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Originally Posted by GarthB
Any idea where in the rulebook they find that this is a balk?
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Good question, but I don't have a proper answer. I ran into this in Italy a few years back in a European Championship tournament and the guy couldn't speak any English to explain why he made this call.
Last week, an A-level, senior league umpire from Germany called with me and called a balk on a pitcher who didn't "immediately" separate his hands. We spoke about it after the game, but I didn't ask the question you offered, but will try to discuss it with him this week, or the next time I see him. I did tell him that in the States (where I'm originally from) I had never seen it called that way, but that I realize in Europe they do call it that way. He acknowleged that they do, in fact, emphasize it in Europe and was surprised that in the States it isn't called the same way.
Thanks for your question, it's a good followup question.