ASA Rule Section 7 T LOOK BACK RULE

The “Look Back” rule shall be in effect for all runners when the ball is live, the batter-runner has touched first base or has been declared out, and the pitcher has possession and control of the ball within the pitcher’s circle.  The pitcher is considered to be in the pitcher’s circle when both feet are on or within the lines.

1.       When a runner is legitimately off a base after a pitch or as a result of a batter completing a turn at bat, and while the pitcher has control of the ball within the eight foot radius of the pitcher’s plate, the runner may stop once, but then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base.

2.      Once the runner stops at a base for any reason, the runner will be declared out if leaving the base.

3.      Responsibilities of the batter-runner after touching first base, and while the pitcher has control of the ball within the eight foot radius of the pitcher’s plate.  This includes a base on balls or a dropped third strike.

a.       A batter-runner who rounds first base toward second base may stop once, but then must immediately non-stop return to first base or attempt to advance non-stop to second base.

b.      A batter-runner who over-runs first base toward right field, turns left and immediately stops, must then return non-stop to first base or attempt to advance non-stop to second base.

c.       A batter-runner who over-runs first base toward right field, turns left and moves directly toward second base and stops is committed to second base and must attempt to advance non-stop to second base.

d.      A batter-runner who over-runs first base toward right field, turns left and moves back toward the infield in any direction except directly toward second base is committed to first base and must return non-stop to first base.

e.       A batter-runner who over-runs first base toward right field, and turns right, is committed to first base and must return non-stop to first base.

EFFECT – Section 7-T [1-3] The ball is dead. “No pitch” is declared when applicable, and the runner is out.  When more than one runner is off base, if one is called out, the ball is dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched.  Only one runner may be called out.

EXCEPTION:  The runner will not be declared out if:

1.       A play is made on any runner.  A fake throw is considered a play

2.      The pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the circle.

3.      The pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter.

For further clarification, managers should also read the Rules Supplement #34 on page 123 of the 2009 ASA Rule book.