Basepath

Question
My son was recently playing in an 11U tournament sponsored by Triple Crown, supposedly playing by established High School baseball rules.  On a particular play, a teammate of his had made it to 3rd base.  As the opposing pitcher was getting ready to pitch to a new batter, the runner at 3rd took his lead-off.  Before the pitch, the home-plate umpire turned to him and called him "OUT" saying that he had dropped outside of the basepath between 3rd and home.  

I know that frequently runners on 3rd will drop off the basepath, closer to the 3rd base coach as they take their lead-off.  This can help the runner keep the 3rd baseman in their peripheral vision while watching the pitcher.  Is there a rule about this, or about how far away from the basepath you can be as you take your lead-off from 3rd?

Thanks,

Rob

Answer
Rob,

To my knowledge of high school rules, the runner establishes their own basepath until a play is being made on them.  Then they are restricted to three feet to either side of the fielder.  There is no rule to my knowledge that would restrict a runner leading off.

I hope this has helped.

-Martin Hoover