Rule I've never heard of.

[marriard]

Question-So if the batter takes off running to first base after ball three, there is no penalty on the batter? Wouldn't it be smart to have all your batters run to first base after every ball three.

If you are doing that on purpose 'to try and get a throw' you will get called out if it is intentional.

But if for some reason the catcher happened to throw to 1B if the runner was headed there (say if she dropped it), there is no call on the catcher - she genuinely thought she was making a play. There is still some common sense that is applied - the rule is there to stop delaying the game.

 

[soonerfan1966]

Ok, somehow I kept reading it wrong, why it didn't make sense. Read a thread here from 2016 saying something about the rule is only in effect if no one is on base,

 

[Crabby_Bob]

NAIA college level.

[NCAA] 10.16 Returning a Pitched Ball to the Pitcher
The catcher must return the ball directly to the pitcher after a foul tip and each
pitch not contacted.
Exceptions:
1. To play on a base runner.
2. When the batter becomes a base runner.
3. After a strikeout.
4. After a putout or an attempted putout made by the catcher.
5. When “no swing” is ruled and help is requested on a checked swing, which
might be strike three.
6. When the batter is not entitled to first base but runs anyway.
7. An errant throw intended for the pitcher.
EFFECT—The ball is dead, and base runners may not advance. A ball shall
be awarded to the batter.
In addition, on the first offense, the offending player shall be warned.
On subsequent offenses, the offender shall be ejected from the game.
(Behavioral ejection; see Rule 13.2.1.) Exception: Intentionally violating
the rule in order to walk the batter without pitching shall not result in a
ball being awarded to the batter.