Look-back rule

Question
Hello.  First, thanks for all of the great info you add to this site!  

OK, I like to think I understand the look-back rule, but we had a situation happen in a U12 ASA tourney this weekend that I don't agree with.  

R1 on 3B with 1 out.  B2 walks and heads to 1B.  R1 is ON 3rd when B2 continues through 1st towards 2B.  Pitcher is standing in circle with ball in glove and watches (as instructed to do).  R1 takes a few steps off 3B and immediately returns.  

I asked blue why she was not called out and he said that she is allowed one change of direction once P has ball in circle.  I understand that the LBR doesn't take effect until BR reaches 1st (or is out), but once the LBR is in effect, shouldn't any runner that was on a base "for any reason" be called out if they leave (assuming P makes no attempted play and controls the ball)?

Later, he said that different umps interpret the LBR differently...but I say that makes it a real challenge to coach and teach the girls....

Thanks,
Scott

Answer
Hi Scott,

I think the LBR is pretty clear and except for what some minor discussion of what the word "immediately" means, all good umpires should (and I think do) call it pretty consistently.


ASA 8-7-T. (Fast Pitch) LOOK BACK RULE.
The 揕ook Back?rule shall be in effect for all runners when the ball is live,
the batter-runner has touched first base or has been declared out, and the
pitcher has possession and control of the ball within the pitcher抯 circle. The
pitcher is considered to be in the pitcher抯 circle when both feet are on or
within the lines.

t-2 Once the runner stops at a base for any reason, the runner will
be declared out if leaving the base."


"he said that she is allowed one change of direction once P has ball in circle."  not if they are stopped at the base. the pitcher has the ball in the circle and the b-r has touched 1st base.

"Later, he said that different umps interpret the LBR differently."  in this case, only if they don't understand the rule.

in an ASA tournie, I think the "P" word here would have been appropriate.

Mark