[AtlUmpSteve]

That is a common occurence in this area; allowing on deck batters to stand in the opposite on deck circle to stay behind (the pull side) of the batter. There is a prevalent philosophy that (particularly) less skilled players will too often swing late, putting the on deck batter on the other side at greater risk.

I really don't see a safety risk in allowing it, if it is in their printed rules. The primary reason that ASA put the rule in that you had to stay in "your" on deck circle, I am told, is that teams were reportedly intentionally blocking the view of the catcher from getting the signals from their coaches. That, and the tradition.