2011 NFHS Rules Interpretations/Deceitful Tactics
 

SITUATION 7: B2 is at bat with R1 on first base. F1 begins her wind up and then holds onto the ball instead of releasing it toward B2. R1 leaves first base anticipating that F1 will release the pitch. RULING: A pitching and base-running infraction have occurred at virtually the same time and both are penalized. R1 is out for leaving the base before release of the pitch; an illegal pitch is called on F1 for failing to deliver the pitch, which results in a ball being awarded to B2. However, if in the umpire’s judgment, F1’s act was deliberate to bait and deceive R1 into leaving the base early, the umpire shall call “time” and “no pitch.” The umpire shall eject F1 and/or the head coach from the game. If the umpire believes the coach is directly responsible for the actions of F1, the umpire may eject only the coach. The defensive team is attempting to benefit by circumventing the rules. R1 is obliged to stay in contact with the base until the ball is released by the pitcher; however, the tactic being utilized by the defense is deceptive and not in accordance with the spirit of fair play. (3-6-13b, c; 6-2-1; 8-6-21)

What about it? The case play is specific to one team violating a rule in order to bait the other team into also violating a rule which would result in an out. The plays being discussed earlier had nothing to do with any rules violations.

Play from a few years ago. JV game a few years back. Pitcher goes to deliver the pitch. She stumbles and falls forward but never releases the pitch. The runner on second base is attempting to follow the arm motion of the pitcher to leave just after the release. Since the pitcher never released the pitch the runner left early. How do we call this play? It certainly was not an attempt to deceive the offense, it was a clumsy move by the pitcher. How do we call this play. An illegal pitch on the pitcher and the runner is out for leaving early?

With an illegal pitch the offense has an option, take the results of the play (R1 out for leaving early) or enforce the penalty for the illegal pitch (ball on the batter and advance any base runners). You can give the options the to coach or just enforce the illegal pitch as it is what s/he will choose. Both rules apply on the play, but the leaving early will never be chosen.

This is what I thought when I read the case play posted. Why is R1 out if both infractions are penalized? While the result of the play is an out, when the IP is enforced, the offense gets the choice. It's a no brainer.

Except both asa and nfhs have case plays stating you enforce both infractions. However, the case plays involve an illegal pitch which occurs prior to the runner leaving early not a situation where the illegal pitch is what caused the leaving early violation.