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Here are two quick examples of non balk calls and the subsequent explanation from the umpire's who blew the calls that should have been protested. Of course both were called in one of my sons game, so I'm biased.
Play # 1. R1 only. For whatever reason the pitcher assumed the rubber in the wind up. He steps back with his free foot, turns, and attempts a pickoff of R1.
When the coach of my sons team asked why this wasn't a balk, the umpire told him that as long as the pitcher steps back off of the rubber with either foot, it's not a balk.
Play #2 R1 and R3. LHP from set position steps to first from the rubber and fails to complete the throw.
Coach asks for explanation and the umpire says the pitcher doesn't have to throw to a base if it's occupied.
Tim.
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