no-look rule

Question
When a runner is off base and the ball is in play, We have always refered to it as 'committment" the runner has to commit to a base once the ball is in the circle. We have always believed it could be any player, not just the pitcher. For example when runners have the possibility to score, the pitcher backs up home and first base comes to the middle infield to take the cut off. She can now hold the ball in the circle to make any other base runners commit. It this true?

Answer
Hi wade,

You're talking about what is officially referred to as the "look back" rule.  Any league can certainly alter it to it their game which you seem to have done, but in strict rule play the look back rule applies only when the pitcher, and only the pitcher has control of the ball in the circle.  No other position can cause the rule to go into effect.

My personal opinion is allowing another position to use the rule in the situation you describe puts the offense at a disadvantage the rule was not meant to have.

Mark