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Originally Posted by BretMan
Personally, it sounds like you might be overzealous in the application of this rule. You called four of these in one game?
Here are comments on this rule change from the NFHS web site:
TIME REDUCED FOR BATTER TO BE IN BOX (7-3-1): A batter must take her place in the batter’s box within 10 seconds after the ball is returned to the pitcher. Previously, she was permitted 20 seconds. The intent of the rule is for the batter to be ready to step into the batter’s box and take her turn at bat in a timely fashion. To abuse this rule by excessive waiting or prolonged signaling from the coach, disconcerts the pitcher and is not the intent of the rule. The committee felt that 10 seconds gives the batter ample time to receive signals, get in the batter’s box and wait for the pitch. The pace of the game will be enhanced when batters comply with the 10-second rule.
Note the intent of this rule: To keep the game moving along in a timely fashion, not to bang out batters on cheap strikes.
I believe that it is better to first warn or remind batters to "get in the box". Hold off on the penalties until after your warnings have been issued if the players continue to abuse the rule. Keep this rule in your back pocket and use it only as a last resort.
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My partner and I had a discussion with the coache before the game. We explained the rule at length. Incredibly they were not familiar with the new rule. They seemed to completely understand it at the meeting.
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He covered the rule in pregame, and his association wants them to enforce the rule. The warning was before the game, therefore no further warning was required (IMHO).
I can see giving a warning if it took the batter 11 or 12 seconds to get back into the box, but not even moving towards the batter's box by the time 10 seconds was up pretty much makes it cut and dry in my mind.
That, and any pregame conversation/rules violations are just bad coaching...