[AtlUmpSteve]

The NCAA rule isn't exactly that. In the NCAA, once the pitcher receives the ball, she has 10 seconds to toe the pitching plate (the batter has the same 10 seconds to get in the batter's box ready to hit); violating that is a dead ball and a ball awarded to the batter.

Once both pitcher and batter have complied, a new 10 second count starts, wherein the pitcher must bring her hands together (and the batter should not be granted time during that count, without a specific need); again, violating that is a dead ball and a ball awarded to the batter.

Once the pitcher has brought her hands together, she must separate (start the actual pitch) within 5 seconds (and the batter should only be granted time for a specific need, again); violating that part of the rule is a dead ball, and an awarded ball on the batter.

While this sounds like the pitcher has 25 seconds, each segment stands alone; the first may take 5 seconds, the second count starts. The second may take 5 seconds; the third part starts.

The NCAA mechanic is the umpire shall declare "dead ball", and announce that the pitcher has "violated the time between pitches rule"; then give the new count with the awarded ball.

The ASA rule allows a combined 20 seconds (except that the pitcher may not have her hands together more than 10 seconds); the mechanic should be the same.