LBR when does it start?

[Paul L]

Ambiguity arises mainly because the little league rule does not have the section about rounding and overrunning found in NFHS rule 8-7-4 and ASA rule 8-7-T. I first raised this issue months ago when two successive little league coaches contended that if a walked BR rounded first, she was committed to attempt to reach second and could not stop and return to first. The LL rule does not specifically permit this, and one could argue that by omitting the rounding-and-overrunning section, the rule was intended to prohibit such actions. What happens if the batter-runner overruns first, then moves toward second? LL 7.08(a)(5) doesn't say.

Also, ASA and NFHS specify that the runner may stop once. LL omits this, but reads it into the rule by interpretation. Otherwise, a runner slowly returning to a base could not stop and attempt to advance.

ASA and NFHS also specify that stopping at a base requires the runner to stay there; LL omits this as well. The LL rule appears to apply only to runners off base when the pitcher has the ball in the circle. No LL rule language prohibits a runner already stopped at a base when the pitcher gets the ball in the circle from then attempting to advance.

ASA and NFHS also specify that only one runner can be called out; LL omits this provision. So is it read in by interpretation? Or are double and triple plays possible?

I think of the look-back rule as the stop-once rule. Absent clarification, I will treat it in LL just like ASA/NFHS, except for applying it to runners on base even before the BR gets to first. Why did LL not adopt the ASA/NFHS rule in its entirety?

Actually, the whole rule everywhere is unnecessary and anti-competitive, imho, and should be abolished, but that’s a whole other thread.