NF Balk rule

[Illini_Ref]

Is there a portion of the NFHS rulebook that deals with a pitcher using an action the "deliberately deceives" the runner, and listing that as a balk?

I cannot find one, yet that is the catch-all we hear all of the time. The book lists things that are balks, but I find nothing about "deceiving" the baserunner.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by Illini_Ref

Is there a portion of the NFHS rulebook that deals with a pitcher using an action the "deliberately deceives" the runner, and listing that as a balk?

I cannot find one, yet that is the catch-all we hear all of the time. The book lists things that are balks, but I find nothing about "deceiving" the baserunner.

That's because deceit is legal - if done within the limits in the rules.

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by Illini_Ref

Is there a portion of the NFHS rulebook that deals with a pitcher using an action the "deliberately deceives" the runner, and listing that as a balk?

I cannot find one, yet that is the catch-all we hear all of the time. The book lists things that are balks, but I find nothing about "deceiving" the baserunner.

remember that there's legal deception and illegal deception...the whole point of a legal, attempted pick off is legal deception

[Delaware Blue]

Originally Posted by Illini_Ref

I cannot find one, yet that is the catch-all we hear all of the time.

That's a catch-all for people who don't understand the rules. Pitchers legally deceive runners all the time. If they deceive the runner and violated one of the balk rules, then it's a balk because they violated the rule.

You may be thinking of the comment under Rule 8.05 in the OBR: Umpires should bear in mind that the purpose of the balk rule is to prevent the pitcher from deliberately deceiving the base runner. If there is doubt in the umpire’s mind, the "intent" of the pitcher should govern.

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.

[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.

[ematejek]

Originally Posted by Illini_Ref

Is there a portion of the NFHS rulebook that deals with a pitcher using an action the "deliberately deceives" the runner, and listing that as a balk?

I cannot find one, yet that is the catch-all we hear all of the time. The book lists things that are balks, but I find nothing about "deceiving" the baserunner.

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