Excessive defensive conferences can now
never invoke the penalty that the pitcher cannot return to pitch.
Rule 5-7 says:
Quote:
B. Defensive Conference. There shall be only three charged conference(s) between the manager or other team representative from the dugout with any defensive player(s) in a seven inning game. For every inning beyond seven, there shall be one charged conference per inning between the manager or other team representative from the dugout with any defensive player(s).
EFFECT: The fourth and each additional, charged conference in a seven inning game, or for any charged conference in excess of one per inning in an extra inning game, shall result in the removal of the pitcher from the pitching position for the remainder of the game. The removed pitcher can play another position on defense but cannot pitch again.
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ASA Rule 1 says:
Quote:
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CHARGED CONFERENCE: When a team representative requests a suspension of play or delays the game for the purpose of delivering a message to another team member, unless the pitcher is removed for the pitching position.
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So, if the pitcher is removed as specified in Rule 5-7, it is no longer a charged conference according to Rule 1. Therefore, the EFFECT of Rule 5-7 is never enforced so the pitcher was not removed due to excess charged conferences and may return to pitch!
OK, Mr. Logic Master (Tru_in_Blu), over to you!
