Look back v. leaving early

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Apr 8, 2021
28
3
When does the look back rule "end" and leaving early begin?
Last night under NFHS rules I had my only runner on 2nd and before the pitcher was ready to pitch but in the circle with the ball, she took off for third.
If I understand look back correctly she's allowed to go but she's commited to 3rd at that point but the BU called time and sent her back, because the pitcher had the ball in the circle. Which I'm pretty sure wast the incorrect procedure but that's a different point.
If someone would cite the NFHS rule number for when leaving early begins I would appreciate it.
 
Jan 11, 2015
78
18
When does the look back rule "end" and leaving early begin?
Last night under NFHS rules I had my only runner on 2nd and before the pitcher was ready to pitch but in the circle with the ball, she took off for third.
If I understand look back correctly she's allowed to go but she's commited to 3rd at that point but the BU called time and sent her back, because the pitcher had the ball in the circle. Which I'm pretty sure wast the incorrect procedure but that's a different point.
If someone would cite the NFHS rule number for when leaving early begins I would appreciate it.

The look back rule and leaving early on the steal is pretty much the same principle. The runner cant leave the base until the pitcher doesnt have possession of the ball. Once the pitcher delivers the pitch, she doesnt have possession of the ball anymore and that is when the runner may leave the base for a steal.

Sounds like your runner should have been called out as she is not allowed to leave the base once the pitcher has the ball in the circle. Are you trying to say your runners are allowed to leave the base and advance to the next base as long as they dont stop because the pitcher wasnt on the pitching plate? If that is what you think is allowed by the rule it isnt. The look back rule doesnt even mention the pitching plate, that is why there is a big white circle in the middle of the field. It is for this rule.

The penalty for both is the same. Dead ball and the runner is called out. Usually you call it a look back rule violation when it happens before the start of the pitch.
 
Apr 8, 2021
28
3
Correct, she wasn't called out. It just got me wondering if there is a distinct difference between the two.
 
Jan 11, 2015
78
18
Well there is a whole section about the lookback rule while there is only an article for the runner leaving early on a steal.
 

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Jul 22, 2015
851
93
When does the look back rule "end" and leaving early begin?
Last night under NFHS rules I had my only runner on 2nd and before the pitcher was ready to pitch but in the circle with the ball, she took off for third.
If I understand look back correctly she's allowed to go but she's commited to 3rd at that point but the BU called time and sent her back, because the pitcher had the ball in the circle. Which I'm pretty sure wast the incorrect procedure but that's a different point.
If someone would cite the NFHS rule number for when leaving early begins I would appreciate it.
Once the runner has stopped on a base and the pitcher has control of the ball in the circle the runner violates the lookback rule if she leaves the base. I believe (not positive) it would be a leave early once the pitcher is on the pitching rubber. Both would result in a dead ball out.
 
Dec 2, 2013
3,410
113
Texas
Once the runner has stopped on a base and the pitcher has control of the ball in the circle the runner violates the lookback rule if she leaves the base. I believe (not positive) it would be a leave early once the pitcher is on the pitching rubber. Both would result in a dead ball out.
Bingo!
 
May 29, 2015
3,731
113
When does the look back rule "end" and leaving early begin?
Last night under NFHS rules I had my only runner on 2nd and before the pitcher was ready to pitch but in the circle with the ball, she took off for third.
If I understand look back correctly she's allowed to go but she's commited to 3rd at that point but the BU called time and sent her back, because the pitcher had the ball in the circle. Which I'm pretty sure wast the incorrect procedure but that's a different point.
If someone would cite the NFHS rule number for when leaving early begins I would appreciate it.


Nope ... and nope. She's out all day, every day.

Do they not provide coaches rule books? Under NFHS rules: read ALL the articles under Rule 8-7.
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
Umpire seemed to know the rule, easy enough to lookup online. DD played with and againt players that never played SB before and sometimes umps gave players a break which can cause some confusion. I was OK with it.
 
May 29, 2015
3,731
113
Actually, no, they don't!


That was a sarcastic/making a point question (I'm sure you knew that though :giggle: ).

However, thinking my comment through a little more ...

Advice to coaches: If you want to be a serious coach, GET THE RULEBOOK. I don't expect you to dive into it like I would expect an umpire to, but this way you can make yourself a better coach. The NFHS book is available in print and digitally for $7. USSSA and NCAA provide theirs online for free. USA Softball has an app you can get (I think it was $14-15 in 2019, I haven't updated since) and your state organization should have physical copies you can ask for.

Follow-up advice to coaches: NEVER bring the book or your app on the field.
 
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