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Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve
I'm not sure I followed your thought process here, Mike. Are you saying it is an offensive conference if the offensive coach talks to a player during a time out requested by the defense if the defensive conference isn't a charged conference?
My perspective and training follows Dakota's thought process. The offense did have a team rep talking with an offensive player, but 1) that team didn't request the suspension, and 2) didn't delay the game. As long as they hold their discussion during the time granted to the defense, this isn't a charged conference to either team.
In other words, any team representative can talk to any team member during any suspension of play caused by the umpires or the other team, as long as 1) they did not request the suspension, and 2) they did not delay the restart by their conversation, without that discussion being termed a "charged conference". This isn't just an exception, as I understand it; it is part of the rule (the request and/or the delay).
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To start, forget about the "charged conference". Tom was talking about a pitcher-catcher discussion. According to 4.7, this is not a charged conference unless joined by someone from the dugout.
According to RS#9.B, it specifically states that it is not an offensive conference when a team rep confers with a batter and/or runner(s) during a defensive charged conference. Well, a pitcher/catcher talk is not a defensive charged conference according to 4.7.B or RS#9.A, therefore the exception noted doesn't apply.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not looking to eject the coach. However, if I turn around and tell the coach that he cannot be talking to his batter or runners not on the base adjacent to where that coach may be stationed, I'm going to expect the coach to immediately return to their position whether I'm ready to put the ball into play or not.