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Mike: It was pulled because the NFHS and NCAA discovered a hole in their rule and ASA did not want to make any changes until that hole can be closed. The problem has nothing to do with the proposed change.
I disagree. The hole is created by ASA wanting to change the LBR to have multiple starting points.
Mike: The problem is that no rule specifically addresses at what point a pitcher in the circle returns to being a pitcher after acting as a fielder handling a batted ball.
Yes there is. The LBR rule goes into effect WHEN the B-R reaches 1B under the single starting point current rule. Then the fielder becomes a pitcher.
Mike: If the runner is off with the pitch and F1 snags a line drive, R1 becomes aware of the catch, reverses direction and then hesitates trying to find the ball, when to you initiate the LBR?
Never! The play is not over. We have a runner in violation of a rule (which the umpire cannot call until appealed). The runner can stand there all she wants jump back and forth but at some point she better get back to the base before the ball reaches the base and she is out on appeal.
IMO, the single starting point LBR when a batter becomes a B-R is an excellent rule and is easy to manage for umpires. Who cares what other runners are doing while the B-R is lollygagging to 1B? It is a live ball, and if they get careless they are liable to be put out. If the defense makes a mistake, too bad; we dont need a new rule to prevent that.
Mike: A runner stealing must begin their advance prior to the pitcher receiving the ball in the infield whether from the catcher or any other player. If the runner is not advancing, the play is assumed dead and the runner returns to their base. IOW, just like SP.
IOW, just like SP? Why should we change our rules to look like SP? The game of softball is Fast Pitch! SP is a derivation; a stepchild of FP. We (FP enthusiasts) dont need your (SP aficionados) rules.
WMB
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