Base Running, ASA rules

Question
In a U12 softball game there was a runner on third, one out, and the batter
was walked by the pitcher.  The catcher threw the ball back to the pitcher
who was in the pitchers circle.  While the pitcher waited for the next batter
the runner walked to first base tuned left then immediately took off for
second base, while the runner at third stole home.  This caught everybody by
surprise.   The umpire was confused but allowed the one runner to go to
second and the run to score.  I thought that once the pitcher had the ball and
was in the pitchers circle that the runner could not advance.  Please advise
the ASA rule is not to clear on this.

Answer
HI Tom,

With all due respect the look back rules are very clear but sometimes live play can be confusing.

This does fall under the look back rule and these rules apply in ASA play

R2 has a right to touch 1st as a walk is treated as a batted ball and the look back rule does not go into effect until the b-r touches 1st, and then (depending on what they do) advance to 2nd,  They can turn left and proceed to 2nd, no problem,

This applies to R1 once R2 has touched 1st....when a runner is legitimately off base after a pitch and is stationary when the pitcher has the ball in the circle the runner must immediately attempt to advance to the next base or immediately return to the base left.

If a runner is moving toward a base other than 1st when the pitcher receives the ball in the circle the runner may stop once and then immediately attempt to advance to the next base or immediately return to the base left.  

If after the pitcher has the ball in the circle the runner starts back to their original base or forward to another base and stops or reverses direction the runner is out unless the pitcher makes a play on them.

"I thought that once the pitcher had the ball and was in the pitchers circle that the runner could not advance."

This is not correct....it all depends on what R1 and R2 did and what the umpire perceived they did.

Mark