NF Balk rule

[ChapJim]

Originally Posted by Delaware Blue

I would not rely on that comment to support a balk call. Most of the illegal deceitful acts are already covered as balks elsewhere in the rules - straddling the rubber without the ball, mimicking the pitching motion when not in contact, feinting a throw to first base, etc.

I agree. Don't call a balk unless you have observed a violation of one of the balk rules. The "intent to deceive" lets you NOT call a balk when it is clear that there was no intent to deceive. A good example: Stepping off with the wrong foot. I often won't call a balk unless the pitcher makes a move toward a runner after he steps off, especially during summer rec ball or fall ball.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by ChapJim

I agree. Don't call a balk unless you have observed a violation of one of the balk rules. The "intent to deceive" lets you NOT call a balk when it is clear that there was no intent to deceive. A good example: Stepping off with the wrong foot. I often won't call a balk unless the pitcher makes a move toward a runner after he steps off, especially during summer rec ball or fall ball.

I disagree. Stepping off with the wrong foot (usually from the windup) is always a balk with runners on, as it simulates the start of a pitch: "started and stopped, coach."

[Kevin Finnerty]

I'm with you. That's a balk every time, and I hate to call balks. Every borderline motion---especially the really crafty lefties---and I let it go. I'll even give a ventriloquist's warning an a quick set or something borderline. But that one you can't let go.

[Emperor Ump]

There are some balks where while there is zero intent, they are textbook balks you have to call. Stepping off with the wrong foot is one, and dropping the ball while in contact with the pitchers plate is another. When you call them nobody argues (unless nobody in your association calls it, then when I step on the field I get the "nobody has ever called it a balk before), you really don't have to sell it that well.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Exactly!

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by Emperor Ump

... you really don't have to sell it that well.

I don't sell balk calls anymore. For FED: "Time! That's a balk! Started and stopped!" (or "No step" or "Never came set"). Usually the coach can't even get out of the dugout before he knows why I called the balk.

[justanotherblue]

NASO puts out some good stuff for Fed rules on balks. Something you might want to look into. Remember, rule with the book not by the book. There are times when you can cringe and not call a balk, then there's that blatent one you have to call even though there is no advantage gained. The problem in dealing with youth league as well as HS coach's is they may or may not understand balk or no balk situations, which leads to an argument.

[Illini_Ref]

Here was the premise for my question. This move was taught to HS players by a local coach and he asked me about it.

RH pitcher. Runner on first, pitcher in the set position. Pitcher picks his rigth (non pivot) foot straight up as he would his left to pitch (about 2 feet off the ground). Some runners, who are not real experienced at the HS level, will go when the knee comes up not realizing which knee it is. Pitcher then brings the foot down behind the rubber and throws to second.

I have a problem with this play, although it is not specifically covered in the rules. Maybe you could stretch them to say that the movement is one that is "associated with his delivery", but is it really since it is the other leg?