Making an attempt??

[UmpSteve]

If the ruling umpire judges that any reasonable person would react to whatever the pitcher did, then it is an "attempt" which means the lookback rule is not in effect.

If the ruling umpire judges that any reasonable person would not react to whatever the pitcher did, then it is not an "attempt" which means the lookback rule is in effect.

It doesn't matter how many ways you spin it, or if YOU think it was an attempt. Can't be clearer than that.

[tcannizzo]

So, why does this rule exist?
a.) ASA says no "cat and mouse"? Wrong, there is plenty of cat and mouse in ASA softball for any defender - EXCEPT when the pitcher has control of the ball in the circle and is not in the act of making a play. Prime example is F2 with R1 on 3B. How much time is wasted there? Cat and mouse is allowed.

b.) It is a rule that is more pitching related than baserunning related. Since, all baserunners must be in contact with a base at the time of the pitch. Therefore, when the pitcher is ready to pitch, all baserunners must occupy a base. Therefore the LBR is not only necessary, but also logical. The pitcher may activate and deactivate LBR any number of times. The baserunner must concede when the pitcher is ready to pitch.

To the poster who wrote: "It cannot be a play if the fake throw was towards a runner who is currently occupying a base, because the definition of a play is the intent to retire a runner, and a runner in contact with a base cannot be retired "

Well, just because the runner is in contact with a base does not mean that a defensive player is not trying to retire her. The pitcher might not see the contact with the base as clearly as you, and she may, indeed, be trying to retire the runner, albeit erroneously.

[MTR]

To the poster who wrote: "It cannot be a play if the fake throw was towards a runner who is currently occupying a base, because the definition of a play is the intent to retire a runner, and a runner in contact with a base cannot be retired "

Well, just because the runner is in contact with a base does not mean that a defensive player is not trying to retire her. The pitcher might not see the contact with the base as clearly as you, and she may, indeed, be trying to retire the runner, albeit erroneously.

Leave it to Tony to take a statement out of context

[tcannizzo]

Just sayin'

[shockcoach]

This should be definitive on the rule. Coaches cannot teach the girls based upon several interpretations of what a play is. If raising the arm in a cocked position is considered a play (fake throw), so be it. Let's call it that in the rule book and move on. There should be no subjective interpretations of the rules, this ain't an ice skating competition with judges. The team with the prettiest uniforms doesn't get 2 bonus runs added on at the end of the game.

[MTR]

This should be definitive on the rule. Coaches cannot teach the girls based upon several interpretations of what a play is. If raising the arm in a cocked position is considered a play (fake throw), so be it. Let's call it that in the rule book and move on. There should be no subjective interpretations of the rules, this ain't an ice skating competition with judges. The team with the prettiest uniforms doesn't get 2 bonus runs added on at the end of the game.

Or you don't teach the player to do anything, but play the game.

This is why some simple game-control rules have become less control and more non-softball strategy.