[Jerry]

Roger and Mario:
The Penalties you reference in FED, I believe are for illegal pitches from the windup or set positions(not facing the batter, not having a pivot foot in contact with the rubber, stepping off incorrectly, etc.) not because he's taking signs from off the rubber or from someone other than the catcher. That taking of signs on the rubber reference is simply for purposes of indicating a sequence of events that should be occuring. Keep in mind that a "sign" could be as simple as the catcher holding his glove in a particular spot for the ball to be pitched to. And there is certainly no prohibition for a pitcher to receive instructions or signs from his coach, a parent, or another teamate at any time or any place other than being in contact with the rubber.

As an addendum to the above discussion, if you read the (32) situations listed in the FED Case Book for Rules 6-1-1, 6-1-2 and 6-1-3, you will find not a single one dealing with taking the signs on the rubber or from the catcher.

As for the BRD, I'm curious on what Carl is trying to say at 369.

Jerry