When do balk rules take effect?

[ShinySideUp]

Another from the tourney today...12U USSSA

R1, RHP

F1 engages the plate in the set position with hands apart. Batter is outside the box taking practice swings. F1 puts his hands together (not the "stretch," just puts the ball into the glove). Batter steps into the box, and F1 separates his hands, then goes through the rest of the pitch like normal.

I didn't think the move was deliberate, nor intended to deceive ... it was more absent-minded, and the runner didn't react. No harm, no call.

Thoughts/comments?

[mstaylor]

It sounds like he is settling on the rubber and should be allowed to reach in his glove to set the ball.

[Jboval]

I cannot recall if the 12yr USSSA is leading off yet or not for steals. If so, then I am balking that after the first warning from me to the pitcher. I may not even give the kid a warning depending on situation. These USSSA guys wanna play with revised MLB rules, then we should call it that way.

Now if there is no stealing as of yet in that age group, then I am not calling any balks except a start of delivery and complete stop while delivering the pitch.

[blue32]

My approach to this is don't pick boogers when there aren't any to be picked. I agree with Michael on this.