I have this issue with umpires in my area. I always ask them before the game how they call it so I can let my players know that is how it will be called. If they say the runner must continue to 2nd or they are out, I will point out that the look back rule is in effect and they are allowed one stop and ask them to look it up. They won't change their mind for that game but I want them to look into it in the event they ump another game we are in. I have asked the state ASA chapter to go over it with their umpires but it doesn't appear they have done anything about it.
Circle violation question
- Thread starter Annesdad
- Start date
Welcome to Discuss Fastpitch
Your FREE Account is waiting to the Best Softball Community on the Web.
- Jun 22, 2008
- 3,438
- 48
It is a lame rule that should be dumped, but it is not as difficult as people want to make it.
The rule says that the runner must "immediately" either advance or retreat after stopping. "Immediately" isn't a measurement of time, and expecting the runner to move instantaneously isn't realistic, so the amount of time the runner has to be stopped is up to the umpire's judgment.
A general guideline for umpires is to give a runner enough time to pick up the ball, recognize the situation, then make a decision and react to it. Some use a silent "one thousand one, one thousand two" or similar count.
Similar threads
