D3k

[12UParent]

Although my login is still 12uparent, it has been a few years since I signed up to ask a question. Guess I should have thought a little more before picking that username.

This week...HS Junior Varsity game...NFHS rules....2 outs....dropped strike three.
Batter is unfamiliar with the D3K rule and starts for dugout....gets about halfway to on-deck circle while defense is leaving the field (no play made). She is told to run to first....R1 (on first) heads for second.

Base umpire comes running over and yells she is out "She committed toward the dugout". I think he was wrong...no real impact to the game...just want to be able to be sure the girls understand the rule correctly. I looked for other posts before initiating this thread and all I could find was:

"NFHS Rule 8-2.4 states a batter-runner would be out if entering a team area after a batted fair ball, a base on balls, a hit batter, a dropped third strike, or catcher obstruction. "

This is probably moot if there are any local rules that pertain but I don't know of any. Did the NFHS change the rule or is it still "entering a team area" and not simply walking in that direction regarding D3K?

Thanks