Golf- is it illegal to remove the pin before the ball is struck if the ball rests on the fringe?

QUESTION: A friend says one of his league partners told him that it was against the rules of golf to remove the pin if the ball is (or is about to be) struck from the fringe/apron. In other words, he says that the pin must be left in the hole until the ball comes to rest unless the ball's movement starts on the putting surface. Any truth? I can't find anything about it so please cite USGA golf rules if possible. Thanks. ANSWER:

Answer by Pooka
No, the pin is a marker for the hole from a distance. Common courtesy actually dictates that you can stand near the pin for a partner's short chip/putt, and then if the ball looks like it's going in, pull the pin and step away. This isn't normally done, but you can do it. Of course, you risk getting hit by really bad shots.