Illegal Pitch / Runner leaves early

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by HugoTafurst

(Moved from other thread)
We always talk about thinking of the intent of rules - sometimes a good thing, sometimes not.
This is a case where I always thought that the reason for mayny IP rules was to provide "continuity" (if you will) to the batter or the runner so as to balance advantage/disadvantage things.

IMO, IPs are rule violations when a pitcher is attempting to get an unfair advantage over the batter, not the runner.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

IMO, IPs are rule violations when a pitcher is attempting to get an unfair advantage over the batter, not the runner.

Agreed. Furthermore, it is still the runner's responsibility to know when the pitch has been released before they may lose contact with the base. The ruling provided appropriately enforces the pitcher's infraction as well as the runner's.

[HugoTafurst]

NCASA / IRISH...
Obviously the rules makers think as you do.

Just one of those things that kind of crept into my brain from time to time since reading the proper enforcement.

Thanks

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by HugoTafurst

Obviously the rules makers think as you do.

Not always.

[RKBUmp]

Few years back there was a local pitcher that used a pitching motion specifically to catch the runners leaving early. With runners on base she would occasionally make a complete reverse rotation with her pitching arm before starting the forward rotation.

[DaveASA/FED]

From the NFHS 2011 Intrepretations page:

SITUATION 7: B2 is at bat with R1 on first base. F1 begins her wind up and then holds onto the ball instead of releasing it toward B2. R1 leaves first base anticipating that F1 will release the pitch. RULING: A pitching and base-running infraction have occurred at virtually the same time and both are penalized. R1 is out for leaving the base before release of the pitch; an illegal pitch is called on F1 for failing to deliver the pitch, which results in a ball being awarded to B2. However, if in the umpire’s judgment, F1’s act was deliberate to bait and deceive R1 into leaving the base early, the umpire shall call “time” and “no pitch.” The umpire shall eject F1 and/or the head coach from the game. If the umpire believes the coach is directly responsible for the actions of F1, the umpire may eject only the coach. The defensive team is attempting to benefit by circumventing the rules. R1 is obliged to stay in contact with the base until the ball is released by the pitcher; however, the tactic being utilized by the defense is deceptive and not in accordance with the spirit of fair play. (3-6-13b, c; 6-2-1; 8-6-21)

So there is some intrep for intent to cause the offense to leave early where the umpire could not call the runner out based on F1's actions.
Link to info
http://www.nfhs.org/content.aspx?id=4604

[HugoTafurst]

Originally Posted by DaveASA/FED

From the NFHS 2011 Intrepretations page:

SITUATION 7: B2 is at bat with R1 on first base. F1 begins her wind up and then holds onto the ball instead of releasing it toward B2. R1 leaves first base anticipating that F1 will release the pitch.
RULING: A pitching and base-running infraction have occurred at virtually the same time and both are penalized.
R1 is out for leaving the base before release of the pitch; an illegal pitch is called on F1 for failing to deliver the pitch, which results in a ball being awarded to B2. However, if in the umpire’s judgment, F1’s act was deliberate to bait and deceive R1 into leaving the base early, the umpire shall call “time” and “no pitch.” The umpire shall eject F1 and/or the head coach from the game. If the umpire believes the coach is directly responsible for the actions of F1, the umpire may eject only the coach. The defensive team is attempting to benefit by circumventing the rules. R1 is obliged to stay in contact with the base until the ball is released by the pitcher; however, the tactic being utilized by the defense is deceptive and not in accordance with the spirit of fair play. (3-6-13b, c; 6-2-1; 8-6-21)

So there is some intrep for intent to cause the offense to leave early where the umpire could not call the runner out based on F1's actions.
Link to info
NFHS | 2011 NFHS Softball Rules Interpretations

Not that anyone cares, but I'd still like to negate the out without having to eject the pitcher!