I think allancru meant "live ball" (without "appeal").
Anyway, the rule here is 10-8B. This is 2003 Case Play 10.8-2. I don't know if it was on the 2003 test, but it was in the 2003 case book.
The rule states
Quote:
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Play will be suspended whenever the plate umpire leaves the umpires position to brush the plate or perform other duties not directly realted to the calling of plays.
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Notice, it doesn't say "may be suspended" but it says "will be suspended."
The defense is allowed to ask the umpire for the count, and if the umpire responds, the offense may not attempt something with everyone distracted.
BTW, ALLANCRU, NO NEED TO SHOUT. (ACTUALLY, MY BEEF WITH ALL CAPS IS NOT THE SHOUTING CONVENTION BUT THE FACT THAT IS IS MORE DIFFICULT TO READ TEXT WHEN IT IS PRINTED IN ALL CAPS, BECAUSE WE READ BY PATTERN RECOGNITION AND WHEN THE PATTERNS OF THE LETTERS ARE DIFFERENT IT SLOWS THINGS DOWN.) SEE?