Catcher's Balk

Rule 1.1  Art 4...basically first thing in the book...Penalty is Illegal pitch under 2-18. 

Neither the Rules Book or Case Book say anything about the catcher's balk....is this just an assumption?

"ART. 4 . . . At the time of the pitch, all fielders shall be on fair ground except the catcher who

shall be in the catcher's box. A fielder is in fair ground when at least one foot is touching fair

ground.

PENALTY: Illegal pitch. (2-18)"

Taken directly from NFHS rulebook

Usually happens during a pitch out.  Catcher has to stay behind plate until pitch is thrown.  

Thanks BigCubbieFan....I think I've got it now

"Catchers balk" is not in any rulebook.  That's an old sandlot term. Catchers Obstruct but can not balk. Only Pitchers can balk........if by the action of the catcher a balk is called, then it is assessed to the Pitcher........

This call should be one of the least made calls by HS umpires..........mainly because of the facts:

•  We do not have the pitcher throw the 4 pitches for an intentional walk anymore.
• On Pitch outs the Catcher does not have to "wait until the ball is thrown". He must only have both feet in the box "at the time of the pitch". 
• "time of pitch" is the instant when the Pitcher has begun his pitching motion and, by the rules, has committed himself to throwing the pitch. This instant thus occurs before the pitcher releases the ball.