OK - this is a close reading test. The change regarding the BR is obvious.

What is the subtle change?

Dunno that there's too much subtle about it. The real impact of the change is with other runners - they are no under look-back until the batter-runner reaches 1B, too. And, this gives us umps a longer time to look around.

True, but that is not it. Read carefully - another new condition was added (the words are new at any rate, and it should change the way a certain situation is called, IMO).

You must be referring to "possession and control of the ball" instead of the "pitcher has the ball".

#54 To Clarify add the following: T. (Fast Pitch Only) Look Back Rule. The "Look Back" Rule will not be in effect until the batter-runner reaches first base

I must be missing your subtlty, then. Either that or the wording I have on this change isn't the final product. They just clarified when it goes into effect and didn't really change anything that I am awar of.

The "Look Back" rule will be in effect when the
ball is live, <u>the batter-runner has touched 1B
or has <i>been declared out</i></u>, and the pitcher
has possession and control of the ball within
the picther's circle.

Dakota,
Is what you are looking for in this statement?
Speaking ASA?
glen

Mike got it - possession <u>and control</u>. Previously, ASA only required possession. I seem to recall a discussion a few months back - maybe on another board, but most of you get around ;) - about an article using the NCAA (?) book that if the pitcher held the ball with her knees or under her arm or something like that, that it released the runners, since she no longer had the ball under control.

Looks like ASA is lining up with NCAA on this point. I wonder why this was not in the comments about the rule change?