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Question
QUESTION: Is it illegal in L.L.to take a step back with the pivot leg and then step forward pushing off the rubber with that same pivot leg?
ANSWER: Rob,
This sounds like it would be an illegal movement in regards to pitching. The pivot foot cannot be removed from the rubber during the pitch. I would like to see this in action, it just sounds very awkward.
-Martin Hoover
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Sorry to ask for more from you Martin. I needed to clarify to you that I know the windup rule states movement back "with free leg" in its wording. I just didn't know if that excluded the pivot leg in a definitive way.
Thanks again for your time.
Rob,
The "free foot" in that rule is the foot not in contact with the rubber, or the non-pivot foot. Rule 8.01 (a) states a player must keep his pivot foot on the rubber. Any other time he would be considered an infielder once he is off the rubber. I would have to watch the windup. If he engages the rubber, then disengages, then engages during the windup, that might be considered a quick pitch.
Very difficult to rule without seeing it in person.
-Martin Hoover
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Answers by Expert:
Martin Hoover
Expertise
Questions regarding the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball and Softball. Questions regarding the history and organization of Little League Baseball at local, state, regional, and international levels. Advise regarding certain operational procedures and recommendations to Local League representatives.
Experience
Volunteer Little League Umpire since 2000; 2003 Little League, Junior League, Senior League and Big League Softball European Regional Umpire; 2005 Little League Softball Western Regional Umpire; Member- Hesperia National(Hesperia, CA) Little League Board of Directors(2003-2004); President- Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors(2005-Present); 2007 Junior Softball Western Regional Umpire
Organizations
Little League Baseball, Inc is the main operational center. I fall under Little League Western Region, and California District 49. I currently serve as President of the Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors.
Education/Credentials
Western Regional Junior Umpire School(2000)(Named Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Region Area); Instructor - Little League Baseball Western Regional Outreach Clinics
Awards and Honors
Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Regional Area(2000)
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