Look back rule NFHS

Question
What do you think?
With high school (National Federation) rules:

Runner on third, ball four on batter, ball returned to pitcher ( in circle).  The batter  runner steps on first then heads for second the pitcher turns to watch the batter runner heading to second. The pitcher never makes any movement associated with a play. With the batter runner half way to second (pitcher still watching the batter runner) the runner on third steps off of third then stops making no movement in any direction. The plate umpire calls dead ball and the runner at third out for violating the look back rule.


Answer
Hi Dave,

I'm an ASA umpire but I believe the fundamentals of the look back rule are the same for NFHS.

In this case R1 would be out because the pitcher had the ball in the the circle, was not making a play and R1 had stopped on (or returned to) 3rd and then left the base.

The call is correct.

Mark