Right Handed Pitcher Pickoff Moves

Question
QUESTION: Jon,
Can a Right Handed pitcher, while in the set position, throw to first base while in contact with the rubber?  I am under the impression that he must step off the rubber or use the jump-pivot in order to make a throw to first base.  If he moves the free foot first, then the pitcher has to throw to the plate and cannot step towards first or else this would be considered a balk?

Thanks

ANSWER: When a righthanded pitcher comes set, the rules says that he must "disengage" from the rubber before picking to first. Disengage means step off. Just recently the  jump pivot has been outlawed IF "the pitcher doesn't gain ground toward first base." Which really just requires you to step-off.   
When a pitcher has a good pick-off move, or "balk move", he will move his front foot FIRST! It takes some practice but a quick lift of the left heel before the right foot disengages can be enough to pick a good base runner.

-Jon

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Jon,

I agree with your answer.  That is how I was taught the rules.  However, I have a very skeptical coach and he will want to know where you got wording or your info for the "disengage" and the outlawing of the jump pivot if the right handed pitcher does not gain ground to first base. I have thoroughly looked at rule section 8.0 in the MLB rules and I don't see it worded this way although I believe that the "spirit of the rule" is as you have answered.  Please help.  I am trying very hard to teach my ballplayers correctly with ambiguity from my coaches.

Thanks

Answer
I was told all of this by pitching coaches and MLB umpires. I've never looked at the wording of the rule section 8.0. I don't think that the wording is that critically because it up to the umpire to 1. interpret the rule and 2. make a judgement call in a game.
That said, your question was can a RH pitcher "throw to first base while in contact with the rubber?" No, the pitcher must disengage from the rubber before he can pick to first. Some people step-off the back first because then they don't have to throw to first. If you jump-pivot, you MUST throw the ball to first and you have to move toward first while you're doing it. Much more difficult and not always worth it.
Teach your ballplayers to make a quick step-off the rubber before picking. 85 of the time your not trying to pick the runner off anyway, you just want them to be unsure if you're picking or pitching. That little difference can be enough to turn a tough double play.

-Jon