by Comp » Sun Jan 27, 2013 5:42 pm
I believe the rule they are citing is not really a new rule, and if they are telling you the batter cant touch the lines they would be mistaken in their interpretation.
7-3-1 is the rule I think they are citing.
A batter shall not delay the game by failing to promptly take her position with both feet completely inside the batters box within 10 seconds after the ball is returned to the pitcher to prepare for the next pitch, or by stepping out of the box when the pitcher is on the pitchers plate. (the area I have bolded is shaded in the rule book)
I can see where just reading this they my interpret it as having to be inside the lines. However, rule 2-6 reads as follows:
The batters box is the area, including the lines, in which the batter is positioned when batting, as shown in figure 1-2. (I have bolded this to point out the rule specifically includes the lines as part of the box)
All rule sets I am aware of include the lines as part of the batters box. The feet may be on the line prior to the pitch, but no part of the foot may be across the line. If you get an umpire telling you otherwise you can always protest if you feel the need.