Balk Basics

[Rich Coyle]

I'm an umpire at the HS+ level for some time; currently our Association VP, a trainer, and an evaluator. Having stated my credentials, let me say that I don't "look for" balks -- I know them when I see them and they'd better be visible to more than just me.

Some things to look for:

1. Was there a complete and discernible stop?
2. Was there a stop and restart (a "hitch") in the movement?
3. If the pitcher did not disengage from the set, did he gain d&d (distance and direction) towards the base he threw to?
4. If the pitcher did disengage, was it before the start of a pitch-like motion?
5. If the pitcher was in the wind-up, did he disengage with the appropriate foot?
6. Did the pitcher's foot break the plane of the planted leg?

Also keep in mind that one cannot balk with the head.

Finally, it is virtually impossible to balk to second base. (I'm sure that somebody will respond with a scenario that works --- stop looking for boogers and think about the game that you see on a daily basis --- it doesn't happen in the world I live in)

Well, that's a complex rule in a nutshell. Let me say again, from a "big dog" in our area, make sure that the balk is a clear one to more than just you -- you are not calling MLB.