Signs of Rubber

[scarolinablue]

Originally Posted by woolnojg

scblue -
You have correctly identified the penalty for an illegal pitch.
The pitching rules do not take effect until the feet are in contact with the rubber. So how do you justify giving a penalty in the OP?

I probably wouldn't ever call it. How would you really prove when the pitcher actually took the signals? I believe the intent of the rule is to prevent quick-pitching, or deceiving the batter, or preventing delay. However, FED provides for this being an illegal act, so you have that to back you up when the defensive coach comes out to argue after you DO call it.