rounding 1st on a walk

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May 17, 2012
2,804
113
I read all 4 pages yet am still not clear on the rule.

This past summer our girl walked (BB), ran to first, immediately headed for second (rounded first), broke stride for a split second (hesitated like a stutter step), and continued heading towards second base. She was called out. She never stopped.

Bad call. Coach should have protested.
 

MTR

Jun 22, 2008
3,438
48
As much as I believe the rule never should have been and certainly should be scrapped, it ISN'T THAT HARD to understand.

Speaking USA

The pitcher must have possession and control of the ball (in the hand and/or glove) within the circle and if on a batted ball or a walk or D3K, the BR must reach 1st base or been ruled out. (Both feet must be within or in contact with the circle)

When the LBR is in effect, a player (runner/batter-runner) running the bases may continue to advance as long as they wish and may come to a stop at any time. If that stop occurs while in contact with the base, the runner may not leave the base. If the stop occurs while off the base, the runner must immediately advance or retreat or risk being ruled out. The time allowed to make that "immediate" decision is up to the umpire, but is often enough time for the runner to locate the ball (maybe a 2 count).

All runners are released from the requirement to return, advance or leave the base should the pitcher make a play on ANY runner. A fake throw (simply raising the throwing hand with the ball qualifies) is considered a play. Runners are also released should the pitcher lose possession of the ball or exits the circle.

These applies to all runners including the batter-runner.

The following apply exclusively to the BR
The BR who overruns 1B and turns right is committed to return immediately to 1B.
If the BR turns left and stops, s/he must immediately return directly to 1B or attempt to proceed to 2B.
If the BR turns left and steps toward 2B and stops, s/he is committed and must proceed immediately to 2B.
If the BR turns left and moves in any direction other than toward 2B, s/he is committed and must proceed immediately to 1B.

As previously noted, this rule should be deep-sixed, it would make the game much better
 
May 13, 2008
831
16
Maybe I'm in the minority, but I don't mind the LBR. Sure, it could be tweaked to make it less confusing and it would be nice if the rule was the same across the sanctioning bodies. Since we don't allow leads in our sport, we need something to get the runner back to the base in a way that doesn't unnecessarily delay the game.

What changes would you implement to make the rule better? Or, what rule would you replace it with?
 
Jun 22, 2008
3,731
113
Maybe I'm in the minority, but I don't mind the LBR. Sure, it could be tweaked to make it less confusing and it would be nice if the rule was the same across the sanctioning bodies. Since we don't allow leads in our sport, we need something to get the runner back to the base in a way that doesn't unnecessarily delay the game.

What changes would you implement to make the rule better? Or, what rule would you replace it with?

The rule is the same across all softball sanctioning rule sets I am aware of. Well, with the exception of NCAA on a runner returning to 1st after overrunning.
 
Aug 12, 2014
644
43
If a runner decides to go to second after the pitcher gets the ball triggering the LBR, can she keep going to third if she never stops? Or does she have to stop at second> This is assuming the pitcher does not try to make a play on her.
 
May 13, 2008
831
16
The rule is the same across all softball sanctioning rule sets I am aware of. Well, with the exception of NCAA on a runner returning to 1st after overrunning.

I think there may be some variations of the timings and a general lack of specificity on what "immediate" means.
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
If a runner decides to go to second after the pitcher gets the ball triggering the LBR, can she keep going to third if she never stops? Or does she have to stop at second> This is assuming the pitcher does not try to make a play on her.

She can run all the way home if she wants.

It is when they stop moving forward it becomes a problem, then they need to make a quick decision weather to go backwards or forwards.
 
Jun 22, 2008
3,731
113
None of the rule sets have any definition of what immediate is and they all word the rule essentially the same. Case plays also all have the same outcome with regard to what's being discussed. And again with the exception of NCAA.
I think there may be some variations of the timings and a general lack of specificity on what "immediate" means.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
 
Oct 24, 2010
308
28
The rule is the same across all softball sanctioning rule sets I am aware of. Well, with the exception of NCAA on a runner returning to 1st after overrunning.

[NCAA] Runners advancing must continue to advance or stop and go back. I.E. the runner (not the batter-runner) cannot stop and then continue to advance. 12.16.2
A runner that IS stopped may go either direction. 12.16.3
 

MTR

Jun 22, 2008
3,438
48
Maybe I'm in the minority, but I don't mind the LBR. Sure, it could be tweaked to make it less confusing and it would be nice if the rule was the same across the sanctioning bodies. Since we don't allow leads in our sport, we need something to get the runner back to the base in a way that doesn't unnecessarily delay the game.

What changes would you implement to make the rule better? Or, what rule would you replace it with?

Just get rid of it, it is not necessary. Just kill the ball when all play is obviously done and move on. It is done thousands of times a day in all non-FP games without incident. The only reason the LBR exists is to satisfy a belief in the myth that it is a "live ball" game.
 

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