Circle violation or not?

Question
QUESTION: BR runs to 1st and does not see that the 1st baseman dropped the ball, after touching 1st starts toward homeplate to get her bat but coach informs her she is safe, only came off 1st about two steps toward home. Pitcher has ball in circle and when she sees this makes a throw to 1st but does not get the runner. Is the runner out and why?

ANSWER: Your scenario does not have a look back rule violation described.  The runner is not out.  Starting to leave the field is not a LBR violation.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for the reply. The runner was called out and I was told it was a circle violation. My comment to the umpires was that the pitcher made an attempt by throwing the ball to 1st. I was told that the runner left the base before an attempt was made. My next reply was; " Yes, and this is why we have a ruling and why a pitcher would make an attempt." Later that day I asked another umpire in the same tournament and was told the baserunner was out for abandoning the base. I asked him if two steps off the base was considered abandoning and he confirmed that it was. I thought you had to be in or near your dugout?

I really do appreciate umpires and have done a little myself so I know firsthand it is not a easy task to make a close call. However, you should know the rules if you are going to be on a field every weekend.

Thanks,

Jorge

Answer
There is no abandoment rule in softball.  Players can not be called out for abandoning a base in softball until they leave the field of play.

I did not understand from your original question that the runner had stopped on first base then left the base because she thought that she was out.  The runner is out if after stopping on the base leaves the base while the pitcher has control of the ball and is not attempting a play on any runner, prior to the release of the next pitch.  As long as the runner left the base before there was any attempt at a play she is out.  In your scenario, the runner was out prior to the pitcher throwing the ball to first.