20 sec rule FED 7-3-1

[bob jenkins]

Originally posted by smoump

My original question centered around the and/or of the rule. I have never issued a strike for this. I am comfortable with a deliberate strike and if this timing is too slow for an impatient batter, so be it.

My take (and don't take this literally)on the rule:

If the batter steps out and one of the six exceptions DOES apply: The bater has 20 seconds to return to the bax.

If the batter steps out and one of the six exceptions DOES NOT apply: The batter cannot delay (umpire judgment -- and 20 seconds is a long time).


My take on the enforcement: It's a tool to be used if the batter is abusing the requirement. It's not a strict "see it / call it" rule. Because the batters know you have the tool, you rarely need to use it.