Quote:
Originally Posted by frozenrope22
Pitcher was taking signs while straddling the rubber but umpire didn't call balk. Between innings I questioned umpire on this point and he stated that it is only a balk if there are runners on base. Later when runners were on base he did call a balk when the pitcher took his signs while not on the rubber. I can only find in the rule book that it is a balk when pitcher takes his signs while not on a rubber. It doesn't specify with or without baserunners. Playing 13U USSSA / high school rules. Is this correct ruling?
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Yes. Taking signs off the rubber is not legal, but it is also not a balk.
The rule states that if the pitcher takes signs, he must take them while on the rubber. The purpose of the rule is to prevent a quick pitch, which
is a balk with runners on base.
The umpire should have called time, instructed F1 to take his signs from the rubber, and then resumed play. Depending on the level, a conversation with his coach might be in order. If F1 fails to comply, he should be ejected for that (nuclear option).