[jmkupka]

1/15/2020
10/21/2019
10.2.2 While in the pitching position and taking the signal, the
pitcher must take or appear to take a signal. The signal need not
come from the catcher.
Clarification 1: Taking the signal from behind the pitcher’s plate
from her signal arm band or the catcher is illegal since the pitcher
is not in the pitching position. The result is an illegal pitch.
Clarification 2: A coach may give visual or verbal signal while the
pitcher is not in the pitching position, however, when the pitcher
assumes the pitching position she must look at her signal arm band
or the catcher to take or appear to take the signal. The pitcher may
not simply step into the pitching position, put her hands together
and start the pitching motion. There must be timing consistent with
taking the signal from an arm band or catcher. Failing to do so will
result in an illegal pitch.
Clarification 3: Taking a defensive signal from a coach or catcher
prior to stepping on the pitcher’s plate is allowed. However, the
pitcher may not look at the signal arm band until she is in the
pitching position.

My bolding...

So, if the pitcher looks at that armband between pitches in the back of the Circle, nothing she does once she takes her proper position on the PP (including pausing and taking signals) will make this a legal pitch.