Look Back Rule

[Big Kahuna]

I think this has been discussed before, if so, I would appreciate it if someone could direct me to the thread.

R3, BR gets a base on balls. On the pitch, R3 has moved down the line about 4 steps towards home, and is just standing there. Ball is returned to the pitcher who is standing just inside the home plate side of the circle where she is watching R3 and the BR advance to first. So far so good, no LBR in effect until the BR reaches first. BR gets to first, never checks up and goes straight to 2nd, where she stops and stands on the base. R3 is still a couple of steps off the bag, watches BR go to second and as she approaches second, R3 walks back to third and steps on it. The rule book and case book are clear that the LBR is not in effect until BR reaches first, but if the BR is advancing, is this considered a play, or is R3 out on the LBR?

[CecilOne]

The rule enforcement starts when the BR reaches 1st, regardless of subsequent activity. If all the pitcher does is watch, there is no play, regardless of what the runners do, BR advancing or not.

Not sure whether the runner at 3rd (R1 in softball forums) is stopped or moving when you say 4 steps and the "still a couple" steps. If moving in one direction after the enforcement starts, not out. If standing still, probably out by literal application. By spirit of rule, if runner at 3rd appears to be trying to draw a throw or trying for an advantage on a play on R2, then probably out.

I always want to point out that the rule is to control runners, prevent delays and too-easy steals, not as a "gotcha".

[Dakota]

If R1 is just standing there watching BR advance on to 2B, and F1 has the ball in the circle and is not making a play, give her your definition of "immediately", then it is dead ball, R1 out, BR returns to 1B.