What is Appendix G? NCAA rule allowed UCLA home run vs Tennessee in WCWS
USA TodayJUN 3
Controversial Home Run Sparks WCWS Drama
Above: UCLA utility Megan Grant (43) makes it home after hitting a home run to close off the UCLA NCAA Regional game against UC Santa Barrbara at Easton Stadium on May 16, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. Image copyright: Carlin Stiehl/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The controversial ruling undermines the integrity of the game and has potentially cost Tennessee a cleaner victory. The rules clearly state that no offensive team personnel should assist a runner, and Grant's teammate explicitly helped her return to touch the home plate. This assistance should have nullified the run, especially given that multiple angles showed the initial miss of the home plate.
Narrative B
The umpires made the correct decision by following the established rules regarding video review. Since Appendix G of the NCAA Softball rulebook doesn't specifically allow for review of runner assistance, and because a home run is considered a dead ball, even if reviewed it would have only resulted in a warning without affecting the score. The spirit of the game was preserved by allowing the dramatic home run to stand.