Question: In high school baseball and softball, where does the running lane begin and end? Is it the last 45 feet of the baseline toward first base?
Answer: In BB, it is the last half distance from homeplate to first (45 feet) (Rule 8, Sec. 4, Art. 1g). In SB, it is the halfway distance from home to first (30 feet) (Rule 1, Sec. 1, Art. 4, Fig. 1). It is drawn three feet parallel to the first base foul line (Rule 2, Sec. 58).
Question: Is a batter-runner required to run within this lane at all times?
Answer: In BB, it is legal for runner to run outside this lane to avoid a fielder who is fielding a ball. The same is true in SB; for interference to be called, there must be a throw at first base. A runner is deemed outside the lane if either foot is completely outside and on the ground (SB – Rule 8, Sec. 2, Art. 5).