ball4runner advances to 2nd

Question
14U-There is a runner on third base and the batter receives 4 balls. The batter starts to round first and heads for second base - she is less than half way to second and the picture turns and throws the ball to second way before the runners is even close to the bag. The runner returns to first and is called out by the umpire for not continuing to second. Is the runner allowed to revert back to first to avoid being tagged out after committing to going to second. This has happened in numerous games and was handled differently by umpires. Some say she's allowed to do this and some say she can't.Second scenerio same circumstance -batter rounds first takes two steps and returns to first with no play (pitcher never even notices)and is called out

Answer
HI Russ,

Both running situations are legal and they should not be called out.

The look back rule is misunderstood by many non umpires and unfortunately some umpires that haven't studied it.

In the 1st case a play was made on the runner, the LBR is no longer in effect.

ASA 8-t-e-1 The runner will not be declared out if
1. A play is made on any runner. A fake throw is considered a play

and then provided the b-r did just what you said, rounded 1st, stopped and immediately retreated non-stop to 1st

8-t-3. Responsibilities of the batter-runner after touching first base, and
while the pitcher has control of the ball within the eight foot radius
of the pitcher抯 plate. This includes a base on balls or a dropped
third strike.
a. A batter-runner who rounds first base toward second base
may stop once, but then must immediately non-stop return to
first base or attempt to advance non-stop to second base.

Mark