running to first base after being called out

Question
A team is being coached to run to 1st base after every 3rd strike call or 3rd strike swing. It seems to be done to confuse fielders when runner are on and it is a waste of time. Is there a rule to prevent this?

Answer
Jim,

No there isn't a rule to prevent this.  In fact, the rules specifically exclude this from being interference.

When I coach, I coach my girls to take off for first on all third strikes.  This gives them a couple of extra steps if the pitch is actually dropped.  My first base coach lets them know if they should keep running.  They rarely get more than 15 feet if they are actually out.  

It is the defenses responsiblity to know what to do with the ball in this situation.  I do agree with you that it is a waste of time and and believe it is unsportsmanlike if they always run all the way to first in an attempt to confuse the defense.

This doesn't sound like the answer you were looking for, but it is how the game is played.

Tom