think you are correct. If BR misses the bag (but passes it) and the ball then comes to F3, who is touching the bag the force was off once the runner passed 1st Base. A live ball appeal can be made by the F3 (which can look like a force, but isn't) but the fielder would need to make some indication that she is appealing, not just touch the bag as she would for a force.