If the batter steps out of the square before the bowl, what's the umpire...

The batter steps out of the side of the batting square before the bowler releases the ball, the ball passes on the non hitting side of the batter! what does the umpire call?

Batter out. Not allowed out of the square before hitting the ball. the batter may also have moved in such a way that the ball is delivered on the non hitting side. the bowler must bowl to the side where the bat is held.

The answer you gave is not exactly written, it is a grey area. The rules say both feet in the square, but no punishment. The rules say you can step out to hit a ball... but I would say not until it has been released else you haven't got both feet in the square. Within current rules I think we would have to say void ball and warn the batter. A second occurrence could come under unsporting play whence the batter could be dismissed.
What do you think.

I am posting things that do happen in our league this year and then asking current Testers to give me their interpretation. I hope we can then take them to the next Testers meeting.

Do you have any ideas for new rules for the next re-write? I am thinking of

1. Divide the batting square in two and receive the ball in the half you choose ie right hander receives in the right half and lefthander in the left half. This makes it easier for the umpire and also makes the game more of a batting rather than a bowlers game.
   
   
2. Move the bowling square another metre back towards the 2nd post for 16 plus / adult players

Does your league have any sugestions that we could take to the Rounders England AGM/EGM?

Alan