look back rule
 

Please confirm:

With one runner, R1 on 3rd, the batter walks. The BR continues to 2nd.

If R1 leaves 3rd while the pitcher has the ball in the circle, not making a play;
R1 is out by Look Back Rule, even if R2 is still running.

Isn't the BR running a play in progress?

Not by the pitcher.

You are correct, sir. Every rules set makes clear that each and every runner has separate responsibility to comply with the LBR. BR legally advancing past first does NOT relieve R1 from the requirements (absent an attempted play by F1). As soon as both conditions are met (ball in circle in F1 control and BR passes 1B), a runner on a base may not then leave it. R1 is out, dead ball, BR must return to 1B.

And, welcome back. I'm not here often, but it's good to hear from the veterans.

Seriously? Softball rules are idiotic if they freeze advances by getting the ball into the circle while advances are still underway. Never mind trying to get runners out or head them off - just stop them by getting the ball into the circle. Seriously?

Sure, because everyone prefers the baseball way of continually granting time during live ball play because the defense cannot make a play that stops the offense from playing "dare" endlessly. After all, why create a rule that puts the onus on the offense, rather than continually stopping play to "save" the defense. As the catcher endlessly fakes throws to walk a runner back, then the runner returns. Almost wakes one up from time to time.

Oh, wait, many versions of baseball create such rules. Your scant understanding of softball makes you such a valuable contributor.

Thank you for the welcome and both comments, Steve.

My OP is what one of our umpires called, told him it was correct, but sharing it.

A somewhat related real play:

R1 on 3rd, batter walks. No, not the same play. :)
F2 tries a pickoff of R1, becomes a run down. R1 slides into 3rd, barely safe.
R1 is prone from slide, fielder still holding attempted tag, so R1 asks for and is given time out. Near the end of the run down, R2 realized she should have gone to 2nd; starts and stops, returns to 1st.
Defensive team wants a Look Back out for R2 leaving 1st because the fielder with the ball at the end of the run down was the pitcher. Had to explain about not in the circle. :rolleyes: