7.04 Advancing one Base

Each runner, other than the batter, may, without liability to be put out, advance one base when –

(a) the batter’s advance without liability to be put out forces the runner to vacate a base, or when the batter hits a fair ball that touches another runner or the umpire before such ball has been touched by, or has passed a fielder, if the runner is forced to advance, or in Intermediate (50-70) Division/ Junior/ Senior/ Big League, there is a balk;

(b) a fielder, after catching a fly ball, falls into a stand, falls across ropes into a crowd when spectators are on the field, or falls into any other dead-ball areas;

(c) Intermediate (50-70) Division/ Junior/ Senior/ Big League: while the runner is attempting to steal a base, the batter is interfered with by the catcher or any other fielder.

NOTE: When a runner is entitled to a base without liability to be put out, while the ball is in play, or under any rule in which the ball is in play after the runner reaches an entitled base, and the runner fails to touch the base to which that runner is entitled before attempting to advance to the next base, the runner shall forfeit the exemption from liability to be put out and may be put out by tagging the base or by tagging the runner before that runner returns to the missed base.

A.R.— A runner forced to advance without liability to be put out, may advance past the base to which he/ she is entitled at his/ her own risk.