Balk called on catcher being out of box

[Forest Ump]

A friend of mine who is a volunteer umpire in a local rec league was working base in a tournament U12 game this weekend. He told me that the UIC called a balk because the catcher set up off of the plate to receive a pitch. Apparently quite a ways off and he thought it was outside of the catcher’s box. I have seen the ankle biters do this. I don't know why they do it, poor coaching I suppose. He apparently warned the catcher first and then called it. I told my friend that this is really reaching for the dirty end of the stick.

I looked up the rule 8.05 (l), and it says that this is only a balk when giving an intentional base on balls. So in actuality this could never be a balk because this was not an IBOB.

It did get me to thinking more about this. If a catcher was receiving a pitch on a IBOB, would he have to be completely out of the catcher’s box, or just have one foot out to balk. It's most likely in my J/R but I don't have it right now. BTW, I catagorize this as one of those balks that you shouldn't call. I warn the catcher to not step out too quickly. Why grab the dirty end of the stick.

[umpduck11]

8.05 If there is a runner, or runners, it is a balk when....

(l) The pitcher, while giving an intentional base on balls, pitches while the catcher is not in the catcher's box.

The rule only pertains to intentional walks, so you are correct.

[RPatrino]

In reading the BRD, the IBOB restriction only applies to OBR. In FED and NCAA. FED says, " At the TOP, the catcher must have both feet in the catcher's box" and NCAA says, " The catcher must remain in the box until the ball leaves the pitcher's hand". No mention is made of IBOB in either FED or NCAA. Am I reading this wrong?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

In reading the BRD, the IBOB restriction only applies to OBR. In FED and NCAA. FED says, " At the TOP, the catcher must have both feet in the catcher's box" and NCAA says, " The catcher must remain in the box until the ball leaves the pitcher's hand". No mention is made of IBOB in either FED or NCAA. Am I reading this wrong?

No.

But, it's loosely enforced