Balk

[Gre144]

Pitcher steps on mound with hands at his side. Turns shoulder towards first with R1 at first. Is this a balk? Some umpires say no because he is not in a set position(hands together). Who is right?

Greg

[GarthB]

Which set of rules?

OBR: not a balk until coming set; and even then it's not automatic. No mention of shoulder turn in the rule book. The umpire must be convinced it is part of a feint to first.

FED: Balk. Pitching regulations commence when pitcher takes the rubber AND the shoulder turn is specifically ruled a book under NFHS.