[NCASAUmp]

Game tempo is important for a team in order to win. When one team controls the tempo of a game, their chances of winning goes up.

As such, I let teams decide the pace of the game, within reason. If I see a lot of stalling, I nudge the players along, but ride the fine line between keeping the pace and appearing to "want to just get home early." The rules allow for these nudges (batters not stepping up quickly enough, pitchers not pitching within an allotted amount of time, etc.), and I work within said rules.

Pushing the players along, if not done carefully, can present the appearance that you have somewhere else you want to be, reflecting negatively on your impartiality.

However, I am in agreement with AtlUmpSteve and the rules that nowhere in ASA championship rules (anywhere I can find, anyway - if anyone cares to correct me, I'm all ears!) does it say that an umpire must grant time anytime the batter asks, either by verbally requesting or by stepping out. "The Dance" done by pitchers and batters is excessive, and we're justified in calling "play ball" and calling the pitch, with or without a ready batter.