Baseball Umpiring: Understanding the Look-Back Rule and Out Calls

Question
Hi, I just have a quick question on hesitation. I was umpiring a game and a girl rounded first on a walk. She stopped while the pitcher had control of the ball in the circle. Because she stopped and it was not one  continous motion she is out right? A coach said something about a look back rule so I just wanted to know if I made the right  call.

thank you!

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

On a BB the LBR starts as soon as the b-r touches 1st and the pitcher has control of the ball in the circle.

The b-r is allowed to round 1st stop once and immediately advance or retreat.  Some umpires use 1001-1002 count for the stop.  She would not be out unless  she stpped at 1st, rounded and she stopped "too long" or stopped and faked a move toward a base or stopped and advanced or retreated and then changed direction.

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