Look Back Rule

[Quake Softball]

Question for you umps out there.

Runner at Third. Batter Walks. Batter continues to 2B. Ball is in the circle before the batter reaches 1B. Can the runner at third just stand there or does she have to be moving back towards third? TIA.

 

[Comp]

In your description you talk about the batter/runner continuing on to 2nd, but also talk about the ball being in the circle prior to the batter/runner reaching 1st. Not sure if you are asking about after passing 1st or prior. Since the look back rule does not take effect until the batter/runner reaches 1st, the runner at 3rd is legal to stand off the base. Once the batter/runner reached 1st and if no attempt at a play was made, then the runner at 3rd must immediately advance or return.

 

[honus14]

Comp has it right, of course. The issue is the sequence of events.

Runner at Third. Batter Walks. Batter continues to 2B.

Fine so far.

Ball is in the circle before the batter reaches 1B.

Still OK, but is the ball in the pitcher's posssession? What is the pitcher doing? Nothing? Faking a throw to third?

Can the runner at third just stand there or does she have to be moving back towards third?

Not if the ball is in the pitcher's possession in the circle and no play is being made, and the batter has at least reached first. At that point, the runner has to either advance or return. (She doesn't have to go back; she can advance.)

 

[Quake Softball]

Thanks for the answers that is how I thought it was but just wanted to double check. Yes, the ball is in the pitcher's possession and no she isn't making any kind of play.

I knew the girl could go forward also just forgot to put that in.