Out on a walk.

Question
My granddaughter was playing a school fast pitch game in North Carolina.  She was walked and proceeded to run to first, watching the pitcher as she ran.  If the pitcher was not paying attention, she intended to steal second.  As she rounded 1st, the pitcher looked her way so she quickly aborted and returned to 1st.  She did this turn and return in less than 3 seconds as she was only a few steps beyond 1st.  The pitcher continued to hold the ball and the umpire call my granddaughter out.  He said she was not allowed to "lead off".  The coach argued that she was not leading off but that her intention was to steal if it was possible.  The ump said the her intention was not made clear and therefore was considered leading off.  (Just how does one steal after making her intent obvious?  Call out, "Yo!  Pitcher!  I'm gonna try to steal here!! and then run like lightning trying to beat the toss?)
Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi Jan,

In ASA when the LBR is in force a base on balls is treated the same as a batted ball, once the b-r touched 1st and the pitcher has control of the ball in the circle, the b-r is allowed to round 1st, stop once and then immediately advance or retreat.  They cannot fake, juke etc.

You saw what she did, if she just rounded 1st, stopped and returned that is fine.  If she did anything else there could be a problem.

mark