Need correct ruling:

In Coldwater, MI a substitute runner came off the bench to replace the runner on second base. This was after the first pitch to the batter. The home plate umpire waited until the substitute runner touched second base and then called him out because you cannot substitute run after the first pitch to the batter. Fine so play went on.

In Columbus, IN the same thing happened but the home plate umpire recognized this was going to be an illegal substitute runner and stopped the substitute runner before he touched second base and said you cannot do this since a pitch was already thrown to the batter so no out was called and play went on.

What is the correct way for the umpire to call this?

jsheeran ... The Columbus, IN, approach is the proper way to address this situation ... The rule was designed to make CR entry more efficient in the interests of saving playing time ... As a personal opinion, the other approach could easily be presumed that the umpire is looking for "cheap outs" ... We will likely refine this at the National Rules Committee during this year's national convention sessions ...

(We will likely refine this at the National Rules Committee during this year's national convention sessions)

Dave.. no nit picking for me this time .. lol