Lookback rule, runner between first and second bases

Question
This question pertains to ASA fast pitch 12-U girls.  Bases empty.  Batter hits slow roller to second baseman between first and second.  Ball is booted.  By the time the second baseman has control of the ball the runner has rounded first base toward second.  Runner sees second baseman with ball and starts back toward first base.  Second baseman then throws the ball back to the pitcher, who catches the ball in the circle, at which time the runner breaks toward second base.  The pitcher simply watches the runner and makes no effort to make a play.  The runner stops after a few steps and returns to first base.  Is the runner out under the lookback rule?  

Answer
Thanks for the question.

In the look back rule, once the pitcher has control of the ball in the circle, the rule is on, and the runner(s) off a base have a decision to make.  They may stop (unless they are already stopped) once but then must either go to the next base, or return to the previous base.  Runner(s) on a base when the pitcher has control of the ball in the circle have in a sense, already made their decision and can not legally leave the base to which they occupy.

Situation 1 - If the runner was on first base and left after the ball was caught by the pitcher, she is out.  

Situation 2 - If the runner was on or off first base and left or started running before the ball was caught by the pitcher, she has not stopped yet.  Once she stops she can then decide to go one way or the other.  However it must be a quick decision, stopping for more than 2 seconds (this is how much time I give) is also an out.  

Situation 3 - If the runner was off first base and started running after the ball was caught by the pitcher has already been given her stop and therefore, must continue on to second.  Any additional stop or return to first would result in an out.

The look back rule is very extensive in the ASA Rulebook.  If you do not have a 2006 ASA Umpire Edition Rulebook and a 2005-2006 ASA Umpire Case Book, I would order one of each from your local ASA Association or by calling the ASA National Office.  Contact Info can be found here:

http://www.softball.org

I hope this answers your question, if not please reply.