[PeteBooth]

To me FED 7-3-1 is nothing more than a hammer in the umpire's toolbox. It's nice to know it's there if you need it. But not every job needs a hammer.

David I disagree. I like the ruling compared to that of OBR which has no ruling, other than if a batter refuses to come to bat.

When I first see batter's COMPLETELY out of the box is when I warn, meaning inning number one, instructing them as the rule states to keep one foot in the box.

Why!

it has ben my experience, that the closer the game, B1 and the coach will take full advantage if you do not enforce the rule. As the game tightens up, B1 will start to STARE more at the coach, etc. and the game will be delayed.

Also, let's assume this. You are allowing batters to step completely out of the box. One team doesn't delay the game but the other team does.

Now what! If you are allowing one team to do it, you cannot all of a sudden penalize the other team.

Remember the rule is for BOTH teams. They do not pay us by the hour. Move the game along in accordance with the rules.

Pete Booth