Running on Dropped 2nd Strike Acting like its the third.

Question
We recently had the following scenario:
Runner on third with 1 out and a 2-1 count on the batter.
The batter swung and missed for what was strike 2, and the catcher dropped the ball.  The coaches for the team batting started hollering for the batter to run.  The catcher being confused (10U catcher), throws to first base, and while this is going on the runner from third scores.  The run was counted and the batter was called back to home plate to finish the at-bat.
Other than thinking the play is a "bush league" play, I can't find anything that would rule this illegal.  The only thing I have seen is the batter possibly being called for a "delay", and issued a strike.
Any help would be appreciated.

Answer
Hi Joe,

Thank you for your question.  Your scenario is a COMMON one in the 10U ranks.  The players and coaches are still honing their craft, and chaos is one of the byproducts of that.  Personally, I have seen a 10U batter break for 1B after receiving her FIRST pitch, which was a ball, and the catcher played on her!

Joe, I don't blame you for considering that play "bush league," and shame on the offensive coaches for imploring their batter to run on a "dropped second strike," but there's nothing illegal about it.  In this case, one-sidedly, the defense has to keep close track of the count and outs, but the offense doesn't.  The runner on 3B was entitled to score during the live ball throw to 1B by the catcher.  The umpire ruled correctly by returning the batter to finish her AB with a 2-2 count.  Also in this case, there is no rule which allows a strike to be called on the batter for delay of game.

Eventually your catcher will learn to keep a mental "death grip" on the count and not play on the batter on a "dropped second strike."  If you don't see her as being quite yet capable of taking on that task, just remind her with a verbal message or hand signal every time there are two strikes and fewer than two outs w/1B unoccupied, and when there are two strikes and two outs.  

Do you have any pull with your local league/tournament directors and organizers?  If you feel that your "dropped second strike" scenario occurs too frequently and is making a sham of your games, why don't you suggest that a harsh rule is implemented which returns all runners to the base occupied at the time of the pitch if the batter runs to 1B improperly?  You can alter the ASA rules to suit yourselves, you know, if the play isn't Championship play.  See Rule 12 for additional information.

Scott Kelly