Web Page Features

June 4, 2009

We discovered that some of you may be missing the ability to view the sub menus when “mousing” over the main page menus.  You should see pull down menus when you move your cursor over the main topics like “Home”, “Tourney info” and the age groups.  If you do not see them, then try to upgrade your web browser to something more current then Internet Explorer 6.  I use IE8 and Firefox, they are free upgrades and more secure.

Sorry we didn’t catch this glitch earlier!

Look back rule

March 3, 2009

What is that circle around the pitching rubber?

pitcher-circle.png

I got this directly from the ASA site.

“Many years ago the Look Back Rule was established to help speed-up the game by stopping the pitcher and the runner from “toying” with each other when the ball was being returned to the infield after it had been put in play. The rule was not established for the offense or defense to gain an advantage through “trick plays” or by “baiting” the other side into a violation. According to Rule 8, Section 7 T, the batter-runner and / or runner(s) must return to the base or advance to the next base once the ball is returned to the pitcher in the pitcher’s circle. Once the pitcher has possession of the ball in the eight-foot circle and the runner(s) have completed their base running responsibilities or all play has ceased, the play is over.”

It’s import to understand that the pitcher does NOT have to actually “look” at the base runner.  Once the ball is in control and in possession of the pitcher and she is within the circle then all runners must respond immediately by either advancing or returning to a base.  However, if the pitcher then appears to “make a play” on any of the runners ….. then all bets are off.

My question is: What constitutes  “making a play”?  Does she have to throw the ball or is it simply lifting the ball up in a ready to throw position?