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Originally Posted by 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.
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There is also a "taunting" issue which would probably occur in a heated game whether 10U or adults.
The "danger" perception occurs because mose fields do not meet the minimum HP-to-backstop/fence distance which puts the ODB too close. All the more reason to keep the player on the outside of the fence.
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The bat issue in softball is as much about liability, insurance and litigation as it is about competition, inflated egos and softball.
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