Abandonment vs Refusal to Advance

[UmpNBUA]

Thanks, Bob. In a training session recently the trainer stated that in NFHS the refusal or desertion was a function of the batter leaving the batting circle clearly intending to not advance. In OBR, he stated, it required the batter to actually enter the dugout.
I was sure that MLB changed their rule to the former several years ago and that NFHS still required the batter to enter the dugout. But, I can't find anything in the OBR or NFHS that clearly states the case.

Dick L

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by UmpNBUA

Thanks, Bob. In a training session recently the trainer stated that in NFHS the refusal or desertion was a function of the batter leaving the batting circle clearly intending to not advance. In OBR, he stated, it required the batter to actually enter the dugout.
I was sure that MLB changed their rule to the former several years ago and that NFHS still required the batter to enter the dugout. But, I can't find anything in the OBR or NFHS that clearly states the case.

Dick L

You can't find it because it isn't there. The leaving the circle applies only to uncaught third strikes.

Rule 5.05(a)(2) Comment (Old Rule 6.09(b) Comment): A batter who does not realize his situation on a third strike not caught, and who is not in the process of running to first base, shall be declared out once he leaves the dirt circle surrounding home plate.