A base runner shall be declared out if a member of the fielding side, possessing the ball, touches the base before the runner or touches the...

Answer

A base runner shall be declared out if a member of the fielding side, possessing the ball, touches the base before the runner or touches the runner with the ball while the runner is not on the base. This rule is in place to ensure fairness in the game, as it allows the fielding team to make a play on the runner at various bases. If the fielder successfully touches the base before the runner arrives, or tags the runner with the ball while they are off the base, the runner is considered out. This principle applies to various situations throughout the game, including force plays and tag plays, making it crucial for both offensive and defensive strategies in baseball or softball.