Balk or not

[jicecone]

Originally posted by tornado
Is there a rules/balk interpretation written somewhere that will back this up? I'm in disagreement with my league's UIC. He keeps telling me that a RH has to disengage in order to throw to first...

Help!

The pitching sections for NCAA, OBR, Federation(High School), LL, Babe Ruth, etc, etc, Rule books, will ALL tell you that a pitcher (RH or LF)may throw from the mound to first, without stepping off the plate.As long as a step toward first is made.

Now, if a pitcher steps off the plate, the only acceptable way is to step directly behind the plate with the pivot foot. Disengaging to throw to first from the front of the pitching plate is NOT considered STEPPING OFF if the pitcher throws and steps towards first base. It is legal.

Ask your UIC why they would make special rules for RH pitchers?????