ASA Look Back Rule

sprtfan

Addicted to Softballfans
Situation runner on 3rd base goes 1/4 way down the baseline after the pitch and stops there. Catcher throws the ball back to the pitcher inside the circle. The runner 1/4 way down the baseline does not move. The pitcher then throws the ball to 3rd base and the runner breaks for home.

Should the runner have immediately returned to 3rd as soon as the pitcher caught the ball? If they didn't, should they have been called out or does the pitcher throwing the ball to 3rd qualify as making an attempt to make a play on any runner so the runner would be able to advance?

Would this be one of those plays were you'd have to be there to see and is determined by the judgment of the ump when the pitcher throws the ball to 3rd?
 
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sprtfan

Addicted to Softballfans
After trying to read up on this, it sounds like it would depend on when the umpire decided that the pitcher tried to make a play? If the pitcher caught it and did nothing, the runner needs to immediately advance or return to the base. If the pitcher caught the ball and indicated some intent on making a play like raising her arm to throw or faking a throw, then the look back rule would not be in effect?
 

irishmafia

Addicted to Softballfans
Situation runner on 3rd base goes 1/4 way down the baseline after the pitch and stops there. Catcher throws the ball back to the pitcher inside the circle. The runner 1/4 way down the baseline does not move. The pitcher then throws the ball to 3rd base and the runner breaks for home.

Should the runner have immediately returned to 3rd as soon as the pitcher caught the ball? If they didn't, should they have been called out or does the pitcher throwing the ball to 3rd qualify as making an attempt to make a play on any runner so the runner would be able to advance?

Would this be one of those plays were you'd have to be there to see and is determined by the judgment of the ump when the pitcher throws the ball to 3rd?

Once the ball is in the pitcher's possession (control with hands/glove) in the circle, the runner is to return to the previous base or advance to the next, non-stop.The runner is usually given a second or two to determine the pitcher has possession of the ball before being called out. However, the second the pitcher makes any move to play on the runner, the LBR is no longer in effect for any runner.
 

AH23

Addicted to Softballfans
^^^^ and a two seconds is long. Usually one second. If the pitcher even raises their arm up as if they are going to throw, LBR (look back rule) is off.
 
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