LBR when F1 catches line drive?

[BretMan]

Unfortunately, only a 2005 book is at-hand right now. Bear with me if I've listed the incorrect POE number.

Point of Emphasis #34 (2005) section E:

"A pitcher fielding a ball in the circle is just another fielder and runners can leave their base. If they leave their base, the same rule applies while the pitcher holds the ball in the circle; once the runner stops, they must decide which way to continue or be called out"

This passage kind of touches on the subject, but leads me to ask a question.

At what point on the described play does the "just another fielder" holding the ball in the circle magically transform into a "pitcher" holding the ball in the circle?

[Dakota]

F1 transitions from the role of fielder to the role of "pitcher with possession of the ball in the circle" when the play initiated by the batted ball being put into play is over.

The pitcher's circle is not a "stop" button. Runners may attempt to advance when the ball is put into play. On a caught fly ball, runners may tag up and attempt to advance. F1 cannot stop that by feigning indifference and hoping the "stop" button works. JMO.

[AtlUmpSteve]

And my $.02 follows the thought process of the last few posts. The pitcher catching a line drive is a defensive player making a play; the fact that it is F1, and happens to be in the circle isn't an instantaneous transition to LBR status. Given that runners are 1) required to complete running responsibilities, and 2) allowed reaction time (subjective time based on age and level) to recognize that the pitcher has control of the ball in the circle, it is reasonable to allow any continuing play as a legitimate play.

To me the issue in the OP is how quickly the runner makes the transition. If the runner returns, tags, and immediately moves to 2nd, I have a continuing play, and don't believe that the reversal of direction (which is obviously required to advance) is a violation. If R1 returns, stops, looks, sees F1 ignoring her, and then takes off, I have a LBR violation. Obviously, as suggested in an other post, if F1 is making a play or faking a play on another runner, this is all a moot point (but giving the benefit of doubt to the original post, there can be no other runner in softball nomenclature if R1 is on first).