USSSA Coach-pitch - "in advance of the lead runner..."

Trying to determine what this phrase means. This weekend will be our first USSSA tournament (8U All-Stars). I know it sounds obvious, but does this mean if F5 has possession, R1 can no longer advance? Does "in advance of the runner" = DIRECTLY ahead of them on the basepaths, or ANYWHERE ahead of them? (If F2 has the ball, neither R1 or R2 could advance, even if 3B is open?)

USSSA Fastpitch Rule Book - 14th Edition - pg 65
RULE 17. COACH PITCH and MACHINE PITCH RULES
12. Time will be called when a defensive player has possession of the ball in advance of the lead runner or the ball is returned to the player pitcher with at least one foot on the side line of the pitcher’s circle. If a runner is more than half way to the next base when time is called, the runner will be awarded the next base. If they are not half way to the next base when time is called they will be returned to the previous base safely.

Is "get it back to the pitcher" still just the best option for killing the play at this level?

USSSA Coach-pitch - "in advance of the lead runner..."

Gags,
I would interpret it based on the spirit of the rule which is intended to kill the play when the runner has no reasonable expectation to advance. So the ball is directly in front of the lead runner. Not to be confused with the "ball in the infield" as a way to stop play that some leagues use.

Basically eliminate the attempt to "steal" the next base every time the fielder throws it to the pitcher.....and just cause further delays.


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Sounds to me like if the lead runner is on second and thirdbase has the ball time is called. Its to keep teams from running when the ball is thrown from an infielder to the coach.