[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by chris s

How many of you see a cut-off man, after a base hit to the outfield, ask for time to throw the ball back to F1? I am talking a "no on" simple base hit.
Talking with a friend that has worked pro ball and FED, he had a problem yesterday with his BU. Kid asked for time to throw ball to F1, BU told him it "was against the rules"(wrong),

In a way the BU was not wrong. Here is OBR 5.10

The ball becomes dead when an umpire calls "Time." The umpire in chief shall call "Time"_
(a) When in his judgment weather, darkness or similar conditions make immediate further play impossible;
(b) When light failure makes it difficult or impossible for the umpires to follow the play; NOTE: A league may adopt its own regulations governing games interrupted by light failure.
(c) When an accident incapacitates a player or an umpire;
(1) If an accident to a runner is such as to prevent him from proceeding to a base to which he is entitled, as on a home run hit out of the playing field, or an award of one or more bases, a substitute runner shall be permitted to complete the play.
(d) When a manager requests "Time" for a substitution, or for a conference with one of his players.
(e) When the umpire wishes to examine the ball, to consult with either manager, or for any similar cause.
(f) When a fielder, after catching a fly ball, falls into a bench or stand, or falls across ropes into a crowd when spectators are on the field. As pertains to runners, the provisions of 7.04 (c) shall prevail. If a fielder after making a catch steps into a bench, but does not fall, the ball is in play and runners may advance at their own peril.
(g) When an umpire orders a player or any other person removed from the playing field.
(h) Except in the cases stated in paragraphs (b) and (c) (1) of this rule, no umpire shall call "Time" while a play is in progress

As you can see nothing on this list says an umpire MUST call Time when F4 has the ball and wants to throw ball back to F1. So technically speaking the BU was right. Calling Time for no reason other than the one's stated above is against the rules.

FED is similar look at FED rule 5-2-1.

One of the umpires main duties is to keep the gain moving and calling time just so the defense doesn't risk the possible overthrow by the infield isn't one of those reasons.

Also, even though this might seem minute, every time an umpire calls TIME, the ball must be made live again. Do not Grant Time just for the sake of granting TIME. Keep the game moving.

Pete Booth