Force out in NFHS softball

[CRUSADER1010]

Have a runner at 1st...flyball hit to infield (no infield fly) runner on 1st advances to second and is on the bag...turns to go back to first thinking fly ball will be caught. Ball is not caught runner then turns to go back to second...is this still a force out or a tag out. Again runner made 2nd and then decided to return toward 1st in case fly ball not caught...wow

 

[ref4e]

Have a runner at 1st...flyball hit to infield (no infield fly) runner on 1st advances to second and is on the bag...turns to go back to first thinking fly ball will be caught. Ball is not caught runner then turns to go back to second...is this still a force out or a tag out. Again runner made 2nd and then decided to return toward 1st in case fly ball not caught...wow

Yes, it is a force out. Here's the rule reference:

2-23-4 (page 23 of 2025 rulebook):​

If a forced runner, after touching the next base, except home, retreats for any reason towards the base first occupied, the force play is reinstated and the runner may again be put out if the defense tags the base to which the runner is forced.​