Need Help Quick, Carl where are you?

[brumey1107]

Peter - Or anyone else:

As a novice umpire, can you explain why in OBR and NCAA the PU put the ball in play illegally?

Additionally, as OBR 8.05 states "..However, certain specifics should be borne in mind: (a) Straddling the pitcher's rubber without the ball is to be interpreted as intent to deceive and ruled a balk."

So in OBR games:
1) is it ok for F1 to toe the plate without the ball as long as he doesn't feints a pitch?

2) The way the hidden ball trick works is if the F1 goes directly to the plate and doesn't attempt anything?

Thank you kindly.